When considering the different types of martial arts, it’s like a game of rock, paper, scissors. Each martial art has advantages and disadvantages against the others in complex ways. There isn’t really a best martial art to learn – each has unique characteristics that could draw an individual to pursue it. For example, Krav Maga, (though technically a style of fighting and not a martial art), is designed to work well as a method of self-defense – it emphasizes defense against weapons, while Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ) commonly takes place with fighters on the ground like traditional wrestling. Learning a martial art is great for fitness, practicality, and it’s just satisfying to learn a new skill of any kind.
Learn Multiple Disciplines
The best course of action for an aspiring martial artist is to consider cross-training to learn the different types of martial arts. If your goal is to learn the best defenses against weaponed attacks and you care less for striking and groundwork, Krav Maga is a great choice. If you’re looking to become a more well-rounded fighter, taking some BJJ classes alongside Krav Maga can help address groundwork and striking. Cross training to get insight on the complexities of each type of martial art helps you truly prepare yourself for any potential risks along the way. Each style will have it’s own unique advantages so it will always come down to an individual’s training style and their extent of knowledge.
The best fighters are not ones who focus much on comparing martial arts to determine the “best” one. The best fighters are the ones who dedicate themselves to the knowledge of how and why different fighting techniques work and develop them into hardwired muscle memory.
Put More In, Get More Out
Cross training expands your knowledge and will encourage you to learn the best martial art for your unique training style. Krav Maga will train you to calculate defenses quickly while Muay Thai kickboxing will strengthen your striking game. Each martial art type will focus on specific concepts and situations that will vary with each fighting style. Choosing to cross train will provide a strong foundation for a deep knowledge of fighting styles and allows you to modify and change your responses as the situation demands.
Don’t let anyone convince you that there is one martial art type that is best because training style will always play a huge role in success. Regardless of which type of martial art is being practiced, your fighting style will always be a reflection of the training you’ve received. Do you give it your all in class or do you rush through the workout? Do you let your physical limits stop you from trying new techniques? Are you developing your mental fortitude to keep going even when getting knocked down? The work put into mastering a fighting style is what truly matters in the end so comparing martial arts is redundant. Cross train within multiple martial arts to assure yourself you’re prepared for anything and everything that could come your way.
Begin Your Cross Training Journey at Academy of Self Defense
Academy of Self Defense makes it easy to learn all types of martial arts and fighting styles. We offer a variety of live online classes to choose from so you can begin learning the best martial art for your unique training style. With over 30 classes weekly and over 900 on-demand videos of classes, seminars, and training modules nothing is holding you back from cross training from the comfort of your own home. We make it easy to become a well-rounded fighter and experienced martial artist while staying active at the same time. Learn Krav Maga, Self Defense, Muay Thai kickboxing and more with experienced coaches who want you to succeed at Academy of Self Defense.
READY TO START YOUR CROSS TRAINING?
Take live online classes with us! We have over 30 classes every week. We also have over 900 Videos on Demand of past classes, seminars, and training videos. Learn Krav Maga, Self Defense, Muay Thai Kickboxing, & More… Start your FREE TRIAL TODAy!
This article was inspired by Joe Rogan’s Podcast on Self Defense Martial Arts: ‘Learn to Beat Trained Killers Instead of Untrained Individuals.’ BJJ and Taekwondo black belt, Joe Rogan, believed those techniques are ineffective against trained fighters but only on so-called ‘untrained fighters.’ Rogan goes into more detail in the video where he is asked if Krav Maga is more effective than grappling self-defense techniques.