If you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to get in shape, the gym isn’t always the best answer. Instead, you might be considering some out-of-the-box ideas to get fit. And that’s exactly what you can expect to read about here.
In this article, we explore the different types of martial arts you can dive into as well as the many reasons why you should do so. We also share with you some tips on how to choose the right martial art for you.
Ready to get started? Stay with us as we take you on a journey that will raise your self-confidence and discipline, boost your self-defense skills, and help you destress in ways you never thought possible.
Different types of martial arts
Below, we present to you our different martial arts types list by focusing on the various martial arts styles you can choose from.
Boxing
This type of martial arts is over 2,000 years old and involves using your fists only to defend yourself against attacks or respond to them. It does not involve any blows below the belt and it does not use any other body parts. Excellent for self-defense, it also helps improve your motor skills, fitness and endurance, and mental preparedness.
Wrestling
This type of martial arts style takes a fight to the ground. It happens when two people grapple with each other. While there are many types of wrestling and it is excellent for physical strength, it is not among the most common martial arts for self-defense.
Aikido
This is one of the least violent types of martial arts because it uses joint immobilization to stifle opponents. It also uses throws, which use the momentum of the attacker against them. Ultimately, it’s about relying on timing and technique to disable an opponent as opposed to strength or size. “Aikido’s” roots go back to the 12th century and the name means “The way of harmony of spirit”.
Sambo
As opposed to Aikido, Sambo is a more violent type of martial arts. It can include punching, kicking, elbowing, chokes, locks, groin strikes, etc. Essentially, you can use everything at your disposal to protect yourself from an attacker or opponent.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
With this type of martial art, you focus more on grappling than striking. It’s best for smaller individuals who aim to succeed against larger opponents. It takes place mainly on the ground and can include rear-naked chokes, arm locks, and leg locks.
Muay Thai/Kickboxing
Also known as Thai boxing, Muay Thai falls under the category of kickboxing. However, it also uses knees and elbows much more than most other types of martial arts. Clinching—which is a type of stand-up grappling—is also commonly used. Referred to as “The art of eight limbs”, it dates back to the 13th century in Thailand.
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
Tracing its roots back to ancient Greece, it involves a mixture of wrestling, boxing, and street fighting. With this type of martial art, you have many different strategies and tools at your disposal to fend off an opponent.
Krav Maga
Created by the Israeli Defense Forces, it is a fighting technique that’s used in real-life scenarios. It is quite aggressive in nature and may feature guns and knives. It’s not really conducive to competitions but it is great for self-defense.
Judo
This Japanese type of martial art dates back to 1882. It involves little striking and is more focused on chokes and throws.
Taekwondo
It includes punches, throws, kicks, and more. It also involves breaking boards and bricks with your hands and feet. This is a Korean martial art that was developed around the 1940s and 1950s.
Wing Chun Kung Fu
This Chinese martial art has been around since the 1300s. It uses quick strikes while advancing on an opponent. It also prepares both the mind and body for combat through visualization.
Silat
Perfect for street fights, it involves joint manipulation and attacks on pressure points. It dates back to the 8th century in Indonesia. It is a good option for close-quarter combat.
Jeet Kune Do
This activity focuses on punching, kicking, grappling, and trapping. It has a physical and a mental element. It was created by Bruce Lee in the 1960s.
American Kenpo Karate
This is an amalgamation of karate, Judo, and Jiu-Jitsu and includes punches and kicks as well as throwing and joint locking techniques. It is primarily about defensive action and demobilizing an attacker.
How to choose from the many types of martial arts?
With so many options to choose from, you may be wondering what is the best martial art for you. The answer will depend on where you are on your journey. For example, some criteria will include the following:
1. You need to figure out your goals and interests.
2. Are you an advanced or a beginner?
3. Do you want to acquire self-defense skills?
4. Do you want to reduce stress and anxiety?
5. Consider your physical abilities and preferences.
Why choose to start with martial arts?
There are many excellent reasons why you may want to start learning martial arts. Among these reasons include:
- It helps reduce stress and anxiety in many ways
- It improves your physical health
- It increases flexibility and improves coordination
- It enhances your focus and concentration
- It lowers blood pressure and the heart rate
- It teaches you self-defense
- It boosts your self-confidence
- It teaches you discipline
- Everyone can do it
- It’s great for weight loss, fitness, and mental health
- It reduces stress levels
- It’s never out of season
- It’s a global sport
- You can enjoy significant personal growth
- You’ll learn important life skills and values
- It cultivates respect and humility
As such, the importance of martial arts cannot be overstated.
Start learning martial arts with Action Karate
Looking for the best martial arts to learn? You’ve come to the right place! Action Karate will teach you the most effective martial arts, irrespective of your age, skills, or ability levels. We offer some of the best martial arts for beginners but we also cater to groups and individuals, children and adults, as well as students with special needs. Start learning martial arts with Action Karate today and enjoy all the benefits that come with it. Our martial arts classes are designed to help release stress, develop confidence and self-discipline, physical strength and fitness, and a whole lot more.