Training in martial arts is beneficial. Yet, if you’re a beginner, it may be challenging. Because of that, knowing which fighting styles are most suitable for people without a martial arts background—is crucial. Here are the best martial arts for beginners.
Now, I don’t want you to wait too long. The following list is the best martial arts for beginners by order. (#1 = Best)
- Krav Maga
- Boxing
- Kickboxing
- Judo
- Jiu-Jitsu
Knowing which fighting styles are most suitable for inexperienced individuals will assist you in choosing one to learn. That way, you’ll progress faster and enjoy the process. Furthermore, staying consistent in training will become easier.
If you want to progress outside of training, buying equipment for your home will assist you in doing so. I recommend doing so, as it’ll speed up your learning process. I wrote a complete guide to training martial arts at home, and I encourage you to read it.
| Martial Art | Benefits | Techniques you’ll learn |
|---|---|---|
| Jiu-Jitsu | Better physical shape Increased self-confidence Knowing self-defense quickly | Grappling Submissions |
| Judo | Learning self-defense quickly Better physical shape Better situational awareness | Grappling Submissions |
| Kickboxing | Better physical shape Being a solid fighter Higher pain-tolerance | Kicking Punching Defending |
| Boxing | Higher pain-tolerance Better physical shape Being a solid fighter | Punching Defending |
| Krav Maga | Learning self-defense quickly Better physical shape Better mental health | Punching Kicking Firearms Grappling |
5. Jiu-Jitsu
Knowing grappling techniques can be the difference between winning and losing a fight. As a result, knowing such movements will assist you in self-defense and fighting in general. The best fighting style that teaches its trainees grappling techniques is, by far, Jiu-Jitsu.
Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that utilizes grappling and choking techniques to maneuver your opponent. Because it doesn’t involve any complicated movements, it’s suitable for beginners. Learning it will benefit its trainees both physically and mentally.
If you’re unfamiliar with Jiu-Jitsu, there are two primary types: Brazilian and Gracie. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the sport. Therefore, you won’t learn any striking or additional techniques.
However, in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, you’ll learn many fighting techniques, including striking, kicking, grappling, choking, and more. However, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu also fits the category of self-defense because it teaches highly practical and effective fighting techniques.
Why is Jiu-Jitsu suitable for beginners?
Jiu-Jitsu is suitable for beginners for a couple of reasons. First, it doesn’t incorporate any complicated movements. As a result, anyone without a martial arts background can begin learning it.
Additionally, you’ll grasp the techniques relatively quickly. As a result, you’ll be capable of using it in real life after a short period.
Overall, knowing how to grapple a person can grant you an advantage quickly. Although striking and kicking are crucial for self-defense, grappling is powerful. If you pin the attacker to the ground and perform a choking movement on one, you win.
If it were practice, one would’ve tapped out. In real life, you would continue until the attacker is unconscious. Because of that, not only is Jiu-Jitsu suitable for beginners, but it’s also fantastic for self-defense.
Who should learn Jiu-Jitsu?
Essentially, if you’re interested in learning ground martial art, Jiu-Jitsu is for you. Let me explain. In it, you’ll learn to maneuver your opponent while being on the ground. A real scenario would most likely end up on the floor. As a result, knowing to act in such a position—is crucial.
I recommend everyone who wishes to learn self-defense to learn Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. It’s a suitable fighting style for beginners, and it’s a complete martial art. As a result, you’ll learn everything you need to know about fighting in it.
The following video demonstrates the movements you’ll learn in Jiu-Jitsu.
4. Judo
Like Jiu-Jitsu, Judo utilizes grappling techniques. Because of that, it’s relevant for today’s world. Knowing how to pin an attacker to the ground is incredibly helpful in a fight. That said, Judo has prominent disadvantages and therefore consider it before you begin training in it.
Judo is a martial art that utilizes grappling and throwing techniques to pin the opponent to the ground. Because it doesn’t involve any complicated movements, it’s suitable for people without and with a martial arts background.
The world is constantly changing. Because of that, being ready for various situations—is crucial for self-defense. Judo prepares you for dangerous scenarios by teaching you principles to follow. That way, you’ll be able to adapt to many self-defense situations.
I recommend learning Judo as it’s highly beneficial. You’ll experience both physical and mental benefits. As a result, training in it will assist you in developing your inner and outer self.
You’ll get into shape, increase your confidence and self-esteem, and know self-defense. Because of that, Judo is one of the best martial arts in the world. Furthermore, it’s highly relevant for self-defense and not just as a sport.
Data showed that judo athletes and recreational judo practitioners show above average VO2max, improved body composition, increased bone mineral density, and bone mineral content.
(Source)
If you want to learn more about the benefits of martial arts, follow the link to an article of mine.
Why is Judo suitable for beginners?
Some martial arts focus on a single aspect of fighting. For instance, Jiu-Jitsu is about maneuvering your opponent while being on the ground. As a result, learning it won’t be as demanding as other fighting styles, such as MMA.
Judo is suitable for beginners because it doesn’t involve any complicated techniques. Instead, its focus is on a single pursuit which is grappling. Because of that, learning the fundamentals—will be more manageable. Thus seeing progress sooner is expected.
Eventually, it’s suitable for beginners because of its popularity. You may wonder, how is that related? Well, many qualified schools teach the art of Judo. As a result, finding a solid instructor that will teach you the fundamentals won’t be challenging.
Who should learn Judo?
Essentially, people with a slight interest in Judo will enjoy training. The whole point of the exercise is enjoyment. If you’re not having fun, you won’t stay consistent. Consequently, you won’t notice any benefits or results.
You should learn Judo if you’re interested in learning various grappling techniques and have an interest in it. Thus you’ll stay consistent effortlessly. Because of that, not only will you see results sooner, but you’ll also enjoy the process.
The following video showcases the techniques you’ll learn throughout your training.
3. Kickboxing
One of the most uncomplicated martial arts in the world—is Kickboxing. It doesn’t incorporate any complicated techniques, and therefore it’s suitable for beginners. The more you’ll understand this fighting style, the more you’ll want to learn it.
Kickboxing is a martial art that utilizes punching and kicking to knock out the opponent. It’s suitable for beginners because it doesn’t incorporate any complicated movements. Kickboxing’s focus is on two primary fighting techniques, which are punching and kicking. Thus learning it will take less time.
Kickboxing provides many benefits to the trainee. As a result, it’s relatively popular these days. You’ll notice both physical and mental benefits. That means not only will you witness your inner self growing, but you’ll also be physically stronger.
The most prominent benefit of Kickboxing is better physical shape. Because it’s such an intense workout, you’ll manage your body weight without trouble.
“The findings of the present study revealed that 5-weeks of kickboxing training involved significant improvements in aerobic power (i.e., MAP and VO2MAX), anaerobic fitness (i.e., upper-body peak power and lower-body mean power during the Wingate test) as well as improvements in muscle power.”
(Source)
Lastly, Kickboxing will make you a solid fighter. As a result, you’ll be capable of getting hit without moving an inch. In training, you’ll get used to feeling pain in the form of punching, and therefore you won’t crumble when someone punches you.
Knowing to get hit is vital for self-defense because you won’t be afraid of closing the distance between you and the attacker. As a result, you’ll be capable of disabling the hostile more quickly. Thus the odds of you getting hurt are lower.
Why is Kickboxing suitable for beginners?
Learning various striking and kicking movements won’t be as challenging as other ones. Because of that, Kickboxing is reasonably uncomplicated and therefore suitable for beginners.
As a general rule, Kickboxing is easy to learn. While you may have some trouble starting, like everything in life—it’ll get more manageable as you progress. Because Kickboxing doesn’t incorporate any complicated movements, such as choking, you’ll learn it quickly.
If you’re starting with martial arts, Kickboxing is a fantastic first to learn. Not only will you become a solid fighter, but you’ll also develop yourself mentally and physically.
My advice is to start. Being hesitant will get you nowhere. Although I understand why it may feel challenging, it isn’t as hard as you think. When you begin training, momentum will kick in, and you’ll enjoy the activity. Thus you’ll progress faster and notice more benefits.
I wrote an article on the seven easiest-to-learn martial arts. I recommend you to read it, as you may find one fighting style more suitable.
Who should learn Kickboxing?
People who desire to learn an uncomplicated martial art should consider Kickboxing as their primary one. I’ve had success with Kickboxing because it’s straightforward. From the first session, you’ll start learning striking and kicking techniques.
If you desire to learn an easy-to-learn martial art that provides mental and physical benefits Kickboxing may be suitable. Eventually, you’ll become a solid fighter that’s capable of getting hit. Because of that, it also fits self-defense purposes.
The following video demonstrates the techniques and movements you’ll learn in Kickboxing.
2. Boxing
Knowing to punch powerfully will assist you in various self-defense situations. You may have seen videos of people knocking out others. Usually, it’s with a fierce punch to the guy’s head. Mastering such a movement will highly benefit your life; let’s look into it.
Boxing is a martial art that teaches to strike in various forms, and therefore it’s uncomplicated. Because it doesn’t incorporate any complicated techniques you’ll learn it quickly. Additionally, it’ll make you a solid fighter because you’ll know to get hit.
When I started training in Boxing, I was hesitant. Because of that, I was relatively insecure in my ability to fight. Now, it was over seven years ago. As time went on, I began to understand the importance of being calm and sure of myself. If you weren’t, beating an opponent will be much more challenging.
Thus my confidence and self-esteem increased over time. Well, that’s one of the foremost benefits you’ll witness from Boxing training. Eventually, I became a solid fighter who knows and isn’t scared of getting hit. Thus I was able to close the distance against my opponents with ease.
Such a trait is highly desirable for self-defense. If you’re scared of fighting or getting punched, you won’t close the distance. As a result, not only will you not attack, but you’ll also never beat the attacker.
I wrote an article on the two martial arts that combine with Boxing. If you’re interested in that, I encourage you to follow the link.
The following list is the benefits you’ll experience from Boxing training. (Source)
- Improves balance
- Helps posture
- Strengthens upper body and core.
- Boosts endurance
- May increase alertness.
- Enhances mood
- Improves hand-eye coordination
These are all desirable, practical traits. Now, if you can achieve them by learning to fight, there’s no losing. While you may feel hesitant at first, understand that it’s completely natural. You should feel scared to begin, as it’s a new activity. However, my sole advice is to start your training – NOW!
Why is Boxing suitable for beginners?
Some techniques are more challenging to learn than others ones. For instance, some Jiu-Jitsu movements are demanding to study. As a result, you may train for longer before noticing any positive experiences. However, that’s not the case with Boxing.
Boxing is suitable for beginners because it doesn’t incorporate any complicated movements. It does involve various striking techniques. As a result, you’ll catch the basics more quickly than most martial arts. Thus learning it is suitable for beginners.
Learning to jab won’t take as long as you may think. It may take a single session before you become proficient in one technique. As a result, you’ll know to fight relatively quickly. Thus the time, until you witness benefits, shortens.
I’ve seen significant success using two products that I recommend you buy to learn Boxing. Because you’ll own the equipment, you’ll be capable of training at home. I recommend you buy this punching bag and these MMA gloves.
Who should learn Boxing?
If you want to learn to fight and do it fast, consider Boxing. You’ll learn all about striking powerfully and knowing to get hit. In a sparring session, you’ll get hit plenty of times. Thus you won’t be scared of getting punched in a real fight. Such a trait is crucial for self-defense.
Individuals interested in practicing striking and learning to fight should train in Boxing. You’ll understand the basics quickly, and therefore you’ll notice benefits sooner. Eventually, you’ll also become a solid fighter who can take a hit.
The following video showcases the various movements you’ll learn in Boxing.
1. Krav Maga
When a military teaches its operators fighting techniques, they are practical and uncomplicated. Because soldiers don’t have spare time for fighting classes, teaching them easy-to-learn martial art—is crucial. As a result, Krav Maga was born.
Krav Maga is a martial art that started in the Israeli military and became popular in the last couple of years. Special forces operators learn Krav Maga because it’s suitable for beginners. Not only that, you’ll become proficient at it after a few months. Thus it’s highly effective.
Krav Maga utilizes many relevant techniques and doesn’t focus on one. Although you may think that it makes it complicated, it isn’t. Because it’s dynamic and involves uncomplicated movements, you’ll learn it quickly.
I wrote an article on tips for martial arts beginners. If you’re interested in learning it, I recommend you look at it.
I’m a big fan of Krav Maga. When I was in the military, I learned it for 14 months. As a result, I became solid in it. Thus I write this section with complete confidence. I know what you’ll learn, and I can assure you it’s effective for self-defense.
You’ll notice many benefits from Krav Maga. Not only will you be confident in your fighting capabilities, but you’ll also get into shape. Such traits are highly desirable, and therefore learning them—is wise.
“…exercisers can expect a moderate-to-vigorous intensity workout that teaches self-defense techniques while simultaneously providing a full-body workout.”
(Source)
Why is Krav Maga suitable for beginners?
Krav Maga will teach the trainees the basics of fighting. Additionally, you’ll learn unique techniques that are effective for self-defense in general. Because of that, using Krav Maga after a short period—is typical.
Krav Maga is suitable for beginners because it teaches uncomplicated movements. Furthermore, you’ll learn the fundamentals of fighting. These are striking, kicking, grappling, and dealing with firearms. As a result, you’ll learn to adapt to any dangerous situation.
Lastly, special forces learned it over the last couple of years. Now, they don’t have time to spend on martial arts. The last thing they can do is invent further training for their operators.
If we reflect on our case, we can use the same techniques they learn and do it ourselves. Consequently, not only will we learn to fight, but we’ll also learn it quickly.
I wrote an article on what makes Krav Maga different. If you’re interested in reading more about it, I recommend reading it.
Who should learn Krav Maga?
Krav Maga is for everyone. Men, women, and anyone who desires to learn a unique fighting style. That said, it’s not a traditional martial art. Because of that, it doesn’t have a rich history.
Krav Maga is suitable for people who want to learn fighting techniques quickly. Thus you’ll be able to use self-defense after a short period. You’ll learn all about striking, kicking, grappling, firearms, and choking techniques. Thus it’s highly effective for all types of fighting.
The following list is five situations Krav Maga is effective in countering. (Source)
- Street fights
- Knife attacks
- Pistol attacks
- Multiple attackers
- Any scenario that escalates quickly
Overall, I’m biased toward Krav Maga. Many believe it’s an ineffective martial art. Although that’s true for schools that don’t teach it appropriately, it’s not useless. Instead, it’s one of the deadliest martial arts in the world. Thus learning it—is wise.
Best martial art for people with a lack of strength
Various martial arts don’t require you to be physically strong. As a result, they’re suitable for people below average strength-wise. When I began training, I looked for the exact answer to that question. Yet, there weren’t any complete answers. Well, here you go.
Jiu-Jitsu and Judo are suitable for people who lack physical strength because they rely on momentum rather than raw power. For instance, MMA and Boxing rely heavily on techniques that require you to be physically strong.
Knowing which fighting styles are best for “weak people” is crucial. If you know what these are, you’ll have a manageable time progressing and seeing results. Consequently, staying consistent will become effortless.
I know what you’re going through. Although it seems challenging and you’re hesitant, don’t be. If you start training in martial arts, you’ll become stronger naturally. Thus you’ll enjoy the process and harvest the results.
Useless martial arts
Various martial arts aren’t as valuable as others. In fact, some of them are entirely useless. Not only will you not learn self-defense, but you won’t gain any practicality. Because of that, you should avoid them from the moment you begin your training.
The most useless martial arts are Sumo and Yellow Bamboo. Because these don’t teach any practical techniques, learning them—will be unwise. Yet, practicing a fighting style suitable for self-defense will be better than these useless ones.
Avoiding these martial arts will be wise. That way, you’ll ensure progression. If you want to read the whole list of the most useless martial arts, I wrote an article precisely on that.
Conclusion
Participating in martial arts will provide many physical and mental benefits. For instance, one can expect to get in shape, have better mental health, and increase self-esteem. All of these are highly desirable in today’s world. As such, achieving them—is incredible.
If you’re a beginner, don’t be hesitant about training. When you begin, you’ll start having momentum. Thus staying consistent will become effortless. Additionally, if you enjoy the martial art you’re doing, you’ll have fun while learning fighting techniques.
If you want to read the five best martial arts for kids, follow the link.
Here are other articles you’d enjoy reading:
5 Reasons Martial Arts Is More Than Just Fighting | Guide
5 Best Fighting Styles for MMA – Full Guide
7 Best Fighting Styles in the World – Breakthrough
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The Best Martial Art for Cops | The Answer Inside
The Best Martial Art to Start Learning First
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Here’s the Best Martial Art for Close Combat