The Most Popular Martial Arts Styles

Martial arts students embark on a lifelong journey of self-improvement of the mind, body, and soul. Mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, the practitioner is tested. The sport is all-encompassing and instills a strong sense of self-worth in the student.

Each style has its benefits, a story on how it was created, and discipline. In this post, we’ll learn more about popular martial arts styles that you can try.

1. Wrestling

You might be surprised to learn that wrestling is one of the most popular martial art in the world. There are a few reasons for this. For one, wrestling is a very versatile martial art. Wrestling can be used for self-defense, competition, or physical fitness.

Unlike other martial arts, there are no crazy moves or stunts to learn—just simple techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and takedowns, joint locks, pins, and other grappling holds that can be mastered with practice.

Wrestling is also very accessible. All you require to get going is a pair of shoes and clothes that allow you to move freely.

2. Kung Fu

According to a survey by the World Taekwondo Federation, Kung Fu is the most popular martial art in the world. In second place is taekwondo, followed by Karate in third place.

What’s interesting about Kung Fu is that it has many different styles. It seeks to defend and incapacitate an enemy using quick strikes. Kicks, blocks, and open and closed hand strikes can be used too, and depending on the style, throws and joint locks may be part of a practitioner’s repertoire.

If you’re interested in learning it, you can find a style that suits your personality and interests. Some of the more popular Kung Fu styles are Shaolin and Wing Chun.

So if you’re seeking an exciting and challenging martial art, Kung Fu is a good option.

3. Taekwondo

It is a system of symmetrical body exercises or techniques designed for self-defense and counterattack in unarmed combat. It’s characterized by punching and kicking techniques, emphasizing the head height, spinning jump, and fast kicking techniques.

Also, it is the one that receives the most coverage in the media because it’s flashy and exciting. No wonder people are drawn to it.

This kind of martial art is recommended for men, women, and children. The goal is to give a sense of self-esteem, knowledge of self-defense, and heightened mental and physical well-being.

4. Krav Maga

Currently, Krav Maga is one of the most popular martial arts. It originated from a fusion of aikido, boxing, Judo, Karate, and wrestling moves. It is renowned for its tremendous efficiency and emphasis on practical applications.

Krav Maga is all about self-defense. It’s a brutally effective system developed for the military and law enforcement. So what makes it so popular?

Well, for a start, it’s easy to learn. You don’t need years of experience or training to get started. And because it’s based on instinct and natural reactions, you can defend yourself even if you’re not in top physical condition.

Krav Maga is perfect for people who want to get fit fast. You’ll see results in no time at all. Krav Maga is worth checking out if you’re looking for an influential and empowering martial art.

5. Ninjutsu

Ninjutsu is one of the most popular martial arts around. It’s Japanese art that combines elements of both strategy and physical prowess.

You might be wondering what makes Ninjutsu so unique. Well, one thing that sets it apart is the focus on stealth and secrecy. Students learn how to move undetected and use the environment to their advantage.

Ninjutsu is also known for its powerful kicks and punches, as well as its weapon skills. If you are in search of martial art that will test your physical limits, Ninjutsu is an excellent choice.

Conclusion

So which style is the most popular? There is no universal answer to this question because the popularity of various martial arts varies depending on your location and cultural context.

Each martial art has its techniques and benefits, so it’s critical to do your homework before settling on one. Try a few different styles and see if it suits you.