They say the more you sweat in your training, the lesser will you bleed in combat. This saying becomes a reality when you see it from the perspective of self-defense.
As we all know, self-defense is all about absorbing and manipulating the power of your opponent to your advantage. Arts have been discovered which will help anyone feel what it is like to be able to be impenetrable in its truest form.
But to ascend to that level, one has to practice with a discipline and work ethic that is followed by professionals all around the world. One way of learning the truest meaning of self-defense is practicing Martial Arts.
But first, what are the defining features of martial arts? Well, these are traditions of fighting and combating which have been practiced for a long time.
The purpose these arts serve can vary but most commonly, they are used for self-defense and physical development in military training. Sometimes, character building in young children is also something with which martial arts can help with.
This discussion will aim at exploring variations and types of martial arts. So many things to discuss, some of which are too technical for a novice. But hey, worry not! We will knock a punch in this discussion, you wait and read if we don’t!
What is the best martial art for self-defense?
Like we mentioned before, there are a lot of subtypes of martial arts. Before you jump into a ring or a practice session, it is critical that you are aware of these subtypes.
This research will also help you in identifying the type of martial arts that suits best to your stature and agility. So, without further ado, let’s have a look at these martial arts variations and see what suits you the best!
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
If there was one art that has gained massive popularity in the last few decades or so, it is the combination of all arts. Yes, you guessed it right, we are talking about the mixed martial arts.
Whenever we hear the term MMA, a vivid image of bloodthirsty rivals going at each other’s throat in a UFC match leaps to the mind. However, MMA isn’t just all about the UFC.
Probably you will be surprised to know it, but MMA has a lot of practicality when it comes to self-defense. The reason why MMA is so useful in self-defense is simply that it is a homogenized blend of all the trades and traits involved in martial arts.
MMA training usually revolves around grappling, standup fighting, grounding, pounding and a few other techniques.
You can see now why an MMA fighter has such a diverse range of techniques and combative strategies. You can say in a nutshell that MMA is the pinnacle of martial arts.
Also Read: Best MMA Gloves
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
More commonly referred and used in its abbreviated form BJJ, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is ground and grappling technique, if you will have it. This style of martial arts believes in taking the fight to the ground and heavily relies on joint locks and chokes. The most amazing feature of BJJ is that it takes the element of size completely out of the equation. Your stature simply doesn’t matter if you have mastered the art perfectly.
Because Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu enables you to defend yourself properly by employing the principles of body leverage, it is deemed as one of the best martial art.
Just stating an example, you can use rear-naked choke against any opponent of any might to win competitive combat. But like said before, it will need all your focus, so be prepared to make some sacrifices when you decide to practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
See also: Cheap BJJ Gis
Muay Thai
You can probably guess where this particular style of martial arts originated from just by reading the name. Thailand is the correct answer! This particular style is yet another super effective technique to have at your disposal if what you seek is mastery in self-defense.
The best way one could describe this technique is by using the phrase kickboxing style sport. It is also known as the Art of eight limbs.
Needless to say, that refers to the use of knees and elbows for kicking and punching. Clinch technique is something you will be familiar with if you have any familiarity with wrestling or judo.
All in all, learning Muay Thai will help you in maximizing your ability to defend yourself in moments of peril.
See also: Best Muay Thai Gloves Reviewed
Boxing
You don’t need to be a martial arts geek to be familiar with boxing. Watch any boxing match highlights on YouTube and you will realize what an absolute spot on sports boxing is concerning self-defense.
It makes so much sense that boxing was a major part of the original set of skills, employed in martial arts by our ancestors.
Two major improvements you will feel yourself when you practice boxing are going to be in your head movement and footwork technique. Any stand-up fighting strategy is a great help to the cause of self–defense, boxing is no exception to this rule either.
Also Read: Best Boxing Gloves
Krav Maga
OK, not heard this one before, right? The origins of this term are Hebrew, meaning battle contact. You can call it one of the modern-day martial arts techniques.
The credit of this innovation goes to the Israeli defense forces. The idea was to develop a technique that could be used in a common street fight or combat.
The central idea of Krav Maga revolves around one word: disarming. To help you achieve this objective, you will be taught punches, kicks, and throwing.
It is one of that martial arts technique which involves the use of small weapons such as rubber knives. It is classified as one of the advanced martial arts technique and we will understand if you find it difficult or scary at the beginning.
However, you are bound to improve as you keep up the good work.
Identifying the Martial Art which suits your style
We have discussed the hot, in-fashion martial arts in detail now. Now, it is your call. You have to identify your strengths and weaknesses and no one else can do it for you.
Once you have done that, you will have a better idea about which style of martial arts suits your character. MMA fighters have to learn all of these anyways, so no tough calls to be made in that case.
But if you can’t decide which technique is best for you, that’s absolutely nothing to worry about. Just remember that everything sucks at the beginning and that you will eventually hit the rhythm.
After some time, you will feel the training -happiness which gets every martial arts student going in their journey!
See also: Kickboxing tips
What’s the difference between Martial Arts and MMA?
If you are new to the world of martial arts, then you are probably one of those people who are confused about martial arts and mixed martial arts or more popularly known as MMA. Well, let’s sort out this little problem before we move on.
We have defined martial arts previously and we will look at their various types in detail in upcoming sections of this article. Mixed martial arts are a combination of all these martial arts, employed to learn self-defense as well as overcome the opponent in combat.
Mixed martial arts are deemed perfect for self-defense and we have reasons to believe that indeed, such is the case. The prime reason, of course, is the basic theme of MMA, which is to dismantle your enemy in a cage or an octagon as they call it.
Thus the techniques you learn in MMA are pretty handy when it comes down to a daily scuffle or a street fight. One important aspect that all the beginners must realize that while the martial arts are pretty handy in unarmed combats, the situation presented by armed combats is a different one. Hence, one must prepare for both scenarios, both physically and mentally.
Conclusion
Hopefully, by now, you are well acquainted with the basic theme of martial arts. Again, one must realize the significance of self-defense in today’s world where there is just too much provocation, swearing and quarreling on offer.
Yes, ignoring the temptation to respond is a great policy but it isn’t practicable for all the scenarios. And in such a situation, martial arts can be your best friends.
The ability to defend yourself and your loved one is a precious one and blessed are those who learned it one way or another. We hope that this reading will serve as a foundation stone in your martial arts or MMA journey!
