Which Martial Art is best for self defence?

Question

I know most martial arts are based on self defence, but which one is best for looking after yourself on the street?

I'm not a trouble maker and always do my best to avoid any sort of physical confrontation. Would just like to know I could look after myself properly should I find myself in a situation where I had to fight.

Answer 1

hi there... 19 year old female, bar staff, student and a trainee police officer...

self defence for me is a huge thing.

i do not like to start a fight and would much rather walk away or talk them out of the situation.

i found that jujitsu combined with karate is the perfect martial art for me.

the reason behind this is because the translation of jujitsu from japaneese is "the gentle art". jujitsu uses your openents movements against them... for example the harder they hit you, the harder they fall... its about using manipulation too.... arm locks, wrist locks, throws... if you carry out the technique you shouldnt feel breathless if you have done the technique properly. its not hard to learn eithr...get into a good club.

the reason i say do it combined with karate is that jujitsu doesnt focus on strikes... you need to be able to block and kick back and strike back (how ever if you work really hard on your blocks should be powerful enough to merit as a strike)

jujitsu works well when in a self defence technique as you just dont want to kick the guys or girls head off... you want to make sure you can get away using least force neccessary... jujitsu is quite a violent art for your oponent... its purely self defence jujitsu... im not talking about the brazilian jujitsu...thats ground work orientated. in the street you dont want to get on to the ground. you want them on the ground...in a position where your in control...your not in control if your rolling around on the ground! get them on the ground so your above them putting them in a wrist lock, arm lock...or just running the other way!

aikido was created by the master of jujitsu...

you can look at these other answers and depending your taste look at different styles... its what works for you at the end of the day.but dont foget, in jujitsu it doesnt matter how tall, short, fat, thin, body builder or weedy twiglet! you can still do jujitsu.

my sesei used to teach a wheel chair bound child, (he was taught blocks and wrist lock applications and punches to defend himself if attackers came close) he also taught a partially blind person who was taught blocks and to feel how to throw someone...

again its personal preference... but basically jujitsu is a nonoffensive art, it only works when some one attacks you, you can not attack someone with jujitsu (well unless you say il show you if you punch me... lol)

sorry about the long reply but i hope it helps your answer.

a basic form of jujitsu is taught to the police and bouncers...and believe it or not but the governemt is putting money into it...

Answer 2

the art of turning round and leaving a messy situation in time.
Any martial artist knows this truth that the best reaction in a fight is flight. Martial arts are not all about fighting. The human body is a weapon training in martial arts will sharpen this weapon to a finer point and provide better accuracy but that doesn't ensure straight out victory. if you use your wits and senses you'll be able to defuse a situation without coming to a clash. if I have to give advise on an art I'd advise aikido as it teaches the principles of non resistance and peace better than any others and it's a very effective art as well even though it takes time and dedication

Answer 3

Hi there

Simple answer they all are!

But whats important is that when using any art for real it must be simplified. You really need to cover all bases with self defence unarmed, weapons, awareness etc the list goes on. My advise when using any martial art in a real situation is firstly to bin the ego! Confidence is good but an inflated male ego needs to be flushed down the toilet as fast as possible.

People tend to recommend their art because its all they know. There's nothing wrong with that but if you want good advice about what really works speak to a local Police officer and I'm sure you will be surprised by the answers you receive!

regards idai

Answer 4

There is no one best Martial Art for self defense. It really depends on the situation. For exampleIf some but is slashing at you with a knife that's no time for trying submission moves. Doing green beret style roundhouse kicks that shatter bones while trying to restrain your drunk uncle at a family picnic would also spell out l-a-w-s-u-i-t.


Also learn the laws of use of force in your area. Whether the dojo darlings like it or not even a street fight is not an anything goes situation. There are limits and if you cross them you'll be making license plates no matter who started what. Such as if you chase after your attacker or keep on kicking and punching him after he gave up or passed out you can be charged with assault.

Answer 5

its more of a mindset. Are you willing to go farther, escalate the violence quicker, in a fight in order to win?

If you are afraid to swing back it wont matter what self-defense you know.

Learn about the different techniques and find a school that interests you. You need to enjoy the mental and physical aspects of the martial arts, because you will spend more time learning the lifestyle than engaged in hand-to-hand combat.


Not everyone, even with the proper knowledge, is ready to break someones arm, knock out a knee, collapse a throat, or more in order to protect a life. Could you throw the punch that would break someones bone, are you ready to use your elbow to crack a rib or dislocate a shoulder?

Answer 6

I have studied some 6 different Arts over the past 35 years and the last 10 years it's been Kenpo Karate.
Check out Kenpo demos on youtube.com or look into the history on your favorite search engine.

Kenpo is truly a street prov-en self defense Art with devastating techniques.

Answer 7

There is no best martial art or self defence...it's how you apply it! It all depends on you: how determined are you to learn and master the techniques? And how do you apply it in a real situation? Do you have the courage to fight? or You are afraid of fighting and run instead of defensing yourself from any attack? Ask yourself...if you can find the so-called best martial art ever in the world...do you think you are capable to be the best martial artist too? Think about it

Answer 8

Learn karate from a book just like Daniel Larruso did. And then you will get beat up, and then some little asian man will come and teach you how to crain kick. And then a year later you will forget everything he taught you and get beat up again. Then he will once again have to train you and you will win another fight. And so on and so on. Stay away from the Cobra Kai!! Okay learn BJJ or muy thai

Answer 9

Krav Maga - it focuses on staying out of trouble with its AAA (triple A) Awareness Avoidance Assessing (um? I might have got that wrong as I am working from memory). Fast to learn as it goes with what comes most naturally to you as an individual and a hell of a workout

Answer 10

there is no best choice, but personally I think Wing chun is a good one. Of course, I'm biased, since I've studied it for 10 years. But its a style that is best in close up situations, doesn't require a lot of strength, and shows you how to use your attackers moves against him. Good luck with whichever you choose!