As a practicing martial artist, the top question I get asked from those who are curious about starting is, “What is the best martial art to try?” This isn’t an easy question to answer. Training depends upon your objective as a martial artist. When I first began training in taekwondo and Krav Maga, my mission was simply self-defense and martial arts. The longer I’ve trained, my mission has changed.
Whether you’re interested in learning a traditional fighting style or prefer a more modern approach to self-defense, there are numerous martial arts to choose from, each with its own benefits. Martial arts can improve flexibility, strength, endurance, and coordination while also growing discipline, confidence, and mental resilience.
From high-intensity striking styles like Muay Thai to grappling-based arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the options are diverse. This guide will explore the most efficient martial arts to try, including the top martial arts for teenagers
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to deepen your skills, this guide will help you sort the good martial arts from the great martial arts for your needs.
The Most Efficient Martial Arts
Efficiency in martial arts often means mastering techniques that are practical, adaptable, and effective in a range of situations, especially for self-defense.
The below martial arts focus on maximizing efficiency:
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): Known for its emphasis on grappling and ground fighting, it’s one of the most efficient martial arts for self-defense, especially against larger opponents. It teaches techniques to control, neutralize, and submit an attacker using leverage rather than strength.
- Muay Thai: Known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” Muay Thai incorporates punches, kicks, knees, and elbows, making it a full-body striking martial art. It is highly efficient for both offense and defense, focusing on powerful strikes and clinch work.
- Krav Maga: Developed for the Israeli military, Krav Maga is widely considered one of the most efficient martial arts for self-defense. It focuses on neutralizing threats quickly and effectively, using strikes, disarms, and defensive techniques.
- Boxing: Boxing, while technically not a martial art, is an excellent addition to this list. It’s great for learning efficient striking techniques, footwork, head movement, and powerful punches, all of which are valuable for both self-defense and competition.
- Judo: Judo focuses on throws and ground control, teaching practitioners how to use an opponent’s force against them. Its efficiency comes from mastering leverage-based techniques that require minimal effort to execute.
These martial arts are prized for their effectiveness in real-world situations, making them ideal choices for those seeking practical self-defense or competition-oriented training.
When considering martial arts for self-defense, it’s essential to focus on systems that teach realistic techniques, awareness, de-escalation techniques, and efficient responses to stay safe in dangerous situations.
Martial Arts for Teenagers
Choosing the right martial art for teenagers requires balancing physical development, attention-keeping stimulation, and fun.
Here are some martial arts that are great for teens:
- Taekwondo: Taekwondo is one of the most popular martial arts for children and teenagers. It focuses on kicking techniques, flexibility, and agility—and it looks like what you see in movies. With a structured belt system, Taekwondo helps teens set and achieve goals, while its emphasis on discipline and respect builds character.
- Karate: Karate is another excellent option for teens. It combines punches, kicks, and blocks with forms (katas) and sparring. It emphasizes respect, discipline, and focus, making it a great choice for teens.
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): BJJ is fantastic for teenagers because it teaches them how to defend themselves in a non-aggressive way. Teens can develop skills to neutralize larger opponents without resorting to violence. Here is an awesome guide on BJJ that will help parents and teens understand how it’ll be a great addition to their lives.
- Kung Fu: Kung Fu offers teens a mix of traditional martial arts techniques and fitness training. It is a more fluid martial art, focusing on movements, stances, and self-discipline.
- Capoeira: For teens looking for something unique and fun, Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art, is a mix of dance, music, and martial arts. It teaches agility, coordination, and rhythm, all while building self-esteem and teamwork. And it’s fun!
Each of these martial arts helps teenagers develop confidence, discipline, and self-defense skills while providing an enjoyable and physically challenging experience.
The 10 Best Martial Arts to Try
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced martial artist looking for something new like myself currently, here’s a list of the top 10 martial arts to consider (in no particular order):
These martial arts offer a diverse range of techniques, from grappling and striking to self-defense. Whether you’re interested in learning a traditional martial art or something more modern, each offers unique benefits for both body and mind.
Conclusion
Choosing the right martial art depends on your personal goals. Efficient martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Krav Maga offer practical skills for real-world situations, while striking arts like Muay Thai and boxing provide intense physical conditioning and effective fighting techniques.
Teenagers can benefit from structured martial arts like Taekwondo and Karate, which emphasize discipline, goal-setting, and respect. With a wide variety of martial arts to explore, from the traditional forms like Kung Fu and Karate to modern systems like Krav Maga, there is something for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level.
Each martial art offers its own unique set of challenges and rewards, making them worth trying for those looking to improve their physical and mental well-being while learning valuable skills.