The Top 10 Best Martial Arts in the World: A Comprehensive Guide

Martial arts have been a part of human history for centuries, offering not just physical prowess but also mental discipline and cultural heritage. With a multitude of styles across the globe, it’s a challenge to pinpoint the absolute best. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 best martial arts in the world revered for their effectiveness, history, and influence worldwide.

1. BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU (BJJ)

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that focuses primarily on grappling and ground fighting. It traces its roots back to the traditional Japanese martial art of Jiu-Jitsu, which was adapted and evolved by the Gracie family in Brazil in the early 20th century.

BJJ gained worldwide recognition due to its effectiveness in mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions and has become a staple in self-defense and combat sports.

Core Principles of Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu:

i. Grappling and Ground Fighting:

BJJ places a strong emphasis on controlling an opponent on the ground and using various techniques to gain dominant positions, execute joint locks, and apply chokeholds to force an opponent to submit.

ii. Leverage and Technique Over Strength:

One of the fundamental philosophies of BJJ is the concept that a smaller, weaker person can defend themselves against a larger, stronger opponent by using proper technique, leverage, and body positioning.

iii. Positional Hierarchy:

BJJ practitioners are taught to navigate through various positions, such as the guard, mount, side control, and back control, aiming to advance to more dominant positions while preventing the opponent from doing the same.

iv. Submission Holds and Joint Locks:

BJJ includes a wide array of joint locks and submission holds, focusing on controlling an opponent and forcing them to concede by applying pressure to vulnerable joints or restricting their air supply through chokes.

2. MUAY THAI

Another best martial arts in the world is Muay Thai. It’s often referred to as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” a combat sport and martial art originating from Thailand.

Renowned for its powerful strikes, clinching techniques, and rigorous training regimen, Muay Thai has gained worldwide recognition for its effectiveness in both self-defense and competitive fighting.

Core Elements of Muay Thai:

i. Striking Techniques:

Muay Thai utilizes eight points of contact: fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Practitioners train extensively in striking techniques, emphasizing powerful kicks, punches, elbow strikes, and knee strikes, making it a formidable striking martial art.

ii. Clinching and Close-Range Combat:

Muay Thai places significant emphasis on clinching, which involves grappling at close range. Practitioners learn to control their opponents by utilizing neck holds, arms control, and off-balancing techniques, enabling them to execute devastating strikes from close quarters.

iii. Training Regimen:

Training in Muay Thai is physically demanding and includes rigorous conditioning. It typically involves shadowboxing, heavy bag work, pad drills with trainers, sparring, and conditioning exercises to build endurance, strength, and flexibility.

Techniques:

i. Roundhouse Kicks (Teeps):

Muay Thai practitioners are known for their powerful roundhouse kicks, executed with the shin, targeting various parts of the opponent’s body, including the legs, torso, and head.

ii. Elbow and Knee Strikes:

Elbows and knees are used for devastating strikes at close range, capable of causing significant damage. Techniques like the flying knee or spinning elbow showcase the diversity of strikes in Muay Thai.

iii. Clinch Work:

Clinching involves controlling an opponent’s upper body, allowing for knee strikes, sweeps, and off-balancing techniques to gain an advantageous position.

3. KARATE

Karate is a traditional martial art that originated in Okinawa, Japan and has evolved into various styles practiced worldwide. It’s renowned for its disciplined approach, striking techniques, and emphasis on self-defense and personal development.

Core Elements of Karate:

i. Striking Techniques:

Karate primarily focuses on striking techniques using the hands (punches), feet (kicks), elbows, and knees. It involves executing precise and powerful strikes while maintaining proper form and balance.

ii. Forms (Kata):

Katas are prearranged sequences of movements and techniques designed to simulate combat against multiple opponents. Practitioners learn and perform these katas to improve technique, balance, and focus.

iii. Sparring (Kumite):

Kumite involves controlled, supervised sparring sessions between practitioners, allowing them to apply their techniques in a dynamic and responsive setting while adhering to specific rules.

Training and Techniques:

i. Kihon (Basics):

Training in Karate begins with mastering fundamental techniques (kihon) such as stances, blocks, strikes, and kicks. These basics form the foundation for more advanced movements.

ii. Kata (Forms):

Practitioners learn and practice katas, memorizing and performing sequences of movements that simulate combat scenarios. Each kata emphasizes different techniques and principles.

iii. Kumite (Sparring):

Kumite training involves controlled and supervised sparring sessions. Practitioners develop timing, distance, and strategy while engaging with an opponent in a controlled setting.

Styles of Karate:

i. Shotokan:

Shotokan is one of the most widely practiced styles, known for its strong stances, powerful strikes, and emphasis on kihon (basics).

ii. Kyokushin:

Kyokushin is characterized by its emphasis on full-contact sparring and rigorous training, often incorporating hard-hitting techniques and conditioning.

iii. Goju-Ryu:

Goju-Ryu emphasizes circular movements and breathing techniques, combining hard and soft elements in its training methodology.

4. TAEKWONDO

Taekwondo is another best martial arts in the world originally from Korea. Its emphasis is on high kicks, fast-paced movements, and a strong focus on discipline and self-defense. It has gained popularity globally and is recognized as an Olympic sport.

Core Elements of Taekwondo:

i. Kicking Techniques:

Taekwondo is known for its extensive use of kicks, including high, spinning, and jumping kicks. Practitioners focus on developing speed, accuracy, and power in their kicks.

ii. Hand Techniques:

While kicks are predominant, hand strikes such as punches, blocks, and open-handed techniques are also part of Taekwondo training.

iii. Forms (Poomsae):

Poomsae are choreographed patterns of movements that simulate defense and attack against imaginary opponents. Practitioners learn and perform these forms to improve technique, balance, and fluidity.

Training and Techniques in Taekwondo:

i. Kicking Drills:

Taekwondo training involves a significant amount of kicking drills, aiming to perfect various kicking techniques, such as front kicks, side kicks, roundhouse kicks, and back kicks.

ii. Sparring (Gyorugi):

Sparring sessions, known as Gyorugi, allow practitioners to apply their techniques in controlled, competitive environments. Taekwondo sparring emphasizes speed, agility, and strategic movement.

iii. Breaking Techniques:

Breaking techniques involve breaking boards or other materials with strikes, showcasing a practitioner’s power, focus, and precision.

Belts and Ranking System:

i. Belt Progression:

Like many martial arts, Taekwondo uses a colored belt system to signify a practitioner’s rank and progression. The belt colors typically range from white (beginner) to black (expert), with numerous intermediate colors in between.

ii. Dan System:

The black belt ranks are further divided into dans, signifying advanced levels of expertise and mastery.

Belt ranking in Taekwondo. Source: mmachannel.com

5. KUNG FU

Kung Fu, also known as Chinese martial arts, encompasses a vast array of fighting styles that have evolved over centuries in China. It’s renowned for its diverse techniques, philosophical underpinnings, and cultural significance.

Core Elements of Kung Fu:

i. Styles and Varieties:

Kung Fu encompasses a wide range of styles, each with its unique techniques, forms, and philosophies. Some popular styles include Wing Chun, Shaolin Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and Wushu, among many others.

ii. Internal and External Styles:

Kung Fu styles are often categorized into “internal” and “external” styles. Internal styles focus on harnessing internal energy (Qi) and emphasize softness, while external styles emphasize physical strength, speed, and power.

iii. Forms (Kata):

Similar to other martial arts, Kung Fu practitioners perform forms or katas, which are sequences of movements that simulate combat scenarios. These forms serve as a way to train and perfect techniques, improve posture, and cultivate focus.

6. SILAMBAM

Silambam is a traditional Indian martial art that originated in the southern part of the Indian subcontinent, particularly in Tamil Nadu, India. It’s a weapon-based martial art that primarily involves the use of a staff or stick called a “silambam” along with unarmed combat techniques.

Core Elements of Silambam:

i. Weaponry – Silambam Stick:

The primary weapon in Silambam is a long staff made from bamboo or rattan, usually about 5 to 6 feet in length. Practitioners learn various techniques involving strikes, blocks, spins, and thrusts with the staff.

ii. Empty-Hand Techniques:

Silambam training also includes unarmed combat techniques for self-defense, such as strikes, blocks, joint locks, and grappling maneuvers.

iii. Footwork and Agility:

Practitioners focus on footwork, agility, and body movements to maneuver and control the staff effectively while maintaining balance and coordination.

Training and Techniques:

i. Basic Techniques:

Silambam training begins with mastering basic stances, strikes, and defensive techniques with the staff, gradually progressing to more complex movements and combinations.

ii. Forms (Kolthari and Karadi):

Silambam forms, known as Kolthari (freestyle) and Karadi (fighting techniques), involve structured sequences of movements and patterns with the staff, simulating combat scenarios.

iii. Sparring and Combat:

Practitioners engage in sparring sessions to apply learned techniques, test their skills, and develop timing, reflexes, and strategy.

7. JUDO

Judo, meaning “gentle way” in Japanese, is a modern martial art and combat sport founded by Jigoro Kano in Japan in the late 19th century. It’s known for its emphasis on throws, grappling, and groundwork, focusing on using an opponent’s energy against them.

Judo become one of the best martial arts in the world after present in Olympic since 1964.

Core Elements of Judo:

i. Throws (Nage-Waza):

Judo places a significant emphasis on throwing techniques, aiming to off-balance opponents and bring them to the ground using leverage and momentum.

ii. Grappling and Groundwork (Ne-Waza):

Once on the ground, Judo practitioners employ pins, joint locks, and chokeholds to control opponents and force them into submission.

3. Randori and Kata:

Randori refers to free practice or sparring, allowing practitioners to apply techniques in a live, dynamic setting. Kata are formalized sequences of techniques practiced for skill development and precision.

Training and Techniques:

i. Ukemi (Breakfalls):

Judo training begins with learning proper falling techniques (ukemi) to safely absorb throws and falls, crucial for injury prevention.

ii. Kuzushi (Off-Balancing):

Practitioners focus on kuzushi, breaking an opponent’s balance to create openings for throws or groundwork.

iii. Technique Execution:

Judo techniques emphasize timing, leverage, and precise execution, utilizing an opponent’s force and movement against them.

Grading System and Competitions:

i. Belt System:

Judo uses a belt ranking system to signify a practitioner’s level of proficiency, starting from white belt for beginners and progressing to black belt (Dan ranks) for advanced practitioners.

Judo belt ranking. Source: judobc.ca

ii. Competitions (Shiai):

Judo competitions, known as shiai, involve matches where practitioners aim to throw or submit their opponents within a designated area or time limit.

8. AIKIDO

Aikido, a Japanese martial art founded by Morihei Ueshiba in the early 20th century, focuses on redirecting an opponent’s energy rather than meeting force with force. It emphasizes blending with an attacker’s movements and using their energy to neutralize aggression.

Core Principles of Aikido:

i. Blending and Harmony:

Aikido emphasizes blending with an opponent’s attack rather than opposing it directly. Practitioners aim to harmonize with an attacker’s energy, redirecting it to neutralize the aggression.

ii. Circular Movements and Fluidity:

Circular and flowing movements are characteristic of Aikido. Practitioners utilize circular motions to redirect an opponent’s force and maintain control.

iii. Non-Resistance and Control:

Rather than resisting or meeting force head-on, Aikido practitioners seek to control an opponent through joint locks, throws, pins, and redirection of momentum.

Training and Techniques:

i. Ukemi (Falling Techniques):

Aikido training begins with learning proper falling techniques (ukemi) to protect oneself when thrown or redirected by an opponent.

ii. Kata (Forms) and Randori:

Kata in Aikido refers to prearranged movements and techniques practiced with a partner to refine technique. Randori is a more spontaneous form of training involving multiple attackers.

iii. Techniques and Movements:

Aikido techniques include joint locks (such as wrist locks), throws (nage), and pins (osae), executed with smooth, circular movements.

9. CAPOEIRA

Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, music, and self-expression. It originated in Brazil during the 16th century among enslaved Africans and has evolved into a unique and culturally rich art form.

Core Elements of Capoeira:

i. Ginga (Swaying Movement):

The ginga is a fundamental movement in Capoeira, involving a continuous swaying motion that serves as both defense and preparation for offensive maneuvers.

ii. Acrobatics and Floor Movements:

Capoeira incorporates acrobatic movements, flips, cartwheels, and sweeps, emphasizing agility and flexibility.

iii. Roda (Circle):

Capoeira is practiced in a roda, a circle formed by practitioners and musicians, where games (jogos) take place, accompanied by music and singing.

Training and Techniques:

i. Kicks, Strikes, and Evasions:

Capoeira techniques include a wide array of kicks, strikes, dodges, and sweeps executed with fluidity and rhythm.

ii. Music and Instruments:

Capoeira is accompanied by music played on traditional instruments like the berimbau, pandeiro, atabaque, and agogô. The rhythm of the music guides the tempo and style of the game.

iii. Roda Dynamics:

Within the roda, practitioners engage in a game of improvised movements, alternating between attacking and defending in a non-competitive, cooperative manner.

10. SILAT

Silat is a diverse and traditional martial art practiced in various parts of Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, and the Philippines.

It encompasses a range of styles, each with its own techniques, cultural influences, and philosophy, emphasizing both armed and unarmed combat. Silat is another best martial arts in the world been compete in Asian Games 2018.

Core Elements of Silat:

i. Combat Techniques:

Silat encompasses a wide array of combat techniques, including strikes, kicks, joint locks, throws, grappling, and weapon-based techniques.

ii. Weapons Training:

Many styles of Silat include training with traditional weapons like the keris (dagger), kujang (sickle), golok (machete), and various staffs and sticks.

3. Cultural Significance:

Silat is more than just a fighting system; it’s deeply intertwined with cultural practices, rituals, and traditional values in Southeast Asian societies.

Training and Techniques:

i. Forms (Jurusan or Jurus):

Silat practitioners learn forms or jurus, which are sequences of movements that simulate combat scenarios, teaching techniques, footwork, and timing.

ii. Pencak and Main Principles:

The term “Pencak Silat” is often used, where “pencak” refers to the artistic and performance aspects, while “silat” denotes the martial application. Common principles include fluidity, agility, and versatility.

iii. Harimau, Burung, and Other Styles:

Some Silat styles are named after animals or natural elements, emphasizing specific characteristics, movements, or strategies in combat.

Which martial arts is the best in the world?

The martial arts are not just about fighting and self-defense. It’s more than that. Martial arts teach us discipline, motivation, and teamwork, which are core values that should be embraced as part of a person’s identity.

Aspiring martial artists should explore different styles, find experienced instructors, and immerse themselves in the philosophies and traditions that resonate with them.

Remember, the true essence of martial arts lies beyond mere physical techniques, encompassing discipline, respect, and continuous self-improvement.

Research and reports from renowned martial arts institutions, such as the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), World Taekwondo (WT), International Judo Federation (IJF), and various respected martial arts academies, have contributed to this comprehensive list.