Learning self defence techniques in any form of Martial Arts Styles is great for the body and the mind. It make you self aware and more mindful of things happening around and readies your body against any physical threat.

There are various forms of Martial Arts and each one has its own benefits. Before you goto a fitness centre and pay the fee, you need to be clear of which one is for whom and why are you joining it. This way, you will enjoy it more and will see the results sooner.

MUAY THAI

What is it? Muay Thai is a kind of Kickboxing sport that originated from Thailand. It is not just a regular Kickboxing where you use Kicks and Punches. In addition to fists and feet, it also involves knee and elbow strikes as well as a form of stand-up grappling called clinch.

Where you’ve seen it: Jean Claude Van Damme in Kickboxer  or the Ong Bak movies starring Tony Jaa.

What to expect: Its techniques are learned through drilling combos on pads called Thai pads. Once you’ve learned to properly throw the strikes, you’ll move into some real sparring. The sparring is mean to your shoulders and hips, but the clinch is a particularly brutal test of your core endurance.

Is it for you? Only if you dream of competing some day. Many MMA fighters use Muay Thai as the basis for their striking game. If you’re already flexible, you’ll probably have an easier time at the start, especially with the kicks. From a self-defense standpoint, it’s mid way practical.

BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU

What is it? it is a ground-based grappling technique inspired from Judo that started in the early 1900s. It gained prominence when master Royce Gracie used it to dominate the early UFC tournaments. The objective in this is to put your opponent in a submission hold so that either they are knocked out or submit due to pain.

Where you’ve seen it: Its very common in almost every UFC tournaments.

What to expect: The chief component of Jiu Jitsu training is “rolling,” or “wrestling”. And while some of it may look like they’re “just laying there,” it’s extremely fatiguing on just about every muscle in the body. It gives you an iron grip.

Is it for you? If you’re in it for sport, this might be the best but if you are looking for self defence, it might not be a good choice since getting someone to lay down on a road (in case of a street fight) is not a good idea. Gear is extremely recommended in this since you might end up getting a cauliflower ear or a broken nose (most of the times).

KRAV MAGA

What is it? The term “Krav Maga” means “Battle Contact”. It was developed by the Israeli Defense Force to be used in real-life combat situations. This art form is more suited to real life situations like someone attacking you with a gun or a knife or holding you from back etc. In addition to Punches, Kicks and Throws, it teaches real-life scenarios on how to disarm an attacker.

Where you’ve seen it: Discovery’s Fight Science series also has some great demonstrations of Krav Maga practitioners can be. In Indian movies, Rani Mukherjee starter “Mardani” also has some glimpses of this art form.

What to expect: Since this art form is meant for Street fights, there are no rules to it, Absolutely none. Kicks to the groin? Eye pokes? Throat rakes? Joint breaks? Everything is a part of the game.

Is it for you? This is a close contact combat kind of fight. There’s a lot of Twisting and Striking, so it’s great for your core and requires strong joints too.

TAE KWON DO

What is it? It is the MOST FAMOUS form of Martial Art Hailing from Korea, it’s even an Olympic sport. Attacks include Punches, Kicks and Throws.

Where you’ve seen it: In sports like Summer Olympics, video games like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat, too.

What to expect: It include a wide variety of activities like drills and a fair bit of sparring. But there are also other things like relaxation techniques, standard cardiovascular exercises and the ever-popular act of breaking things like boards and bricks with your hands and feet.

Is it right for you? Since it is an olympic Sport already, it is extremely popular and can be found in almost every gym. There’s often a lot of stuff to buy because the gear has a lot of protective elements.

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS (MMA)

What is it? Mixed Martial Arts hasn’t been in this country for long, but it sure has changed a lot since the early days of the UFC. It gained a lot of popularity in India with the Superstar “Salman Khan’s” movie “Sultan” which was a super duper hit at box office. One of the famous Martial Arts Styles.

Where you’ve seen it: Aside from the UFC, it was also given the big screen treatment in the movie “Warrior” starring Tom Hardy. Salman Khan’s mega block buster movie “SULTAN”.

What to expect: It is a combination of Strikes and Grappling. Hence, it is a good combination of Muay Thai, Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Is it for you? It usually requires a more time and money commitment than some other forms of martial arts. It offers great workout. It’s not meant for self-defense, but isn’t the worst since it teaches fighters to handle a lot of diverse situations.

KUNG FU

What is it ? Kung fu is the one of the oldest martial arts in the world and was introduced in China by Emperor Huangdi in 2698 BC. Shaolin monks who taught kung fu emphasised on virtues such as Humility, Trust, Patience and Respect and the importance of philosophy and morality to its practitioners. Like other martial arts styles, kung fu is valued for its health benefits and for Self – Defence.  

Where have you seen it ? Since this is one of the oldest form of Martial Arts, there are so many movies where you can see it fully. Few of them are Kun Fu Panda, IP Man, Kung Fu Hustle, The Karate Kid, Shaolin, Drunken Master, Enter the Dragon and many more.

What to expect ? A more healthy and fit body with a more focussed mind.

Is it for you ? If you are a quiet person and do not believe in the principle of humility then this is the best form of Martial Arts for you. Primary objective is Self Defence that also helps build muscle mass and improve Cardiovascular fitness.

BOXING

What is it ? Boxing is a combat sport where two people, usually wearing protective gloves, throw punches at each other for a predetermined amount of time in a boxing ring. Boxing is a sport at Olympics as well as CommonWealth games and is fought in multiple intervals of 2-3 minutes called Rounds.

Where have you seen it ? Some of the most successful movies like ROCKY Series (I-VI) featuring Sylvester Stallone, Creed (I and II), Cinderella Man, Million Dollar Baby, Ali and a whole lot more

What to expect ? Its a sport, mainly for a ring with a proper headgear and gloves failing which you can expect anything like a broken nose, cut open eyebrows, fractured skull and may be more.

Is it for you ? It is a professional sport and is fought in various categories hence if you are looking to make a career in Sports and Boxing is your choice, you have a long way to go. Just that, be ready for swollen eyes and broken nose in real life as well.

Choose your Pick and Go ahead you favorite martial arts styles 🙂