Martial arts: the best systems for self-defense

It doesn’t really matter what kind of self-defense tools you use, because your only and most important tool is your own body. What pleases, because some especially cunning and powerful means of self-defense are really difficult to use and acquire. However, this does not mean at all that you should remain defenseless without your equipment. Especially if you learn to turn your body into a weapon using various martial arts. Thanks to the Olympic Games, Hollywood, numerous games and films dedicated to hand-to-hand combat, such martial arts have long been part of the common human culture. But some varieties of these martial arts are much better suited for self-defense than others. Which, again, does not mean that they cannot be used as general strengthening exercises or as a means of attack, especially if a specialist is involved.

Martial arts, best suited for self-defense In a situation of necessary self-defense, in which you have to act quickly and decisively, absolutely anyone can fall. So I (the author of the article, Sean Tierman, originally from the USA – approx. per.), Tried to compile a list of martial arts that are best suited specifically for self-defense and self-defense. However, this is just a great topic for discussion in the comments, because you probably have your own view on what martial arts will help “defeat all enemies.”

Aikido

The basic principles were developed in the 1920s and early 30s by the Japanese martial artist Moriheem Ushiba. In fact, it is a synthesis of the more ancient combat systems of Daito-ryu and Aiki-jujutsu. However, the basis of ideology, philosophy and practice was created under the serious influence of the teachings of the neo-Shinto religious leader Onicaburo Deguchi, who lived in the early 1900s in Kyoto. And Aikido entered the international arena in 1951, when its founder went on a trip to France to teach his art to those who had previously studied Judo. In our time, this martial art is still very popular, although it is not focused on strikes, like most other means of self-defense. But this does not interfere with its practical use. Aikido is based on the concept of universal peace and reconciliation. So, in fact, this is the “most peaceful” combat system. As in Judo, the emphasis here is on grips and throws, in order to both protect yourself and disable the attacker. Moreover, it is quite neat and painless, although painful techniques and slight injuries are still allowed. However, strikes are also present in the system. Ho, mainly, in those of its offshoots, which are engaged in knife fighting and swords. But even here their main task is to disarm, not destroy, the enemy.

Boxing

Boxing is one of the oldest types of both sports and self-defense. The earliest references to it were found on ancient Sumerian tablets dating back to approximately the year 3000 BC. So it is not surprising that boxing has become one of the most popular types of hand-to-hand combat practiced on the territory of Europe. Oднaкo чтo-тo пoxoжee нa coвpeмeнныe oфициaльныe пpaвилa пoявилocь тoлькo в 174З гoду, кoгдa чeмпиoн пo бoкcу Джeк Бpoйтoн cooбpaзил, чтo у бoкcёpoв дoлжнa быть xoть кaкaя-тo зaщитa oт pиcкa пoгибнуть пpямo нa pингe. A very timely idea, I must say.

Since then, and to our times, boxing still remains one of the most popular sports, recreational exercises and just training to keep yourself in shape. And the examples of the well-known McGregor and Floyd Mayweather show that the popularity of boxing is not decreasing. It’s no secret that the basis of boxing is strikes. But the system itself is much more complicated than a banal scuffle. For example, there are several subsystems that require certain behavior in the ring. There is a classic long-range technique (emphasis on jabs and maintaining distance), there is a style focused exclusively on combat at very close distances, there are styles with an emphasis on brute strength and power, and brute forceExperienced boxers, however, are able to change styles right in the middle of a fight, depending on the need. And although boxing lacks the versatility and flexibility characteristic of other martial arts for self-defense, resisting it is still quite difficult.

Jeet Kune Do

The author of this martial art of self-defense is the legendary Bruce Lee. All this officially began on July 9, 1969, however, the roots of this style of combat lie much deeper. It can be said that at the origins of Jeet Kune Do is the teacher of Bruce Lee – Ip Man. In his time, he taught Bruce the techniques and principles of Wing Chung – one of the varieties of Kung Fu. And he tried very hard to “drive” these principles into the head of his student. In our time, the teachers of Jeet Kune Do, who were personally trained by Bruce Lee, have survived to this day. In addition, this type of martial arts was practiced by some very famous personalities – Brandon Lee, Nicolas Cage and Kareem Abdul Jabbar. It is difficult to clearly formulate the main technical aspects of Jeet Kune Do. The fact is that this is not some specific style, but, rather, a “combat philosophy”. Bruce Lee himself was not very fond of “Racks”, “Techniques” and “Disciplines” – he was closer to the philosophy of situational adaptation for the purpose of survival. So we can say that the basic principle of this martial art of self-defense is “use it while it is useful in a real fight.” But if we greatly simplify, then we can say that the basis of the style is direct explosive blows that reject the opponent; the ability to choose the right moment; maximum mobility in any situation. So many experts consider Jeet Kune Do to be one of the most versatile and adaptive fighting styles in general. There are both pluses and minuses in this, but all this manifested itself only with a deeper study.