Approximately every 1.2 minutes, someone in the world becomes a victim of homicide.
Most don’t see it coming.
Whether you’re walking home through a narrow alley, heading to your car in a dimly lit parking lot, or withdrawing cash from an ATM in a low-traffic area, knowing how to protect yourself can dramatically reduce the likelihood of you becoming a target.
In this guide, our experts will discuss the best martial arts for self-defence, based on practicality and ease of learning, to ensure you’re never caught off guard.
Top Martial Arts Styles for Effective Real-World Self Defence
1. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — Level the Playing Field
Origin: Brazil
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling-based martial art that teaches you how to control or restrain an opponent without using brute strength. That’s right—no kicks or punches!
In class, you’ll learn a wide range of techniques—but the real challenge lies in applying them with precision, using strategic body weight, movements, & positions to gain the upper hand. Your instructors will also teach you how to use submission tricks like chokes and arm triangles to bring the fight to a close and escape without harm.
Training happens in a dynamic yet controlled setting, so you can be assured it’ll minimise your risk of injury while helping you build the skills and confidence to excel.
Best for: anyone looking to learn real-world (on-the-ground) skills
Not so good for: individuals seeking a proactive, offensive style of fighting
2. Judo — Flip the Fight in Your Favour
Origin: Japan
In Judo, you don’t use strikes. You use techniques like grabs, hold downs, throws, chokes, & joint locks to immobilise the threat—and therein lies its greatest advantage.
This martial art is built on the principle of “maximum efficiency, minimum effort” (Seiryoku Zenyo)—basically, using an opponent’s strength against them, which makes it possible to overcome even much larger adversaries. You can see how well you’d perform in real-world, high-stress situations during randori, a type of free-style sparring that develops your reflexes, reaction time, and, by default, your confidence.
Best for: anyone looking to defend themselves without resorting to aggression
Not so good for: individuals who dislike close-contact training
3. Karate — Master Focus and Controlled Combat
Origin: Okinawa
Learning self-defence can feel overwhelming, but Karate simplifies the process with a structured, belt-ranking system of progression to foster continuous improvement.
With a focus on both striking (punches and back fists) and defensive manoeuvres (blocking and parrying), you’ll develop a well-rounded set of skills that can be applied in a fluid, dynamic manner. You can see how you’d perform in real-world scenarios by engaging in Kumite (sparring) with opponents who are bigger and stronger than you.
But it’s not all combat.
Programs teaching Karate focus on improving your situational awareness—assessing threats in your surroundings and finding non-violent solutions or escapes. So you’ll make better judgment calls on whether to fight or flee by ‘reading the room’.
Best for: beginners of all age
Not so good for: individuals who dislike routine, repetition, and structure
4. Muay Thai — The Art of Eight Limbs
Origin: Thailand
Muay Thai has its roots in military training—so you know there’s more to it than flashy moves! This well-rounded martial art trains you to deliver precise, high-impact strikes using elbows, fists, knees, and shin—giving you 8 points to hit back, hard and fast.
Training also takes you through clinch, a close-range grappling position that allows you to control your opponent’s head, neck, and biceps to neutralise their attacks.
But Muay Thai doesn’t just teach self-defence; it hones your reflexes and improves your strength and endurance, helping you stay safe in just about any situation!
Best for: anyone looking to build physical endurance & mental toughness
Not so good for: individuals with pre-existing conditions like joint or mobility issues
5. Taekwondo — Let Your Foot (and Fist) Do the Talking
Origin: Korea
Many view Taekwondo as an Olympic sport, but its roots lie in practical self-defence.
True to its name—derived from the Korean words “tae” (foot), “kwon” (fist), and “do” (way)—it is built around powerful striking techniques, with legs as the primary focus.
In your classes, you’ll be taught how to land the perfect block, punch, and kick—often through defence-and-attack sequences called poomsae—to disable or deter an attacker. Regular practice of forms and footwork patterns will improve your reflexes and motor skills (like balance), allowing you to react faster to external threats.
Because this martial art instils discipline, you’ll also learn to control your mind and body, manage emotions, and stay calm under pressure—even in high-stakes situations.
Best for: anyone looking to improve their overall well-being & self-confidence.
Not so good for: individuals focusing on close-quarters combat or grappling, and those with poor lower-body mobility.
How to Choose the Right Martial Arts for You?
With choices ranging from Muay Thai to Karate, how do you find the best martial arts for self-defence that aligns with your needs? Let’s break it down.
Define Your Goals
I know, I know—self-defence is your priority, but do you also want to—
- Boost your physical fitness? Try Judo
- Develop mental discipline? Try Muay Thai
- Train for competition? Try Taekwondo
Want it all in one discipline? Take a class in Karate. You’re welcome.
Assess Your Physical Condition
Martial arts can be physically intense, incorporating striking, grappling, and throwing techniques that demand strength, endurance, and agility. Your current fitness level can influence how well you adapt to different martial arts, so it’s essential to be realistic about your abilities and take into account any health conditions you may have.
Consider the Style and Philosophy
Each martial art style has its unique set of principles & philosophies—some emphasise discipline, some focus on self-control, while others prioritise real-world application.
Understanding the foundations of each will help you choose one that best aligns with your mindset, lifestyle, and personality. This due diligence will increase the likelihood of you enjoying learning the sport, making it easier to stay committed over the long term.
Conclusion:
When it comes to the best martial arts for self defence, Karate stands out as an excellent choice for people of all ages, genders, & physical abilities–for good reason.
It goes beyond teaching you how to throw a punch or land a kick—Karate conditions both body and mind to react with speed, precision, and confidence in high-pressure situations. So, what are you waiting for? Step onto the mat at Lion Budokan Karate International—and take the first step toward becoming your protector.
