There are many defensive techniques that are taught in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and that are very useful for a real-life situation. On the other hand, if age or injuries are a significant factor, you may want to stay away from high contact schools or those that have very high-intensity workouts. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) promotes the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves or another against a bigger, stronger, heavier assailant by using proper technique and leverage. There really isn’t a right or wrong answer when it comes to those select disciplines as they are all great and there have been successful championship fighters that specialize in each. However, there are some styles that cater almost exclusively to weapons. Karate is a traditional martial art hailing from the Ryukyu Kingdom (which is now apart of Japan). Same goes for fighters like Conor McGregor, no matter how good your boxing is, if you find someone like Nate Diaz with better stamina and Jiu Jitsu you’ll end up getting submitted.

-Takedowns (Wrestling, Judo) BJJ is the best base in all of MMA. BJJ is the best base in all of MMA. Max Holloway is another example of a Muay Thai style fighter, he is very successful in the UFC. The most successful MMA karate style fighter is Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson. However, not all sport martial arts are considered equal in terms of the contact involved. It’s very common for BJJ competitors and college Wrestlers to start training Boxing while learning MMA because it will help them round out their game. If you're looking to punch, kick and learn how to defend yourself in a stand-up fight, then the styles below are worth a look. I wish you luck on your martial arts journey, may it be filled with excellence. Another great wrestler is Yoel Romero, who is a physical freak. The most impressive stat of this is that of the 16 Champions I’ve included in this, 11 have a belt in BJJ.

The big downside to wrestling is that they are seen as boring MMA fighters. Practitioners of the low-impact styles of martial arts are more concerned with breathing techniques, fitness, and spirituality than combat, even if all of these styles were once used for combat. What is the Best Martial Arts Style for Self Defense? Believe it or not, children in Thailand start having Muay Thai fights at the young age of 5. Muay Thai is the “Art of eight limbs”, which include, punches, elbows, kicks, and knees. Then you’re in luck. For example, if you have a recurring neck injury, then Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, an art where people are continually trying to choke you from various positions, may not be for you. Muay Thai also focuses on the clinch technique which is useful for many other martial arts such as judo and wrestling.

It’s safe to say that Judo is one of the most physically demanding martial arts out there. Boxing is a sport that has been celebrated by the masses throughout history. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a ground based grappling technique that involves the use of joint locks and chokeholds.

Take a look at the other hybrid styles, noted along with MMA, below. Seriously, if you can’t wrestle at all you’re gonna have a bad time.

Not to mention actually throwing around your partner is physically draining for the body. Muay Thai will teach you discipline that is needed to study any other martial art, and it will get you leaps ahead other fighters when it comes to stand up fighting. Judo isn’t recommended for self-defense, although it may be useful in certain scenarios. One of the more important aspects of the fight is being able to successfully use leverage to get your opponent to the ground, and gain good position once there. Edson Barboza is a good example of a traditional Muay Thai fighter, however he has struggled with wrestlers recently (another reason why it’s important to have more than one discipline). These three are absolutely necessary to become adequate at. Other popular martial arts like Jiu Jitsu actually originated from Judo. When you think Martial Arts, most likely you think of some kind of Karate or Kung Fu style. Simply put, this is something that you should know when talking with instructors and looking at schools, as it’s sure to come up. What Is the Best Type of Martial Art for You? Other fighters include practitioner TJ Dillashaw, he studies “Bang Muay Thai”, which is actually a hybrid form of Muay Thai created by Duane Ludwig and inspired by Bas Rutten.