Martial arts - various systems of martial arts and self-defense of different, often East Asian origin; developed mainly as a means of hand-to-hand combat. Currently practiced in many countries of the world mainly in the form sports exercises aiming at physical and conscious improvement.
Classification
Martial arts are divided into areas, types, styles and schools. There are both quite old martial arts and new ones.
- Martial arts are divided into wrestling, drums And martial arts(include not only the study of techniques, but also the philosophy of combat and life).
- With or without weapons. Martial arts with the use of weapons include: all types of shooting, throwing knives, darts, etc., knife and stick fighting, fencing (rapier, saber), various oriental martial arts (for example, wushu, kung fu, kendo) using nunchaku, staffs, sabers and swords. Martial arts without the use of weapons include all others in which only various parts of the arms, legs and head are used.
- Types of wrestling by country(national). Every nation has its own types of martial arts.
Consider the most famous of them.
- Japanese karate, ju-jutsu (jiu-jitsu), judo, aikido, sumo, kendo, kudo, iaido, kobujutsu, nunchaku-jutsu, ninjutsu (a comprehensive training system for medieval Japanese spies, including hand-to-hand combat, the study of ninja weapons, methods of disguise, etc.).
- Chinese wushu and kung fu. In addition, in China there are also various styles that imitate the behavior of animals, birds, insects, as well as a style that imitates the behavior of a drunk person (“drunkard” style).
- Korean hapkido, taekwondo (taekwondo).
- Thai muay thai or Thai boxing.
- Russians sambo and Combat Sambo, hand-to-hand combat.
- European boxing, French boxing (savate), freestyle and Greco-Roman (classical) wrestling.
- Brazilian capoeira, jiu-jitsu.
- Israeli krav maga.
- mixed kinds. MMA (mixed fight), K-1, kickboxing, grappling are mixed sports, the techniques in which are taken from other martial arts and martial arts.
- Olympic martial arts. Part of the types of wrestling, martial arts and martial arts are included in the program Olympic Games. These include boxing, freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, judo, taekwondo, various types of shooting.
The difference between martial arts and martial arts
All sports martial arts differ from real martial arts in that they are always aimed at fighting one person (hence why they are called martial arts), which is always fair and a good sportsman, and always acts within the framework of certain pre-clearly stipulated rules.
also in combat sports most often there is a division into weight categories, weapons are not used there, vile tricks and the effect of surprise, as well as tricks that can injure a person very much.
But naturally, in a real battle on the street, such excellent battle conditions are rare. Three of them can attack here, they can put a knife to the throat or even hit from behind without warning in advance, so let's try to discuss more effective and applied types of martial arts further.
Aikido
This self-defense system was created by the master Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) based on one of the branches of jiu-jitsu. Separate techniques of aikido were borrowed from the so-called Chinese wushu. soft styles, where the vector of application of force to the enemy coincides with the direction of movement of the enemy himself. The fundamental difference between aikido and other types of martial arts is the absence of offensive techniques. The main sequence of actions of a fighter is to capture the enemy’s hand or wrist, throw him to the ground and here, with the help of a painful hold, finally neutralize him. Movements in aikido are usually performed along a circular path.
There are no competitions or championships in aikido. However, it is very popular as an art of self-defense and quickly incapacitating an opponent. Like karate and judo, aikido is widespread outside of Japan, including in Russia.
American kickboxing
Another type of boxing is "American kickboxing" according to legend, its name and even the development of the fighting style are prescribed by the famous actor and naturally multiple kickboxing champion Chuck Noris. Kick-boxing is translated almost literally as "Kicks and punches."
Because kickboxing has become a mixture of wushu martial arts, English boxing, muay thai, karate and taekwondo. Ideally, fights should take place at full strength and across all levels, i.e. kicks and punches are allowed at full strength across the body. What allows kickboxers to become quite dangerous opponents both in the ring and outside it, but still it is sports system and it was not originally imprisoned for street fighting.
English boxing and French boxing
Although the modern English boxing that we know from about 1882 was recognized in its former form as dangerous to health and began to be fought according to the rules known today, which finally reduced its combat effectiveness. But after that time, a bunch of similar combat "boxing" systems from various countries of the world still became known.
Of the most famous types of boxing, it can be noted: French boxing "Savate" was once generally one of the best street fighting systems in Europe.
Savat is European martial arts, also known as "French boxing", is characterized by efficient technique punches, dynamic kicking technique, mobility and subtle strategy. Savat has long history: this type of martial art originated as a synthesis of the French school of street hand-to-hand combat and English boxing; In 1924, it was included in the Paris Olympic Games as a demonstration sport.
Greco-Roman wrestling
Classical wrestling is a European type of martial arts in which two participants come together in a fight. The main task of each athlete is to put his opponent on the shoulder blades with the help of a number of different elements and techniques. Main difference Greco-Roman wrestling from other similar martial arts - this is a ban on the implementation of any techniques with the feet (footboards, hooks, sweeps, etc.). Also, you can not do leg grabs.
Judo
Judo means "soft way" in Japanese. This modern martial art comes from the Land of the Rising Sun. The main judo are throws, painful holds, holds and chokes. Judo is based on the principle of unity of spirit and body and differs from other martial arts in lesser use of physical strength when performing various technical actions.
Professor Jigoro Kano founded judo in 1882, in 1964 judo was included in the program of the Summer Olympic Games. Judo is a codified sport in which the mind controls the movements of the body, it has the most pronounced educational character in the Olympic program. In addition to competition, judo includes the study of technique, kata, self-defense, physical training and the improvement of the spirit. Judo as a sport discipline is a modern and progressive form of physical activity. The International Judo Federation (IJF) includes 200 affiliated national federations on five continents. More than 20 million people practice judo, a sport that perfectly combines education and physical activity. The IJF organizes over 35 events annually.
Jujutsu
Jiu-Jitsu is a generic name for a combat system that is almost indecipherable. This is hand-to-hand combat, in most cases, without the use of weapons, and only in some cases with weapons. Jiu-jitsu techniques include kicking, punching, punching, throwing, holding, blocking, choking and tying, as well as the use of certain weapons. Jiu-jitsu does not rely on brute strength, but on skill and dexterity. Applying the minimum amount of effort to achieve maximum effect. This principle allows any person, regardless of his physical form or physique, to control and use your energy with the greatest efficiency.
capoeira
(Capoeira) - Afro-Brazilian national martial arts, a synthesis of dance, acrobatics and games, all accompanied by national Brazilian music. According to the generally accepted version, capoeira originated in South America in the 17th-18th centuries
But nevertheless, experts still argue about the homeland and the time of the emergence of such a unique art. No one knows exactly where it came from, who was the founder of the ancient skill and, like capoeira, from century to century has reached rapid popularity.
There are several main hypotheses for its occurrence:
- The African zebra dance, which was common among local tribes, became the prototype of warlike movements.
- Capoeira is a fusion of ancient cultures - Latin American and African dances.
- The dance of slaves, which gradually developed into a martial art. Associated with the landing of Europeans on the continent and the emergence of the slave trade.
Karate
Karate ("way of the empty hand") is a Japanese martial art that offers different ways fighting with hands and several techniques with the use of weapons, including melee weapons. This martial art does not use grabs and throws. The main principle is speed and speed, and the main task is to maintain the main stance for a long time. Therefore, first of all, balance plays a role in karate.
Kendo
During sports fights, fencers hold elastic bamboo swords, and special training armor covers their head, chest and arms. For purely executed blows to certain parts of the opponent's body, the participants in the duel are awarded points.
Nowadays, kendo is not only a popular sport, but also integral part in the physical education program of Japanese schools.
Kobudo
The term "kobudo" in Japanese means "ancient military way". The original name is "kobujutsu" - "ancient martial arts (skills)". Under this term, the art of owning various types of oriental types of edged weapons is represented today.
Currently, there is a division of kobudo into two autonomous independent areas:
- Nihon-kobudo is a direction that combines systems common on the main islands of Japan and uses in its arsenal edged weapons of samurai origin and weapons from the arsenal of ninjutsu.
- Kobudo (other names Ryukyu-kobudo and Okinawa-kobudo) is a direction that unites systems originating from the islands of the Ryukyu archipelago (modern Okinawa Prefecture, Japan) using tools (items) of peasant and fishermen's everyday life of the inhabitants of these islands in the arsenal.
Sambo
Sambo belongs to the unique types of martial arts that have spread throughout the world. It has become the only sport where international communication is conducted in Russian. There are two types of sambo, the first of which is combat, used to protect and incapacitate the enemy. The second type of this struggle is sports sambo, contributes to the development of personal characteristics, tempers the character and body, allows you to develop self-control and discipline.
Sumo
The rules of sumo are very simple: to win, it is enough to either make the opponent lose his balance and touch the ring with any part of the body, except for the feet, or simply push him out of the ring. Usually the outcome of the duel is decided in a few seconds. Associated rites can take much longer. Wrestlers are dressed only in a special loincloth.
In ancient times, sumo champions were revered on a par with saints; according to the beliefs of the Japanese, wrestlers, shaking the earth, not only make it more fertile, but also scare away evil spirits; sumo wrestlers were sometimes hired to "expel disease" from wealthy homes and even entire cities.
Therefore, such attention is paid to the weight of the wrestler (in sumo there is no weight categories). Since ancient times, a variety of diets and exercises have been preserved to most effectively gain Weight Limit. The age of professional wrestlers ranges between 18 and 35 years. Most sumo champions become folk idols.
Thai boxing
Muay Thai was developed as a military and army martial art, the fighters of which, with or without weapons, had to be part of the personal guard of the king and really confront whole armies of an enemy outnumbered on the battlefield.
But today, like the previous sports martial arts, Thai boxing has undergone quite strong changes in the direction of the sport, modern rules have also changed a lot in it, which have become much more loyal and made this super-hard and even deadly martial art an order of magnitude less effective.
Although in more closed schools and even sects, even outside of Thailand, where Thai boxing is also taught, there are still people who teach more effective forms of it.
Taekwondo (taekwondo, taekwondo)
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art. Its characteristic feature is that the legs in a duel are used more actively than the arms. In taekwondo, both direct kicks and kicks with a turn can be delivered with equal speed and strength. The martial art of taekwondo is over 2000 years old. Since 1955, this martial art has been considered a sport.
wushu
Literally translated as martial art. This is the common name for traditional Chinese martial arts, more commonly referred to in the West as kung fu or Chinese boxing. There are many different directions, wushu, which are conditionally divided into external (waijia) and internal (neijia). External or rigid styles suggest good sportswear fighter and high expenditure of physical energy during training. Internal or soft styles require special concentration and plasticity.
As a rule, the philosophical basis of external styles is Chan Buddhism, and internal styles are Taoism. The so-called monastic styles are traditionally external and originate from Buddhist monasteries, one of which is the famous Shaolin Monastery (founded around 500 BC), where the Shaolinquan style was formed, which influenced the development of many styles of Japanese karate.
Which martial art to choose?
The choice of classes depends, first of all, on your preferences and physical features. The table will help determine your body type and the type of wrestling suitable for this correspondence. However, do not forget that only general recommendations are given. Learning martial arts is a long process, during which your body will get used to, adapt to new conditions and gain experience in the martial arts that you choose.
Ectomorph
Tai chi chuan (tai chi chuan)
This graceful, non-offensive Chinese martial art emphasizes stability, balance, balance and is ideal for lean individuals. A set of controlled smooth movements will teach all your muscles to work together and smoothly. Do not confuse tai chi chuan and tai chi, which is offered in fitness clubs. Real schools are more stimulating and allow their students to learn a lot of different types weapons, including a double-edged sword.
This Chinese style is also called kung fu. There are over 300 varieties of wushu. Of these, wing chun (yongchun, "eternal spring") is suitable for people with a lack of weight and dimensions. This style allows a small, lightweight person to defeat a larger opponent by targeting sensitive areas of the body that are not protected by muscles (eyes, throat, groin, knees, and specific nerve points). Special flexibility is not required as most strikes are thrown low ( kneecaps or shin).
Taekwondo (taekwondo, taekwondo)
It is desirable to be lean, light and loose for this Korean martial art, as it is best known for its wide variety of high impact kicks. This fighting style relies more on the legs than the fists. Head strikes are common, so you must at least be able to raise your foot to face height. In class, you need to be prepared for the fact that you will receive a couple of painful blows, but in general, contacts are not very cruel. In addition, taekwondo students train not only in fighting with each other, since this is one of the martial arts where breaking boards and bricks with your hands and feet is part of the training regimen.
Mesomorph
Aikido
Aikido does not focus on exhausting punches and kicks. The focus is on using the opponent's own energy against himself, in order to incapacitate him (using wrist locks or handholds) or knock him back. This style is easier for people with an athletic build, as most offensive moves are more effective when the musculature is developed. Also, unlike most martial arts, which require 10 ranks to reach a black belt, this Japanese martial art only has 6 levels.
Kendo
A Japanese martial art that allows you to wield a bamboo sword, dress like a samurai, and repeatedly stab your opponent's neck and head. It sounds menacing, but in this martial art the body is protected by armor similar to a knight's, which minimizes damage. Speed, strong shoulders and arms are necessary attributes of sword fighters, so a lean muscular physique will be ideal.
Muay Thai (Thai boxing)
Thai martial art with full contact with the opponent. Instead of just using the fists and legs, the opponent gets a series of blows to the elbows and knees. Most suitable for people of athletic build with developed muscles around the joints. Those wishing to master this type of martial arts should be prepared for early retirement, as serious practitioners have a rather short career (4-5 years maximum).
Endomorph
Judo
A Japanese martial art that aims to unbalance an opponent and throw them onto the mat. Stocky people have an advantage in it when performing defensive maneuvers, since the extra weight helps to stand more stable in the ring. Breathlessness will not be a problem in the early stages of training, which is all about perfecting grips, grappling maneuvers, and how to fall properly. To reach a more advanced level, you will need to develop endurance.
Karate
Based on a combination of cultures (roots from both Japan and Okinawa), karate is also a mixture of different fighting methods. Students learn how to fight with their hands, several techniques with the use of weapons, including nunchucks. While this martial art does not involve grappling or throwing, stocky people benefit from a stronger and more stable stance that gives more power to their punches and blocks. Most varieties of karate are worth choosing, but if you are afraid of pain, then be careful with styles that have "kenpo", "kempo", "American freestyle", "full contact" in the name.
Shorinji Kempo
This boxing style of karate is more suited to larger people for several reasons. First, he uses a series of punches, like in boxing, where stability in the ring due to a powerful physique is more important than strong fists. A strong physique will also be useful for mastering the techniques of dodging opponent's blows. Striking will require flexibility, but strikes are usually performed no higher than the waist.
Jiu-jitsu (jujutsu)
This Japanese technique combines many dangerous offensive and defensive techniques. This type of martial art is merciless, as it was originally developed for training an unarmed person to neutralize an armed soldier. It will be easier to master jiu-jitsu for those who are accustomed to loads, have endurance and flexibility.
The idea that with the help of a secret and deadly martial art, you can kill a person with bare hands or, has always warmed the hearts of nerds around the world. And, of course, the thought of fighting like Jackie Chan, breaking boards with your bare hands. The debate about how realistic or unrealistic it is to kill everyone with your bare hands runs like a red thread through all holivars in many forums. We are writing this just to tell you something interesting.
1. Sambo. Country of origin: Russia
An interesting observation: the more often a country has to defend itself and attack various neighbors, the more often it all turns into an interesting martial art. Russia is just such a country. After the revolution, all the numerous experience of wrestling with bare hands was combined into "Self-defense without weapons" or sambo. Both government agents and ordinary soldiers were trained in this type of struggle.
And here is Sambo in action.
2. Muay Thai. Country of Origin: Thailand
The borders of Thailand were also often violated, so there is nothing surprising in the fact that they had their own martial art, no. Another name for Muay Thai is eight limb fighting, or Thai boxing. What are the extra limbs? Elbows and knees, of course! Wrestlers use them like clubs, masterfully beating their opponents with them. The force of impact in this kind of martial arts is simply amazing. A smart person once said that Muay Thai is "Kill the bull with one blow." And he was damn right.
As is always the case with good things, there are many legends associated with Muay Thai. the most famous and partially true originates in 1774, when the kingdom of Burma captured Thailand, which was then Siam. Against the great muay thai master Nai Khanom Tom, who was captured, the king of Burma, for the sake of general rejoicing, put up a great master of the Burmese martial art, called lethwei. They say that dude held out against Tom for 10 seconds and was brutally killed. But the judge decided that Tom was cheating, distracting his opponent. Being a true gentleman, the Muay Thai master agreed to nine(!) fights that were won with amazing ease and cruelty. The King of Burma was amazed at Tom's skill and offered him, along with the freedom to choose, two awards: two very beautiful girls and a bag of money. Tom refused money (happiness is not in them), but he took women. And he went with them into the sunset on a horse.
3. MCMAP - Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. Country of Origin: USA
The martial art for the US Marine Corps was invented in the eighties. Its peculiarity was the ability to use a pistol, a bayonet-knife, a rifle with a bayonet as an improvised weapon for close combat. Most often, the program is used to neutralize the enemy by breaking a couple of bones in him, to immobilize him hellish pain but you can also kill it.
4. Silat. Country of Origin: Malaysia
Malaysia has also suffered a lot in its time. Pirates, the Portuguese, the British, and even the Japanese - all these dudes tried to bend the Malays. But they did not whine and invented silat.
Many martial arts were invented to improve the body and spirit, find yourself and complete your spiritual quest. So, silat does not apply to them. The first masters of this martial art used it to beat the enemy to a state of instability with lightning attacks in 10 seconds, and then finish off the half-dead with something heavy. Various sneaky blows and tricks are encouraged by silat masters.
The most brutal and vile methods of fighting are still being taught in the jungles of Malaysia. Rumor has it that such masters at the age of 7-10 years once beat an adult to a pulp. The dudes who were taught silat spent years in dark caves where they couldn't see beyond their noses. While Shaolin monks learn restraint, silat lunatics learn from a young age to tear flesh like beasts.
By the way, masters of silat actively use kris - a wavy dagger that tears out pieces of meat from the victim. Often a deadly poison is literally melted into the kris, which is very easy to kill a person - just a scratch is enough.
5. Exkrima. Country of Origin: Philippines
Excrima is ancient art Philippines, which is the beating of opponents with wooden sticks with stunning speed. Until 1521, the Filipinos practiced exkrima on each other, but then Magellan arrived, and foreigners tried on their own skin what the Filipino martial art means.
Exkrima became the main protection of the peasants who grew rice. The most famous victim of this art was Ferdinand Magellan, who was beaten to death with sticks. For 450 years, exkrima was banned and survived only because it was disguised as a dance.
From the very beginning of their history, people have tried to come up with the most sophisticated techniques for inflicting pain and injuring the enemy. It all started with claws and teeth, then there was an era of sticks and stones, and gradually all this resulted in systems of a wide variety of martial arts.
Some types of martial arts are really more like an art, for example, a dance, while others have left nothing from the battle except extreme efficiency and lethality. We will consider the latter:
An ancient martial art from Cambodia, another name is "Labokka-tao". Translated from the ancient language, it translates as "beating a lion." Bokator originated on the battlefield, during the clash of ancient armies, and not in daily small skirmishes, so it is not surprising that this system takes into account the application various kinds weapons - sticks, spears, etc.
This is a Canadian invention. Today it is no longer practiced, but during the Second World War, Kombato proved to be an extremely deadly type of martial arts that Canadian soldiers used against opponents (Canadians fought mainly in Italy and Northern Europe, approx. site).
Jeet Kune Do
In Chinese it sounds like Tsequandao“, in translation means “The Way of the Leading Fist”. This style developed by Bruce Lee contained all the most effective techniques all the martial arts that the "Little Dragon" owned. For his style, Bruce chose only those elements that were truly useful in combat, focusing not on spectacle, but on effectiveness.
There is a unique, only video that has come down to us -.
Sib pal ki
This martial art has been in service with the Korean armies for hundreds of years. It is built on three main elements - lunge, strike, cut. From other Korean martial arts sib stick ki has more emphasis on efficiency and less on philosophy.
Although today Capoeira is more of a dance than a fighting style, at the very beginning this martial art was quite intimidating. It appeared several hundred years ago in Brazil, in the settlements of slaves. Capoeira was created so that a runaway slave could protect himself if caught, which quickly fell under the ban.
Kajukenbo (kajukenbo)
This American-Hawaiian hybrid appeared relatively recently, around the time of World War II. The name is not accidental: "ka" - karate, "ju" - judo, "ken" - kempo, or Chinese boxing. The history of the emergence of this martial art is interesting - it was invented by the Hawaiians for self-defense, both from street gangs, and from drunken American sailors.
The word familiar to the Russian ear means "self-defense without weapons" and is a deadly combination of shock and wrestling techniques. This martial art was developed by order of the Red Army in the 20s of the last century. Sambo includes the most effective techniques and tactics of various types of martial arts, martial arts and folk types of wrestling: Azerbaijani (gulesh), Uzbek (uzbekcha kurash), Georgian (chidaoba), Kazakh (kazaksha kures), Tatar (tatarcha koresh), Buryat wrestling; Finnish-French, free-American, English wrestling of the Lancashire and Cumberland styles, Swiss, Japanese judo and sumo and other martial arts.
Balintawak Eskrima
Also known as Balintavak Arnis or simply Balintavak. This martial art comes from the Philippines. The technique is so effective and sophisticated that the Spanish colonialists banned the Filipinos from practicing Baliwantak after several massive riots. The heyday of the style came in the 50s of the XX century.
Although the English word "spear" in translation means "spear", the name of this type of combat has nothing to do with melee weapons. The English abbreviation SPEAR (Spontaneous Protection Enabling Accelerated Response, approx. site) means "spontaneous defense with an accelerated counterattack." The style is almost entirely built on the use of natural human reflexes and is in service with many police services in the world.
GRU special forces combat system
As the name implies, it is used in Russian military intelligence. An extremely effective fighting style where the enemy is disabled as quickly and reliably as possible. Experts say that there is only one analogue in the world that is comparable in effectiveness and lightning speed - Krav Maga, used by Israeli special forces.
Krav Maga
Actually, the Israeli twin previous view fight. Fast and reliable is the main message. None sports competitions Krav Maga is not held, there are no amateur sections.
Muay Thai
At home, it is called "the art of eight limbs", in the West the name "Thai boxing" is popular. Due to the active use of the elbows, knees, feet and shins, even sports fights often lead to serious injuries. Muay Thai is a very ancient art of combat, but it gained worldwide popularity relatively recently, after the release of the film "Kickboxer", where the main role was played by Jean-Claude Van Damme.
Vale Tudo
It is widely known under the names "Fight without rules", "Fight of the mixed style" or "Mixfight". In Portuguese, "vale tudo" means "everything is good" or "everything that works." This martial art of Brazilian origin came to Russia not so long ago - the first MMA championship took place in 1995, where the Russian fighter Mikhail Ilyukhin, having reached the final, lost first place to the Brazilian champion named Ricardo Morais. Currently the most famous Russian athlete of this style - Fedor Emelianenko.
This world famous martial art is based on merging with the opponent's attack and redirecting the attacker's energy. Simply put, the strength of the enemy is used against him. Leaving the distance to bring the opponent off balance is a common thing. This art is so traumatic that there are no competitions in traditional styles of aikido. In addition, the founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, rejected the very possibility of any rivalry: “In Aikido there are no and cannot be competitions and competitions.”
Originally from medieval Japan, translated means "the art of being invisible." Ninjutsu is an invention of the Japanese spy clans, or "ninja", there is no concept of "rule" itself. Anything is used as a weapon, any means are suitable to achieve the goal. The training of the ninja began from infancy, literally from the very cradle, which was rocked so that, hitting the wall, it helped the baby learn to group upon impact. Ninja mastered swimming before walking, they could walk along a dangling rope like a wide bridge, and legends still circulate about the ability to “merge” with the environment for camouflage. Usually, the collision of an ordinary ninja with an ordinary samurai did not bode well for the latter, because the samurai, with his laws of honor, was initially vulnerable. Because of the extreme unscrupulousness of the ninja performers, they were also called "genin", or "inhuman".
In contact with
Are you looking for a martial art that will be the most effective in real combat? Below are the deadliest martial arts and fighting techniques. What started as a fight using sticks and stones has evolved into an extremely difficult and deadly form of self-defense martial arts. Ready to learn about the 25 deadliest martial arts ever created?
25. Bokator
An ancient Cambodian martial art that has its origins on the battlefield, and its name literally translates to "beating a lion". Since all kinds of combinations of blows and weapons are used for combat, it is not surprising that the bokator has caused numerous deaths.
24. Combat
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
Although no longer practiced today, kombato was an extremely deadly martial art used by the Canadian Forces during World War II. It was created in 1910 by Bill Underwood, and after the war, several law enforcement organizations asked him to train their officers. However, Bill refused on the grounds that the combato was too brutal a form of martial art, and instead developed defendo, a more gentle version for citizens.
23. Jeet Kune Do
Photo: wikimedia commons
Developed by Bruce Lee, this hybrid style of martial art was his answer to the "flower" techniques used in other systems. Bruce believed that such forms of combat were aesthetically pleasing, but their practical utility was almost nil.
22. Shippalgi
Photo: shutterstock
Practiced for hundreds of years by the Korean military, this martial art falls into three categories - throws, strikes, and cuts. However, unlike many of its Korean counterparts, it focuses more on practical combat techniques than artistic philosophy.
21. Capoeira
Photo: shutterstock
Although today it is more like a display of sophistication and skill, this martial art originated hundreds of years ago in the ghettos of Brazil where slaves were kept. It was originally a technique by which slaves could free themselves or defend themselves from attackers. Powerful kicks and dexterous movements were disguised as dance, giving the slaves the opportunity to practice discreetly. Because of the dangerous nature and history of capoeira, it has been outlawed several times in Brazil, and today is not welcome in some social groups.
20. Kajukenbo 
Photo: wikimedia commons
Originating on the streets of the criminal community of Palama in Hawaii, this highly effective and precise style of martial art combines numerous borrowings and was developed specifically to enable locals to protect themselves not only from gangs, but also from drunken sailors who had the habit of picking fights.
19. Casey Fighting Method
Photo: pixabay
Developed by Justo Deigues Serrano as a combination of his combat experience gained on the streets of Spain, the Casey method is designed for self-defense during violent street confrontations. IN last years he gained wide popularity and even "lit up" in films about Batman.
18. Sambo
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
Sambo is a deadly combination of grappling and freestyle wrestling that was developed in the early 1920s specifically for the Red Army. At first it was created to increase the combat capability of the Soviet special forces, but after a surge in crime, the government began training security guards and employees. law enforcement. Obviously robbing banks in Russia is a bad idea.
17. Dim Mak
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
Also known as kyushu jutsu or pressure fighting, this ancient style of martial art involves attacking the body using certain pain points. Such an attack can result in a knockout or death. Perhaps the most dangerous thing about this fighting style is that many people underestimate it and don't realize how dangerous it can be.
16. Kyokushin
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This martial art, which involves full contact, is a vertical style of karate. It has deep philosophical roots regarding self-improvement, discipline and respect. Kyokushin is known as one of the "most difficult" forms of martial arts, as it uses very little protective equipment and the fight involves full contact. In the words of one of their spiritual teachers: “The heart of our karate is real fighting. There can be no evidence without a real fight. Without evidence, there is no trust. Without trust, there is no respect. That's the definition in the martial arts world."
15. Bojuka 
Photo: bojuka.com
Like other non-sport martial arts, this hybrid Combat vehicles, developed by Tom Schrenk in the 90s, does not focus on scoring or correct execution elements. Her sole purpose is to allow the outnumbered to use the odds and turn them in their favor during a surprise street attack. Unlike the other similar martial arts on our list, this one attempts to use power wisely.
14. Silat
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
This wrestling style comes from Malaysia. If you notice, many of the forms of martial arts on this list retain philosophy and morals. However, silat is just about violence. While there are disputes as to its origin, the main purpose of this fight is to exploit the weaknesses of your opponents and incapacitate as many of them as possible.
13. Kung Fu
Photo: pixabay
Kung Fu has become almost a generic term for all Chinese martial arts. While there are many different ones, the main feature is the blows to the enemy, delivered very quickly and with great force.
12. System
Photo: shutterstock
A deadly martial art used by Russian special forces, the system is similar to Krav Maga in that its sole purpose is to inflict as much damage as possible on the opponent in the shortest amount of time.
11. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 
Photo: 25af.af.mi
Brazilian jiu-jitsu gained great popularity all over the world when Royce Gracie won the first, second and fourth championship of fights without rules. The effectiveness of bdd is related to the focus on ground combat and gives the less experienced the advantage of using body levers.
10. Muay Thai
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Also known as the "art of eight limbs" for its elbow and knee strikes, this martial art should come as no surprise that it originated in Thailand. This country is well acquainted with violence and wars.
9. Kapu Kalua
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Also known simply as lua, this unconventional Hawaiian martial art focuses on broken bones, collective participation, and even open ocean warfare. The name itself actually means "2 strikes" and, omitting the long history of this fight on the battlefield, one can say that its practitioners seek to turn the opponent's flaw to their advantage and even use some strange methods, for example, covering themselves with coconut oil so that they cannot be grab.
8. Buck
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Also known as wacon, this Peruvian martial art originated on the streets of Lima. It combines different martial arts and is designed to quickly deal maximum damage to the enemy. Since hidden weapons and deceit are often used during combat, it is not surprising that fights end in death.
7. Arnis
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This martial art originating in the Philippines is also called kali and eskrima. As with other martial arts on this list, for him great importance have discipline and moral values. One notable feature of this martial art is the use of a cane, as historically bladed weapons have been in use longer than the knife.
6 Pugilism
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Also known as boxing, this combat sport is found in many variations throughout the world. It is very dangerous, since the main target for blows is the head, and in the 19th century this sport was banned in a number of countries around the world.
5. Vale Tudo
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From Portuguese, it means "everything is in motion." Vale Tudo is a contact combat sport popular in Brazil. He has very limited quantity rules, and techniques borrowed from numerous martial arts. The only problem is that the fight is so dangerous and bloody that it often creates a real stir in the media. For this reason, most events take place underground.
4. Ninjutsu
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Practiced in feudal Japan, shinobi, or shinobi, is a martial art focused on unorthodox warfare tactics, espionage, and assassination. Practitioners of this martial art are sometimes even referred to as quinine, or inhumans.
3. Hard-contact wrestling
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This wrestling is considered one of the few native to the United States, and during the American Revolution it was very popular. The main emphasis was placed on maximum disfigurement, so any tricks were used: men could aim at the enemy’s eyes, or bite off their tongue. Very few of the other martial arts on this list match this level of violence.
2. Line
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It is a deadly martial art that has been widely used marines USA in the 90s, and which is still used by numerous special forces. In recent years, it has been replaced by the MCMAP martial arts program because the line proved to be inflexible. Since this martial art was aimed at the death of the enemy, it could not be used in other types of operations, such as peacekeeping.
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The problem of choosing any type of martial arts for study is very relevant. It's sad to see people spend 20 years in martial arts only to be beaten up by someone who hasn't spent a single day in the training room. Unfortunately, this happens often. However, there are many types of martial arts, doing which, you can get the necessary adequate skills.
The question of which martial art is the most effective and best suited for self-defense has been discussed for many years. It is this aspect that is most important when choosing one or another type. Unfortunately, not all martial arts are sufficiently functional and effective in terms of self-defense. In addition, it must be borne in mind that the needs of all people are different, so what works for one will not bring any benefit to another. However, of all the existing ones, one can single out the most effective types martial arts. Choosing any of them will be useful for improving self-defense skills.
Aikido
This type of martial art is considered by many to have one of the worst reputations in terms of self-defense. This point of view has its reasons. On the one hand, aikido is almost useless against anyone with decent martial arts skills. However, it can be very effective for people who must constantly monitor aggressive and unskilled people in terms of combat training.
Police officers, security personnel are the people most likely to benefit from aikido as it focuses on controlling the enemy and redirecting the energy of the attack. There are many arts that will teach you how to knock out an opponent, but not every situation can be done.
Aikido was created by Morihei Ueshiba, who combined his experience in several martial arts to create a self-defense system that is largely spiritual. Most of the techniques are based on the art of swordsmanship. On the one hand, this system has good grabs and throws that allow you to resist a not very prepared opponent without causing him much harm, but it will be impossible to resist an experienced fighter with such a technique.
Silat
It is a martial art that has influenced many systems of martial arts or self-defense. He is one of the most effective styles martial arts. This fighting style is very quick strikes, balance manipulation and hard submission techniques.
Silat is a Southeast Asian martial art practiced in Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines. There are many origin stories around it.
What are its advantages? Silat is a self-defense system that covers a wide range of combat aspects. The weapons, punching and grappling techniques all make him incredibly dangerous. Anyone who attacks a silat expert will eventually be defeated. For those who are trying to figure out which martial art is the most effective on the street, silat is one of the most suitable options.
Muay Thai
Known in the same way as Muay Thai, it deserves a place on any list of martial arts that are suitable for self-defense. This is a combat system, in the arsenal of which there are powerful kicks, fists, elbows and knees.
It was he who became the source of training for MMA fighters, although Muay Thai is equally excellent for street self-defense.
Muay Thai is a difficult martial art, but it uses all the skills needed on the street. This is what makes it one of the most effective martial arts for self defense.
This type of fighting appeared several hundred years ago, and many believe that it arose as a result of the migration of tribes from China. In the difficult conditions of almost constant wars throughout the history of Thailand and neighboring states, this art was used during battles. Needless to say, Muay Thai has proven itself both on the battlefield and in the sports arena.
Karate
Karate is considered by many experts to be one of the most effective martial arts. The reason for this is the nature of the system. Kicks, punches, blocks are all part of the karate training program.
This style has fairly low requirements for beginners. Students work on perfecting strong punches and kicks. This style of martial arts commands respect, however, compared to other martial arts, it lacks defensive techniques.
The exact origins of karate are unknown, however it is generally believed to have originated on the island of Okinawa, and due to various weapon bans in the history of the islands, it was originally a style that used the "empty hand" technique, although some have subsequently been made. improvements.
Why is karate good for self defense? One of the clear advantages of this style is strong blows. Some of the disadvantages include the excessive use of rigid blocks. However, the rigidity of karate is not always a bad thing. Suffice it to recall some MMA fighters, such as Lota Machida, who does a very good job using karate as a base.
In general, excellent physical fitness, powerful punches and kicks make karate one of the most effective martial arts suitable for self-defense. However, it should be borne in mind that there are different styles of it, which are to varying degrees suitable for self-defense purposes.
wing chun
This is a Chinese style of martial arts that has gained immense popularity in recent years, thanks in large part to the success of Ip Man starring films. Many people, answering the question of which type of martial arts is the most effective, call it exactly.
The actual origin of Wing Chun remains a controversial issue, but there is one most popular theory of its origin. This is the story of a Buddhist nun, Ng Mui. It is said that she was one of the five elders of the Shaolin Temple who managed to escape before its destruction. Thanks to high level Shaolin martial arts, she created a form of self-defense that would allow her to withstand an opponent who was superior in size and weight, which was especially true for a fragile woman. She drew inspiration for Wing Chun from the movements of animals, most notably the crane. Applied to the human form, these delicate yet natural movements required little force, but allowed effective blocking and striking.
Ng Mui's first student in an as yet unnamed form was a beautiful young girl named Im Wing Chun, whom the head of the local gang tried to force into marriage. Having mastered the art, she was still able to protect herself and stop the onslaught of the bandit. It was in honor of her, as the first student of Nun Ng Mui, that the the new kind martial art. With zero sports skills, wing chun is able to provide the necessary self-defense skills. Yes, as in any art, there are good and bad instructors, but this is a very reliable and practical system of self-defense for close combat.
The strength of Wing Chun lies in its direct approach. In this martial art, the practitioner becomes very strong and delivers very targeted whipping blows. Thus, it is indeed one of the most effective martial arts that was created specifically for self-defense.
brazilian jiu-jitsu
This art is quite effective as a self-defense system. However, he does have weaknesses when it comes to defense against weapons and group attacks. Judo is the basis for Jiu-Jitsu. Accordingly, most of the attention is paid to the fighting technique, painful and suffocating techniques and, to a lesser extent, to blows. This style has been used by many MMA fighters.
Nowadays, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has become more of a sport than a self-defense system. However, there are enough techniques that can be used effectively for self-defense.
MMA
The sport has already become a global phenomenon. His arsenal is made up of knockout punches, chokes, grabs. The disadvantage of MMA in terms of self-defense is the need for serious physical training.
A big plus with these trainings is the rapid growth of skills in all areas. Thus, over time, one can become a very skilled opponent for any attacker. The downside of this is that the practitioner is more focused on the sport, with all its limitations, rather than self-defense. For example, there is no knife protection at all. But despite this, its parts are included in the list of the most effective martial arts.
Krav Maga
This is perhaps one of the most famous and effective self-defense systems in the world. The word Krav Maga in Hebrew means "contact fighting" and is the official system of the Israel Defense Forces.
The origin of Krav Maga can be traced back to Czechoslovakia (modern-day Slovakia) even before the outbreak of World War II. Its founder was a young Jewish athlete named Imi Lichtenfeld. Imi was a nationally and internationally renowned boxer, wrestler and gymnast. Beginning in the mid-1930s, fascist and anti-Semitic groups came to power in Czechoslovakia, which led to oppression and violence against Jewish communities. Lichtenfeld organized a group of young men to patrol and defend against potential attackers. However, he quickly realized that his training in martial arts was no match for gangster methods. Fight for points in a match and fight for your life in street fight require different thinking and different techniques. Imi began to synthesize his knowledge of martial arts and began to focus on attacks that quickly disabled and neutralized the threat.
Thus, this type of martial arts was originally created as the most effective martial art.
When Lichtenfeld moved to Palestine in 1942, he joined the Haganah, a pre-Israeli Jewish paramilitary organization on a mission to protect Jewish settlers from locals who did not welcome new arrivals. Israeli military leaders quickly noticed Imi's fighting skills and his ability to teach them to others.
After Israel gained statehood in 1948, Lichtenfeld was appointed chief instructor in physical training at the IDF Combat Training School. It was in this role that he developed what is known today as Krav Maga.
This type of martial art, the most effective, according to many experts, is a tactical system mixed martial arts and self-defense, which combines boxing, judo, jiu-jitsu and aikido. In recent years, elements of other martial arts such as Muay Thai and Wing Chun have been incorporated into Krav Maga.
Principles of Krav Maga
In fact, they form the basis of this martial art.
- Neutralize the threat. The main goal in Krav Maga is to neutralize the enemy as quickly as possible. It governs all other principles of Krav Maga. It consists in dominating and incapacitating the attacker as quickly as possible.
- Be more simple. Krav Maga has simple punches, holds and blocks. This system has been designed in such a way that it can be used as quickly as possible.
- Simultaneous defense and attack. Many martial arts treat defensive and offensive movements as separate and discrete actions, such as first blocking (defensive mode), then hitting (attacking action). The downside to this approach is that it is reactive and ends up being sucked into a loop of endless defensive moves. Krav Maga combines offensive and defensive movement: the fighter simultaneously seeks to thwart the attack and counterattack. It should be noted that Wing Chun has a similar principle of simultaneous defense and attack.
- Continuous movement. Related to the principles of simultaneous defense and attack is "retz", the Hebrew word for "continuous movement". Its purpose is to neutralize the attacker by continuous consecutive aggressive defense and offensive movements. Retzev requires the fighter to work instinctively rather than relying on a pre-established routine technique.
- Using the capabilities of weapons. Can be used in Krav Maga firearms and knives. Apart from these traditional weapons, Krav Maga also teaches practitioners to improvise and use any object at their disposal as a weapon. Keys, handles, straps and chairs can be incorporated into the Krav Maga technique to neutralize the opponent as quickly as possible.
- Weapon protection. In addition to teaching weapon skills, Krav Maga also shows you how to defend yourself against armed attack.
- Focusing on vulnerable soft tissues and pressure points. A well-known tenet of Krav Maga is its emphasis on attacking vulnerable soft tissues and points. Many counterattacks involve impacts on the eyes, groin, and throat.
Thus, Krav Maga is tough, but at the same time the most effective martial art in the world.
