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Aikido -

Aikido might not be the most effective martial art in a street fight, but it can be helpful for people who have to deal with violent people all the time (e.g. police officers). Its wrist locks can be helpful to deter someone without using excessive force.

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Capoeira -

Developed by African slaves in Brazil, this dance-like martial art is probably not the best way to defend yourself, though an MMA fighter once managed to knock out an opponent with a capoeira kick!

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Wrestling -

This ancient sport is not a martial art as such, but the moves can be transferable to a real fight.

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Ninjutsu -

Ninja movies are great. Ninjutsu applied to a street fight, probably not so much. Fighting is actually just a part of ninjutsu, so even calling it a martial art is debatable.

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Arnis -

This Philippines-based martial art, also known as Eskrima or Kali, makes use of weapons (some improvised). So if you happen to have an umbrella at hand and get attacked, you'll know what to do!

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Wing Chun -

The moves of this style of Kung Fu do look amazing, but it has its limitations when it comes to self-defense in a real fight situation. You will probably still be at an advantage by knowing it though.

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Taekwondo -

This famous Korean martial art features impressive head-kicks. It can be effective, but if you fall to the ground it's game over.

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Jeet Kun Do - Created by Bruce Lee, this martial art combines traditional Wing Chun with other fighting systems.

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Karate -

This Japanese martial art exploded in popularity in the '80s thanks to a number of movies. It combines fast kicks and punches, which is always useful to know.

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Silat -

Silat hails from South East Asia and is practiced in countries such as Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, and the Philippines. From weapons to ground work, Silat can be a good self-defense system.

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Kyokushin -

Kyokushin is a sort of karate on steroids. Its full-contact element makes athletes better equipped to deal with a fight in real life.

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Kajukenbo -

This hybrid martial art from Hawaii mixes elements of karate, judo, jujutsu, kenpō, and boxing. It's a great all-rounder and an effective way to defend yourself.

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Judo -

Judo is all about throwing your opponent to the ground. Athletes usually practice on a mat, so imagine how devastating a throw can be if your opponent hits a hard surface.

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Bokator -

Born in Cambodia, this ancient martial art combines different fighting elements with weapons techniques. You'll surely be confident you can defend yourself if you know bokator.

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Sanshou -

This Chinese martial art combines elements of Kung Fu with kickboxing and takedowns, making it very complete. It can be very useful in a self-defense situation.

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Sambo -

This Russian combat system was developed by the Soviet Union military forces. It mixes striking, grappling, and locks. It can be very effective for self-defense.

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Boxing -

Punching is one of our go-to moves when we're trying to defend ourselves, so learning how to do it properly can be very useful. But boxing is not just about punching–there's also a great level of athleticism involved.

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Kickboxing -

Add kicks to boxing and you have kickboxing. Being able to use both your hands and feet to strike powerful moves can be really effective when someone is attacking you.

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Savate -

France's take on kickboxing, savate mixes traditional boxing with kicking, making it an effective self-defense martial art.

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Muay Thai -

Also known as Thai boxing, this martial art makes use of fists, feet, knees, and elbows, and can be quite brutal. When attacking is the best defense, Muay Thai certainly delivers.

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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu -

Probably the most effective martial art to know if you get thrown on the ground. Its locks and chokes are second to none. MMA fighters use it all the time, so that says something about its effectiveness.

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Krav Maga -

The self-defense system par excellence, krav maga was developed by the Israeli Defense Forces. It teaches you to defend yourself from lots of different attacks, including weapons.

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MMA -

MMA stands for mixed martial arts, so in essence it is not one single martial art, but a combination. All elements, from punching to kicking and ground fighting, are included.

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MMA -

MMA is the best all-rounder, as it prepares you for all fighting styles and you'll be able to defend yourself in most circumstances.

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See also -

Celebrities and VIPs who get a kick out of martial arts

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