The 5 Most Effective Martial Arts for Self-Defence on the Street

Author:
Martial Artist
Updated:
Jun 20, 2024

Discover the five most effective martial arts if you find yourself in a street fight.
D-Keine | Canva

Which Martial Arts Are Effective in Self Defence?

It has been two years since my last post regarding martial arts. In these two years, I have had the privilege to practice an extremely wide range of martial arts aimed at self-defence, bringing my count to 15 different martial arts in total.

Although some of them, in my opinion, would never work in a hostile atmosphere and would probably get you killed, there are others that I studied that will send the assailants in the opposite direction. I also picked up some practical experience on the way when I was attacked by a guy with a knife, so I can say which martial art I instinctively chose given the situation; it worked.

In my article, I will highlight the five best martial arts for self-defence, in my opinion.

The best martial art for self-defence in the streets

I would also like to state that if self-defence is your only aim and you are not looking for an oriental lifestyle as well, I would stay away from traditional martial arts like karate or taekwondo or aikido. These arts take years to master before you can dare to take on muggers on the street, and even with years of practice, they won't guarantee your safety largely due to outdated training methods that don't prepare you for street fighting. I would like to state that there are exceptions to the norm, though, as with all things in life, but that's an article of its own.

I based my choice mostly on the following:

The effectiveness of the techniques
The speed and simplicity of the arts

These are the most effective arts of self-defence I have practiced and the reasoning behind my choices:

FMA use knives and sticks in addition to hand-to-hand combat.

5. Fillipino Martial Arts in the Form of Kali and Eskrima

These arts have originated from the very wide scope of fighting traditions practiced by traders traveling through the Philippines, as the locals always kept an open mind to effective ways of fighting. The resulting art focused on stick and knife fighting.

Although Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) has a tight learning curve, especially regarding the sticks, it's definitely one of the most potent arts I have ever practiced. The knife fighting is ever developing since new ways to cut and defend with a knife are constantly incorporated into the syllabus. They even have legal live knife fights to the death in the Philippines.

FMA's hand-to-hand fighting follows the principle that the same stick techniques can be applied without the stick since the stick is only an extension of the body. Although the resulting techniques are not too bad, I have seen better.

The main focus of this art is the sticks and knives, and since a person can find some form of a stick or carry a knife around almost anywhere, this martial art is suited for self-defence on the street.

the-most-effective-martial-art-for-real-life-and-self-defence

4. Pencak Silat

Pencak Silat is a term used for a collection of Indonesian martial arts that were developed to combat the Dutch. It has a wide variety of forms, and picking the correct one is crucial for effective self-defence.

The techniques I studied were similar to Muay Thai with the addition of knife and gun techniques. The reason I picked this art as one of my top five was its marginal simplicity, being a bit easier to master than the grappling forms of self-defence. It involves a lot of strikes rather than grabs making it easier to apply since the area where the technique can be applied is much bigger than in grappling. I found almost all the techniques functional for a street situation. However, a few moves were exceptions and wouldn't be so effective if common external factors, such as the attacker reacting in a resistant manner, kicked in. All in all, though, this art will teach you how to defend your life if necessary, even if your attacker is wielding a knife or a gun.

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3. Commando Krav Maga/Combat Survival

This is a grappling martial art developed by Moni Aizik based on Judo. It was specifically created for the purpose of self-defence in real-life situations, where guns and knives are usually present.

This, however, is not Krav Maga as created by Imi Lichtenfield, and one should not be confused between the two. I personally think Moni just incorporated the word Krav Maga as a sales gimmick to attract people. Nonetheless, it is an effective martial art, and all of the moves and techniques are applicable in real life. I actually found a lot of similarities between Combat Krav Maga (CKM) and Combat Sambo, probably because both arts have roots in Jiu-Jitsu.

Since it is a grappling art, it also has a bit of a learning curve, and practice is required before you could apply the techniques in a life-threatening situation. The striking in CKM has its roots in Muay Thai, but not a lot of attention is given to this aspect. Although the techniques are quite simple, fast reflexes are needed to properly execute the moves taught. Its gun and knife defences are effective, but I still prefer Krav Maga's approach, which will be discussed next. Again there's no reason not to consider this as your primary form of self-defence; you will not be disappointed.

Combat Sambo is a military fighting form based on grappling.

2. Combat Sambo

This is a Russian martial art based mostly on grappling.

Take note that there are three forms of Sambo, and although they mostly contain the same moves, the application and purpose of the techniques are completely different. There is:

Sport Sambo, aimed at competition fighting
Self-Defence Sambo, aimed self-defence and inflicting minimum damage to the attacker
Combat Sambo, which basically is the military fighting form created to inflict serious damage

Combat Sambo is the form, in my opinion, that is the most effective for the street, although Self-Defence Sambo also carries some weight. Since it is a grappling art, you have to train your reflexes, and practice is an absolute necessity before applying the techniques in a life-threatening situation. Once mastered, the techniques taught are effective, since the whole art is based on real-life situations in the military. But as I said, dedicated practice is required. Their gun defence is also very tricky to master, and doing it improperly by just a bit will get you killed. It took me two months of hard practice before I was able to apply one of the defensive techniques. Their striking is very similar to Muay Thai, following a lot of the same principles, but with such effective grappling techniques you will rarely be required to strike an opponent. The biggest challenge for the practitioner is mastering the proper reflexes to apply the art.

Krav Maga combines many martial arts forms.

1. Krav Maga

The first time I heard about Krav Maga, I was skeptical, partly due to the fact that I thought it was a marketing machine, an expensive art that couldn't teach me anything I didn't know. However, it was on the list of self-defence arts, so I decided to have a look.

Krav Maga is mostly a striking Israeli martial art created by Imi Lichtenfield for the IDF and originally had its roots in boxing, karate, and wrestling. Today, the art has been modified to include Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and various other arts. To put it simply, it's militarized MMA.

In all my life, I had never seen such a simplistic yet effective form of fighting. It is so simplistic, that I almost felt insulted while learning it. As an MMA fighter, I knew 80% of the techniques already, and mastering the gun and knife defences was a breeze. At the same time, I was truly impressed.

The gun defence is so effective that proper application will always leave you with the gun in one second, whether or not you are smaller than your opponent. There is nothing the attacker can do once the technique is initiated except run as fast as he can in the opposite direction. The knife defence is basically Muay Thai blocks with extremely basic jiu-jitsu to disarm the knife, also incredibly effective. It also incorporates ground fighting, which is actually just the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu syllabus.

Krav Maga can thus actually be seen not as one art, but as a combination of the most effective techniques for any given situation from any art: thus, militarized MMA. Since it is so basic, it also makes it possible to learn Krav Maga through a book or DVD series. I did the basic course and then bought the book and DVDs to master the rest. So even if you are a master in various martial arts, take the time to learn Krav Maga, it's truly a noteworthy addition. To beginners, if you are looking for self-defence, I would recommend this as my number one art.

There are a few other reasons I like Krav Maga so much. The whole Krav Maga system is based on natural reactions of the body in certain situations, and the techniques are then developed around this concept. Thus you could almost say Krav Maga will be the natural reaction of the body. This is important for one reason: Once you are in a life-threatening situation, adrenalin starts pumping into your system, and your brain loses its finer motor functions. Meaning if you are not extremely well trained in an art, you won't be able to apply techniques that require steps (which might play a role in the other self-defence arts). Since Krav Maga is based on natural reactions, even a person not so well-trained in martial arts will be able to execute its techniques under stress with relative ease. Krav Maga classes have a tendency to be extremely expensive where I live, though, and classes advance at a very slow pace, so if this might also be your problem, get the book and DVDs and start practicing. If you are already an MMA or traditional MA practitioner where sparring is involved, in my opinion, don't even bother with classes, the book and especially the DVD series will be sufficient. That is just my opinion, though.

My Experience Fending off a Knife Mugger

When I was attacked by a knife mugger, I was actually curious about how my body would react and with what art I studied it would defend. It was indeed Krav Maga, but most probably because it was the most natural reaction.

But all of the above self-defence arts are effective, and with proper dedicated training, each one of these arts will make you a serious force to be reckoned with on the street or anywhere. If you truly have the time/years and really want to learn a traditional art such as karate, it is an option since most karate forms will include sparring, which in turn will sharpen your reflexes.

I cannot emphasize reflexes enough, because in the end, that is the factor that will determine how good your self-defence will be. Having the knowledge of all these arts will help nothing if you do not have the reflexes to apply it. So actually studying any art that develops reflexes will be a step in the right direction.

One should also take note that striking arts require substantially less refined reflexes than grappling arts since the application of a grappling art requires more accuracy.

If you do decide on a traditional martial art, take my advice and do a Krav Maga course in between classes. The knowledge you will gain will always be with you even if the art you study fails. The choice is yours.

Since the world is a big place, I have probably missed many martial arts that are also aimed at self-defence (or at least can be used for that purpose). This article is also based on my personal opinion so it’s not written in stone. So once again, speak your mind.

The list of martial arts that I practiced and considered for this list is as follows: Aikido, Jiu-Jitsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, CKM, Combat Sambo, FMA, Pencak Silat, Taekwondo, Karate, Ninjitsu, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Pancration, Systema, Keysi Fighting Method and Krav Maga.

Comments

Martial Artist (author) on May 30, 2021:

Greetings Marty, thanks for the input. To be fair this specific list is not so much about originality as it is about effectiveness. Krav Maga is not original by any means and they are quite transparent about that. It's a combination of boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Judo. Basically the most effective martial arts tried and tested in military warfare. You should read up about its history, very interesting read. All the best

Marty Holloway Sensei on April 15, 2020:

Real life experence. I believe Chinese Kungfu and Japanese grappling is where Krav Maga ideas came from to begine with. Over forty street fights and almost died few times and I that beleivs qualify me. Who has done this?

Martial Artist (author) on March 11, 2020:

Greetings Marty, I respect your views as a traditionalist although I do not agree with them. I based my opinion on real life experience. If you disagree and have been in similar confrontations where you needed to defend yourself against armed assailants feel free to share, would love to hear about them. All the best!

Martial Artist (author) on March 11, 2020:

Greetings Frank CHEADLE, you will have to Google to find a club. You can have a look at https://www.kravmagakc.com. Seems like a good club. All the best!

Martial Artist (author) on March 11, 2020:

Thank you Brad Frank. Appreciate the gesture! All the best!

Martial Artist (author) on March 11, 2020:

Good day Bob, depending on the rules, MMA can beat Krav Maga, since I don't think eye gouging are allowed in their competition rules. Krav Maga is more effective in no rules fighting. All the best

Marty on March 10, 2020:

Here comes the Krav Maga number one nonsense again.that they advertise all the time and make up crap.

Marty Holloway on February 04, 2020:

To say Krave Maga is the best is nonsense. Most of these moves are Chinese and Japanese rip offs. Ive seen what Krav Maga can do and its a joke in the martial art community. This comes from a holder of several belts in Japanese Jujutsu, Hapkido and Kempo Karate. To me Krav Maga is a bridge between a pilate and real martial arts.

Marty Holloway Sensei on January 12, 2020:

You think Karate, Hapkido etc. Dont train you for the street is complete nonsense.

Frank CHEADLE on November 19, 2019:

Is there a school in the Kansas City MO. Areas

Chris on November 14, 2019:

Try Systema. Martin wheeler is an instructor. Beverly Hills Academy in Beverly Hills CA. I challenge you to put Systema to the test, i used it in a real life situation and I'll take it over every other "self defense" system out there.

RJ on November 13, 2019:

I have studied for over 35 years and there is a big difference between Street Fighting and fighting. In Street Fighting there is a big chance your going to get serious hurt. Most Street Fighters have no training and no restriction on what they do. Krav Maga is a most effective style. I am not putting down other styles just respecting the street way of life.

David Kelly on November 09, 2019:

The best way to learn to defend yourself on the street muay thai, wrestling boxing bjj. However, not just learning actually sparring in which one gets hit and hits. Its called fighting. If you want to become a good fighter which in turn will make you good at defending yourself. There is no easy way. If you want to be a good runner you run. If you want to be a good fighter you fight

RAaymond Rankin on October 21, 2019:

I still need more time to find the right martial art for me to learn thank you for your time.

Brad Frank on September 30, 2019:

Excellent article. I am a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, but have thought about Krav Mara for years. I really appreciate your opinion and will do as you suggest. Thank you for your help!

Bob on September 29, 2019:

You know that carlos newton went to israel and beat many krav maga guys badly enough that they wanted carlos to train them. Krav maga overated

Fighter on July 21, 2019:

Chris LOL CKM and KM is not the same art, maybe read the article before posting a comment

Chris Hall on July 09, 2019:

you have KM on here twice, it is the same style . and the name jkd is dead.

Mark Streator on July 08, 2019:

You will learn most about fighting and defending yourself by boxing and getting punched in the face and body. Thai boxing and taking hard damaging kicks to the legs body and arms. Ju Jitsu and feeling and applying chokes and various joint locks and submissions. Without feeling these pains, absorbing and surviving these attacks and stressors, you have no idea how you'll react when violently attacked.

Martial Artist (author) on April 22, 2019:

Good day Guille30,

Thanks for the comment. In regards to your questions:

1. Boxing will sharpen your reflexes yes

2. Depends on your intent. If you only want to learn self defence - Krav Maga, if you are also looking for a new sport - MMA.

3. Depends on the fighter and the amount you train. Generally if you attend all the training 6 months to a year would allow you to defend yourself based on the situation you find yourself in.

4. MMA delves deeper into more techniques which is not necessarily taught on Krav Maga as Krav Maga only focuses on self defence against non-professional fighter while MMA teaches you to win against other fighters that also has professional training.

5. MMA do fill in most of the gaps in Krav Maga in my opinion

All the best!

OJIISAN on April 08, 2019:

I have practice Martial arts for over 50 YEARS KENJUTSURYU KARATE, AIKIDO, SHAOLIN GUNG FU. I have realized the martial arts is not the way of fighting but rather is the way of living and thinking. DOMO ARIGATO

Guille30 on March 11, 2019:

Hi, I really like your post. I´ve reading all your comments and hope you can answer some questions. In my small city I saw one Krav Maga global and one MMA.

My main goal is to do self defense and to become a effective fighter in case I need it. I´ve just started boxing to get in shape.

1-Do you think I can sharpen my reflexes sparring with box?

2-After box do you think I should go with Krav maga directly?or MMA first?

3-You said it takes 6 months to know the basic in Krav maga. How long it takes to get really good in it and survive in the streets?

4-You said Krav Maga and MMA is a good combo for a great fighter. What is it that good that MMA add to Krav Maga? I mean both have Muai thai and BJJ. Maybe MMA go deep in those both and add another useffull martial arts to the game. How do you go with this? You get good with Krav Maga and later add only some things of MMA or just go for alll MMA even more of muai thai and BJJ?

5-You also said that Krav maga is lacking a bit in stand grapping. Do MMA fill the gaps or is necesarry adding some techniques of another martial arts like yudo?

Thaks for all.

Mtco on November 04, 2018:

I've trained in a number of martial arts and self defense tactics systems over the years. These arts are Boxing, BJJ, Muay Thai, Krav Maga, PPCT and verbal deescalation. My training has come from civilian training and from law enforcement. I've have had real life combat applications of these arts and techniques ranging from real life self-defense, defense as an officer in a prison, controlled use of forces and sparring.

Things I have learned:

1.) The majority of people do not know how to fight nor have they ever trained, therefore if you have some form of training you have the upper hand. This assumes that you anticipate or know an attack is coming; such as, squaring up.

2.) Situational awareness is key! If you arent aware of your surroundings and make calculated decisions, you make yourself vulnerable.

Now on to the defense systems and tactics:

Verbal Self Defense:

Every mutual fight is avoidable. Over the years, verbal judo has saved me from a great deal of verbal confrontations and physical confrontations. You can pick the book up on Amazon for a few dollars. It is widely used by law enforcement and for good reason. It has even helped to de escalate personal life situations. This is why I rank it first. Avoiding the fight is the surest way of winning. However, remember its not full proof!

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ):

I didn't get into BJJ until my mid-twenties and that is unfortunate. I've found it to be the most effective martial art after the first 10 seconds of any fight. Typically, untrained people flail their arms and wrap up. From a law enforcement stand point, people dont usually become violent or try to flee until after the officer has made physical contact. BJJ has done wonders for me in both personal self-defense and as a correctional officer.

Boxing: I rate second because of its simplicity. Essentially, boxing teaches you to maintain distance and your two weapons are your fist. On top of this you also learn movements to avoid being hit

Muay Thai-

The fighting stance is a bit different than that of Western boxing. At first, I found this uncomfortable, however, as time went on I understood its reasoning and its benefits over boxing. It offers more tools to strike with and I would have rated it second if not for simplicity.

Krav Maga:

I perceive to be the most over-hyped defensive tactics system there is. I'm not saying it isn't effective but you could learn a grappling and striking art and still have a well rounded self-defense strategy.

PPCT-

Of all places I learned this was at the law enforcement academy. I don't even think its called ppct anymore. Anyway with the exception of a few strikes which are borrowed from Muay Thai I find it to be junk. It's crap and is a great way to get your ass kicked.

Dries on October 03, 2018:

I do agree and disagree that traditional martial arts are not so effictive. In my opinion almost every martial art is effictive if you got talent for the martial art and If you really hard trained and also do or did in competition form. Traditional martial arts have to be very hard and very long trained. If you actually look on time I do agree sambo combat is very good. But my experience is that you are best in the street when you are well trained in englisch boxing combinated with the low kicks and not clinching knee work, you can say the K1 rules system if you well learned in that stand up fighting

system you have to drill yourself in BJJ or Sambo combat, Judo also good but to fair for me, In my openion you have to stayed up from the ground as long as possible because a head kick is very quit given from a second opponent when your on the ground fighting you never know is your opponent is alone its ok to fight on the ground but for how long? you never can say it it can turn out that 3 person kick your head non stop while you are grappling you dont going to make it, with the stand up system you can use the enviroment for example standing with a wall after you or standing in a corner so you make a change when the opponent is not alone, I do not underestimate the efficiense of ground fighting it is actually better than stand up fighting but it is less dangerous. In my openion when you build your body up to more than 90kg wheight and when you have a height of minimum 1m75 if you are well trained in the K1 system you actually good for streetfighting if you have a natural snap punch or kick who are hard if they dont end the fight they actually at least seriously distord, making dizy or are very painfull that takes a lot of self confidence and courage to go on if you are several times hitted for dont stop the fight and walk or run away.

I did traditional karate for 9 years after I go for englisch boxing, after that I went to gym were they actually learned me to fight with the combination in training of muay thai, kickboxing and Sambo combat I think this is better than krav Maga because I real street fighter do not let it easily happen that you hit him in the balls or in the eyes you have to carefully and fast reaction with an attacking system of fighting I do not much believe in the counter techniques training of possible attacks only when you are very drilled in all types of attacking

Truema on September 14, 2018:

I disagree with your comment that traditional martial arts is ineffective and takes years to master while doing the forms correctly with every meticulous move may take years to master that does not mean you cannot effectively defend yourself by kicking or punching or knee striking or elbow striking most problems with rational martial arts these days is they have not been practiced as they should and have been watered down much like the telephone game we played as kids however I have been a Taekwondo instructor for over 26 years I can find hapkido jiu-jitsu boxing into my program and my students are very well-rounded I have a female student who just shared a story where a male grabbed her arm she didn't inside block strike knocked his arm off her arm and pushed him back up against the wall to escape. Like anyting take out the bed and keep the good but there's a wave the state's traditional martial arts is a waste of time and ineffective I disagree