Martial Arts Lab decided to conduct a research to find out which martial arts type is considered being the best in the world according to visitors of our website. The following list is Top 10 Martial Arts that have been chosen by the visitors of Martial Arts Lab (updated October 04, 2014). Top 10 Martial Arts in the World

10. MMA

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) – one of the fastest growing sports in the world. It’s actually a combination of various martial arts rather than just the type of martial art, however, this Top 10 Martial Arts list is our visitors’ choice, not mine, and I do respect that. MMA combines both striking and grappling, and even punches while fighting on the ground. The technique of MMA is really wide-range and involves many types of martial arts within it. The most popular MMA organization in the world currently is the Ultimate Fight Championship (UFC).

In fact, they’re so popular that they now make, and sell their own MMA gloves and other training equipment.

9. Judo

Judo is the most effective for its throws and takedowns martial arts system, founded by Jigoro Kano in Japan. It’s very popular and competitive sport, which is the part of Olympic games since 1964. Judo practitioners called – Judoka wears uniform – Judogi wrapped with the belt. Belt color depends on practitioner’s level. Judo martial art is very popular between MMA fighters and is still effectively used today.

8. Wrestling

Wrestling is one of the oldest martial arts and combat form that utilizes grappling, takedowns, clinch fighting, holds, joint locks and throws. Wrestling took place in the Athens Olympics Games and in the modern Olympic Games since 1904. Although sports committee considered to remove wrestling from 2020 Summer Olympic Games, fortunately due to majority of votes, they decided to keep it for at least the next 3 Olympic Games. The most common styles of wrestling: Freestyle Wrestling and Greco-Roman Wrestling.

7. Taekwondo

Taekwondo – the most popular Korean Martial Art that is also a Korean national sport and it’s truly one of the top 10 martial arts in the world. You will need strength, stamina, speed as well as flexibility to master this art. The most powerful weapon of Taekwondo is kicks. There are many coaches teaching this martial art form and it is one of the most commonly taught type of martial arts in the world.

6. Karate

Number six of the Top 10 Martial Arts list is – Karate, which was founded in Japan. Karate – the most popular Japanese martial art that has many different styles. Shotokan, Kyokushinkai, Shito Ryu, Wado Ryu, Goju Ryu – those are the most popular ones. Karate teaches you discipline and self-development. It can also be used as self-defense method. Karate technique is divided into 3 main parts: kumite, kihon and kata.

5. Kung Fu

Kung Fu – the most popular Chinese Martial Art in the world. It is mostly known from famous Jackie Chan and other Chinese action/martial arts movies. Kung Fu has deep traditions and philosophy; it will develop not just your whole body, but the soul and mind as well. Kung Fu training involves fighting with weapons, meditations and studying different fighting styles. They all have interesting names: Monkey style, five animals, drunken boxing and others.

4. Boxing

Boxing – some may argue that boxing is not a martial art form while others will see it differently. People who have never tried boxing think those fighters are just punching each other’s face and there is nothing more to it. However, that is the opinion of people who lack the knowledge about this sport. The main weapon in boxing is punches with precise, fast footwork and body movement. To be a good boxer you need not just skills, technique and punch power – you will also need to be smart, react quickly to changing situations, make fast decisions and choose the right tactic during the fight. That’s why this sport deserved to be in the Top 10 Martial Arts in the World list.

3. Krav Maga

Krav Maga – it’s a martial art and self-defense system founded by Imrich Lichtenfeld in Israel. But Krav Maga is getting significantly more popular around the world. It has a very effective technique and is quite easy to learn Krav Maga for everyone regardless of their age or gender and then use it to protect themselves in dangerous life situations. This is why most people choose Krav Maga as one of the Top 10 Martial Arts for Self-defense and to be the top 3 in the world.

2. Muay Thai

Muay Thai – Thailand’s martial art form which it is very popular around the world. It’s a full contact sport that teaches almost all possible standing strikes: shins, knees, fists, feet, and elbows. Every part of your body, even the ones normally considered vulnerable, can be turned into deadly weapons with the use of Muay Thai. It’s widely used among MMA fighters and is considered to be one of the best types of martial arts in the world.

1. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

And the winner, that received the most of our visitors’ votes in our Top 10 Martial Arts in the World list is – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). It’s difficult to explain, but I know from my personal experience that I fell in love with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu during my first training session. This wonderful type of martial art became famous during the very first Ultimate Fighting Championchip competitions, when Royce Gracie defeated his opponents one after another by using just BJJ technique. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is currently the most popular martial art among MMA fighters. As Helio Gracie said – “Jiu-Jitsu is for the protection of the individual, the older man, the weak, the child, the lady, the young women – anyone who doesn’t have the physical attributes to defend themselves.”

How exactly can one decide which type of martial arts might be the best? To clarify that, please answer to the following questions below.

What types of martial arts did you find to be the most interesting and exciting for you after trying them out? Which one did you love the most? Which type looks the most complete and limitless for studying it? What types of martial arts do you think can help you improve the most? Which one will make you come to the gym every day?