Top 5 Martial Arts for Self Defense

Martial arts are an effective way to ensure you are defended against any potential attacker. Most martial arts teach a short version strictly for self defense. Let’s look at 5 martial arts that are highly effective at self defense. 

#1 Krav Maga
This is a martial art you may not be familiar with. It is actually Israel’s national martial art designed for street fighting survival. It uses a mix of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu ground fighting, Karate kicks and knees, and western boxing punches. This is a simultaneous attack/defense rather than blocking your attacker, which means you are delivering a response at the same time. The emphasis is on disarming your attacker.

#2 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
This is a hybrid mix of traditional Jiu Jitsu moves. The emphasis is on joint manipulation, and on gaining overall control of your attacker, which will end your fight quickly. The larger your attacker the easier it is to know him off his center of gravity. You learn how to seize a limb and break it at the joint it’s not as difficult as you might think.

#3 Western Boxing
A boxed can end a fight with just one swing because they throw their punch fast and accurately. Learning to box, as a method of self defense is highly effective and an excellent workout. You will learn to punch, block, bob, and weave all in the name of protecting yourself. Your target will be the side of the chin. It’s highly effective and with some practice, you’ll be ready.

#4 Wing Chun
Wing Chun includes the close-quarter trapping of hands and feet. There are no kicks higher than the waist, because higher would leave the groin and standing leg vulnerable; and affect your attack/defense. The focus is on throwing your attacker by lowering your center of gravity. You will learn to block while attacking. It’s easy to learn and very effective. In fact, Wing Chun is the #1 martial arts method taught to women. A 100 pound woman is highly effective against a 300 pound man.

#5 Aikido
Aikido is based on the principle that when your attacker strikes, he will leave some part of his defense vulnerable. As the defender, you need to attack him. You don’t resist his attack but rather your attacker’s momentum against him. For example, your attacker steps forward throwing a straight punch – you side step, grab his wrist, while twisting away from the punch.

There are 5 of the top martial arts taught for self defense. Study them – find one that feels right to you and then learn it.
 
