Trying to find the best martial arts training to enroll in? With over 180 martial arts styles, there are a lot of options to choose from! In this article, we will share with you some of the most popular styles and benefits of practicing martial arts.
What are Martial Arts? Benefits of Practicing Martial Arts
Martial arts are far more than just a sport. Training is centered around human wellness and requires an immense amount of discipline and dedication. Martial arts are incredibly diverse and refer to a wide range of combat practices, both traditional and modern. Rooted in cultures and philosophies from around the globe, there are a countless number of styles, techniques, principles, and disciplines involved.
Martial arts include self-defense techniques, physical fitness, and fighting strategies. Styles include striking or stand up, throwing or take-down, grappling, ground fighting, low-impact, and weapon-use.
There are many benefits of practicing martial arts. These include improved flexibility and physical health, enhanced focus and concentration, increased self-confidence, and improved self-defense skills.
15 Popular Martial Arts Styles
Some of the most popular martial arts styles include Karate, Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Judo, Sambo, Boxing, Kickboxing, Tai Chi, Aikido, Kung Fu, Sumo, Wrestling, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), and Krav Maga.
1. Karate
Karate is a traditional Japanese martial art that originated in Japan. It is a striking art that uses various body parts to perform punches, kicks, elbow strikes, and knee strikes. Karate training emphasizes timing, tactics, and spiritual values. Unlike many other martial art styles, the size and strength of the karate practitioner is unimportant, for students are taught to use their entire body when striking.
Still widely practiced worldwide today, karate aims to maintain constant self-improvement through practicing discipline, integrity, respect, and inner strength. There is also great emphasis on developing healthy physical fitness methods including balance, posture, speed, coordination, power, and mental focus.
2. Taekwondo
Originating in Korea, taekwondo is a fast-paced martial arts style. It is a combat sport that involves dynamic punching and kicking techniques that use hands and feet as weapons. Considered to be “a way of life”, taekwondo is one of the most systematic and scientific Korean traditional martial arts.
This style teaches more than just fighting skills. For it puts great emphasis on mental discipline, good sportsmanship, and integrity. Training includes self-defense techniques, forms or patterns, sparring, and board-breaking practices. Taekwondo is considered a blended art form, and members participate in repetitive drills to improve techniques and flexibility.
3. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a self-defense combat sport and fighting style based on grappling, ground fighting, and submission holds. The word “Jui Jitsu” derives from the Japanese “Jū” meaning “gentle” and “Jutsu meaning “art.” Essentially, Jiu-Jitsu is the “gentle art.”
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the skill of controlling a resisting opponent in ways that force him to submit. This martial art style focuses on leveraging technique, body support, and positioning to overcome opponents, no matter their size or strength. Popular techniques include sweeps, joining locks, chokes, takedowns, and positional control. Specifically, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is known for its overall effectiveness in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
4. Muay Thai
Also referred to as Thai boxing, Muay Thai is a powerful fighting style that is practiced worldwide. Famous for its full contact sparring component, Muay Thai is known for its effectiveness in competition. It is a full contact combat sport that includes stand up striking, sweeps, and clinching techniques. This style puts great emphasis on growing conditioning, endurance, and precise technique practices. Muay Thai remains a fundamental sport in Thai culture and has many benefits including:
- Calorie Burner
- Self-Defense
- Mental Toughness
- Self-Confidence
- Endorphin Rush
- Strengthens the Body
- Widens Social Circle
- Lowers Blood Pressure
5. Judo
Judo is dynamic combat sport that demands both physical and great mental discipline. This martial art is a combination of traditional Jiu-Jitsu and other martial arts elements to create a practical self-defense style. It is a Japanese fighting style that focuses on throws, submission holds, and grappling techniques. Judo, meaning “gentle way,” maximizes efficiency with minimal effort. Therefore, there is great emphasis on using the opponent’s energy and momentum for guidance. The combination of training methods focus on techniques that foster mutual respect, skill development, and sportsmanship.
The Judo Moral Code is a set of ethics created by the founder, Jigoro Kano. The code is made up of 8 parts:
Courtesy, Courage, Friendship, Honesty, Honor, Modesty, Respect, Self-Control
6. Sambo
Sambo is a Russian martial art that improves hand-to-hand combat abilities. The name “Sambo” derives from the Russian acronym SAMozashcita Bez Oruzhiya, which means “self-defense without weapons.” Although sambo is similar to judo and jiu-jitsu, there are also many wrestling techniques involved.
Sambo combines many skills and incorporates a variety of moves into three prime areas: ground control skills, takedowns, and leg locks.
7. Boxing
Boxing has dominated the sporting industry for centuries. This combat sport consists of two competitors throwing punches at each other, in hopes of knocking the other out. Most of the time, competitors wear protective gloves and other protective equipment such as mouth guards and hand wraps.
Many different punches occur in boxing. Below are some of the more common ones:
- Jab: A fully extended straight punch thrown with the leading (front) fist.
- Cross: A fully extended straight punch thrown with the backward (rear) fist.
- Hook: A semi-circular punch thrown with the leading fist to the side of the opponent’s head.
- Uppercut: A punch that is thrown in a vertical manner from the rear fist.
Boxing training provides great exercise for all muscle groups. When practiced regularly, boxing is an effective and fun way to stay in good shape.
8. Kickboxing
Blending the styles of boxing and karate, kickboxing has been gaining global popularity as a competitive combat sport. As the name suggests, kickboxing is a full contact sport that incorporates kicks and punches combined with upper and lower body striking techniques. There is great focus on developing physical conditioning, striking skills, and self-defense techniques. These techniques include punches, kicks, knee strikes, and occasionally elbow strikes.
Many people take up kickboxing for self-defense and its overall effectiveness in fitness improvement. Training in kickboxing requires discipline, dedication, and mental focus. Practitioners learn to control emotions, develop self-confidence, and improve concentration. People who practice kickboxing must overcome mental as well as physical obstacles to succeed.
9. Tai Chi
Established in China and rooted in Taoist philosophy, Tai Chi seeks to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit. Tai Chi focuses on nurturing internal energy, prompting physical health, and gaining a sense of balance in the body and mind. This is done through a series of fluid movements performed in a continuous manner, emphasizing body movements, calm breath, and mental focus. Often times, Tai Chi is practiced as a martial arts therapy or exercise for the purpose of health and longevity.
Tai Chi also involves partner work methods, which develop responsiveness and sensitivity. You learn to constantly adapt your movements to suit the environment along with the person in front of you.
10. Aikido
The philosophical origins of aikido, a Japanese martial art, focus on self-discovery as much as it focuses on fighting. This style not only puts an emphasis on the physical benefits of increased power and flexibility, but also leads to an increase of self-confidence. Aikido is an intense physical and spiritual training to perfect human character and develop true wisdom.
This martial art focuses on the essential elements of peace, unity, and personal growth. Through a series of techniques, such as joint locks, pins, and throws, members can subdue an attacker without causing too much harm. Aikido is centered around redirecting an opponent’s energy and neutralizing an attack. With that being said, there are no competitions in aikido. A student’s progress is measured only by their effort to develop themselves.
11. Kung Fu
Kung Fu refers to several martial art types. Here are some examples are below:
- Shaolin Kung Fu
- Wing Chun
- Tai Chi
- Baguazhang
- Xingyiquan
- Hung Gar
Kung Fu has been shaped by various factors, including ancient Chinese philosophy, legends, military combat techniques, and the rich knowledge between regions. As with many other martial art styles, techniques involve much more than just physical benefits. This style encompasses philosophical aspects of respect, self-cultivation, and the pursuit of balance and harmony. Effective training involves repetition and sparring drills, distance management, and defense.
12. Sumo
Sumo is a Japanese style of wrestling and Japan’s national sport. The rules are quite simple. The wrestler who exits the ring first or touches the ground with any body part besides the soles of his feet loses. Sumo players rely on throws and takedowns, and no leverages or chokes are allowed. On average, it only takes a few seconds before the challenge is over. Matches take place in an elevated ring which is made of clay and sand.
There are no weight restrictions or classes in sumo, which means wrestlers can easily find themselves matches up against someone many times their size. Therefore, weight gain is an essential part of sumo training.
13. Wrestling
Considered as one of the oldest sports in history, wrestling is a martial art that requires strong balance, leverage, power, and knowledge to successfully take down an opponent. Wrestling is a total body workout and utilizes all the major muscle groups in the body. It is argued that no other martial art style compares to the strength required from practicing wrestling on a regular basis.
14. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
Mixed Martial Arts are known to be the fastest-growing combat sport in the world and have the potential to become bigger than boxing. Many people don’t realize how long MMA has been around, for it began around the time of the Ancient Olympics. This is the least restrictive combat sport and allows fighters to combine different combat styles all at once, like boxing, wrestling, judo, karate, and more.
Mixed Martial Arts techniques include striking (punches, kicks, knees) and grappling (pinning holds, clinch holds, submission holds, sweeps, throws, and takedowns). As the sport has grown and become more mainstream, it has piqued the interest of a wide range of practitioners of all ages.
15. Krav Maga
Lastly, is Krav Maga. Centered around practical techniques for real-world situations, Krav Maga is an effective self-defense style. It equips practitioners for potential threats by focusing specifically on striking, grappling, and ground fighting. Krav Maga incorporates punches, elbows, kicks, and knees targeted at an opponent’s vulnerable body parts. The various training methods prepare individuals with self-defense skills, adaptability, and the ability to defend themselves in real-life threatening situations.
How to Choose the Best Martial Art to Learn
With the many diverse martial art styles to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one to begin practicing. Different styles emphasize physical fitness, self-discipline, competition, or varying levels of importance. Therefore, you should research different martial art types and learn about the techniques, philosophies, and training approaches. When deciding on a martial art style for you, consider the steps below.
Recognize Your Goals
Ask yourself why you want to learn martial arts. Is it for fitness, self-defense, stress relief, competition, or cultural cultivation? When you understand your objectives, you can choose a martial art that best aligns with your goals.
Consider Your Fitness Level
As mentioned, each martial art style is different. Some styles require more fitness or dedication than others. Consider your own fitness level and decide on a martial art style that would benefit you the best.
Find A Credible School Or Instructor
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, research reputable schools or instructors in your area. Conduct a local search, read reviews, check their credentials, and learn about their martial arts background. It may also be beneficial to talk to the instructor and find out about their experience, teaching style, and training philosophy.
Try Out A Class
It is common for schools to offer a free class for newcomers, especially if you’ve never done martial arts before. Take full advantage of this opportunity and find out which style is right for you! Your overall goal is to find a style you enjoy that fits your lifestyle.
About RhinoFit:
RhinoFit is a powerful, easy-to-use martial arts software designed to help martial arts businesses simplify their day-to-day operational tasks. Our dojo software includes key features like class scheduling, member billing, belt tracking, digital waivers, website templates, and more! These tools are built to save you time, energy, and money! Our martial arts software includes a free mobile app for students to check-in to your facility, book classes, and to purchase memberships. Try out a free 30-day trial!
RhinoFit’s Gym Website Templates – Get your Website in Shape!
Gym Website Templates by RhinoFit Looking for the best gym website templates for your fitness business? Is your website overweight or running slow? Don’t sweat
Manage your Member’s Rankings and Progress with RhinoFit’s Belt Management Feature
Belt Management and Rankings powered by RhinoFit! Power your martial arts studio with RhinoFit’s belt management and ranking system! As a Martial Arts Instructor, it
Dojo Management Software
DOJO MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE Combat Gym & Dojo Management Software RhinoFit is a feature packed and easy-to-use dojo management software designed for all types of martial
One Response