Which martial art is best for self-defense?

[lilac]

[gogobango]

Each martial art has its strengths and scenarios where it shines. But let's get into the spirit of things without making it a competition of styles.

There’s Krav Maga, which is all about being practical and to the point. It’s like the no-nonsense buddy who’s got a solution for everything. Krav Maga pulls from a bunch of different martial arts and focuses on getting you out of dangerous situations fast.

Muay Thai is another standout, often called "The Art of Eight Limbs" because it uses your fists, elbows, knees, and shins.

If you’ve ever wanted to send someone flying through the air with a well-timed throw, judo's your jam.

Choosing the best one for you is kind of like finding a new favorite series to binge-watch—you gotta try a few to really know what hooks you. You might end up loving the strategy and chess-like thinking in BJJ, or maybe the straightforward, anything-goes approach of Krav Maga.

Most people who get into martial arts for self-defense discover it’s about a lot more than just learning to throw a punch. My advice for you is test out a few classes. See what clicks for you.

[AaronKrieger]

Someone who knows wrestling or jiu-jitsu and boxing or Muay Thai will probably be set (two martial arts). Really any martial art will help you mentally, but actual fights will always be random in a street fight. Many things can happen outside of your control.

You can also go to a gun range to practice shooting. Being prepared mentally for combat is hard without training, but it helps to at least practice. Also, if you want to be prepared in general, then learn how to help others too. Things like First Aid, Stop the Bleed, and CPR you can get training in.

[jshm2]

Depends on your fitness and dedication.

It might be better to go for boxing instead if a regular punch up is something you are more likely to encounter.

Martial arts tend to kick in (pun not intended) after a year or two of training as you get the training and movements.

In saying that one of my old friends is a black belt, and got whipped by my other friend who was an amateur boxer. Albeit both were drunk, and there was no intent to kill, but it does stress that "learning to hit" is a better skill to learn than "learning to control".

[SnackTime]

I have a friend that teaches Kung Fu and Tai Chi. He always told me to come and learn Tai Chi. I asked him if it's just for exercise. He said it mostly is, but when applied right, it can be deadly.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/phdEqjeMuR0

If someone tries to push you back by pushing at your right shoulder, the worst thing you can do is resist. Why are you resisting? My buddy told me you have to become the palm tree. In a hurricane, palm trees don't try to compete with the wind, they just go with the flow. So if the bully tries to push you back, then go back. Just make sure you grab them and bring them along for the ride. lol

[SnackTime]

@questiongirl567

Why did you bother asking the question?

[questiongirl567]

I didn’t ask the question. Check my name and then check the username of the question author.

[SnackTime]

@questiongirl567
You seem like a really nice person.

[jennifer_bloom]

I don't have a lot of experience with martial arts and I only took 5 free classes offered through communities or ad agencies. But I heard a rumour that kung fu can make one person stronger than 9 opponents in a fight. Don't know if it's true or if it's a rumour people made up to increase sales for kung fu lessons. It could also be a fact that only applies to a very small minority of super elite fighters.

[mobiusforniner]

Self defense is simply a practical benefit of martial arts. The true purpose is teaching self control over one’s mind, body and spirit. Most lessons are centered on repetitive movements which, through practice, enable reflex like responses to attacks on your person. But foremost, don’t go into a martial art with the objective of kicking someone’s ass. Hand to hand combat will almost always lose in a gun flight. The best martial art is the one that helps you learn the self control to avoid situations which require the use of your skills.

[liggang]

Personally I took karate as a kid, was bullied and attacked my entire life. I never lost a fight because of my karate training.

You also need some wrestling or bjj because if a person who can do either gets you on the ground, you're dead if they choose to cut off your air supply.

But of course, if you know wrestling or bjj, the other person does too, and they're better at it than you, you're fucked.

The best way to fight is to always be looking for an out. Hit them in the nose to cause their eyes to water so you can run away type shit.

[Benjiman19]

Taekwondo. I took a class that lasted almost a year before I had to leave because of personal issues. However, everything I learned in the class was about self defense. From knife-hand blocks to taking down an attacker using their own body against them. I had a teacher that had been in n taekwondo all his life and also an ex S. W. A. T. So I definitely learned everything I could from him.

[genericname85]

MMA. the times in which certain martial arts schools could win over students by telling them "theirs is the best" is no longer timely. we live in the age of free information, where certain schools can not guard their information anymore and create legends and conspiracies to drive students to their schools as it was the case in the past.

[Anonymous]

I practice Thai boxing which allows punches and kicks in sparring, but also uses elbows and knees on the pads, so you learn to strike with every part of your body. Thai boxing classes often have slightly different rules, but if you can find a class like mine that allows low blows, this will be very useful for street defence. Although any martial art is better than non at all I would say.

[DextroShade]

The truth is there is no marital art you can learn that will enable you to reliably defend yourself from a grown man, as the strength difference is just too great. One punch would likely knock you over, and if he grabs you will be immediately overpowered and likely punched for trying to resist. As you wouldn't be fighting the guy in the octagon, you should just carry pepper spray, a taser, or a small handgun instead of thinking you can somehow beat them in a "fair" fight.

[strateguy632]

judo can overcome a stronger opponent. even in a bigger class of competition.

[DextroShade]

@strateguy632 it doesn't matter if a 100 lbs woman knows judo if she is going up against a 200 lbs man. The best she can hope for is to stun him for a few seconds so she can escape, but even then relying on that is far more risky than just using pepper spray or a taser.

[blondfrog]

There is no single one that is the best. If you want to beat anyone in the world you have to have knowledge and skill in more than one. But even if you learn what art defense that already puts you a step above most people. If you can only pick one I would go with wrestling or ji-jitsu believe it or not. But now these days if you want to fight professionally you have to have the whole package. Kickboxing, boxing, muy-thai, ji-jitsu, wrestling, sambo, etc.

[Yannae]

I feel like boxing or bjj are good picks. But if you're being attacked on the streets you use your training to run with the stamina you gained over time. You learn to fight by rules, and there are none on the streets.

[MemeSupreme]

pepper spray bc you takin everyone down with you lmfao

[IslaTheWitch]

whatever you master enough to be able to defend yourself

[abc3643]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmfudW7rbG0

[exitseven]

Learning how to shoot.

[strateguy632]

best definitely wrestling skill. second best judo.

never pick a fight with a jew they might know "jew-jitsu or jew-do judo".

[bobby_bush_eater]

Probably BJJ or judo for a girl. Muy Thai or boxing is good but I always say even as a man you do not want to be boxing in the street in an unknown environment, there's too many variables

[Phoenix98]

It depends on what exactly your wanting to defend against. Though for your case really the best self defense option would be a firearm.

[pervertedjester]

The Python method

https://www.youtube.com/embed/M3ALdpQiIGg

[OtterMan68]

I think body type plays a role. Judo for shorter people. Kung fu for taller people.

Ju jitsu is good for anyone.

[deus_ex_sisyphus]

There are nuances, overall though, Krav Maga - the people suggesting otherwise have never been hit in the face

[Sameone]

At age 47 you ask about this thing

You can't run for 10km grandma

[LiamJHayden]

Proper self-defense for most people might require a mix of arts.