Today, in the days of open access to almost all channels and the active promotion of mixed martial arts, it is not so easy to determine the best martial arts for street fights. It is important here not to fall unconditionally on the wave of the mainstream and at the same time to separate the best from the worst. In the 80s of the 20th century, Soviet youth violently "got sick" with karate classes, when at the same time, they actively practiced Combat Sambo.
When answering a question about self-defense, one should take into account all the dangers that await an ordinary person in a street fight. This includes:
- assault with cold or firearms;
- attack exclusively with hands;
- attack with both hands and feet;
- wrestling, all kinds of stalls, grabs, etc.
Defender for an effective counterattack must have a full defense against the above. After the defense, as a rule, they move on to a counter attack, but more on that later.
The history of the emergence and advantages of sambo
In 1938, specifically at the request of the leadership, a kind of sport focused on self-defense without weapons (abbreviated as SAMBO) was developed for law enforcement officers. The Founders Gathered Techniques and Techniques different types sports and adapted it to urban conditions. After the official inclusion of the registry, young people from all over the USSR began to actively engage in sambo. The first strength test of this sport took place during the Patriotic War.
Sambo is the most effective martial art in street fighting due to the fact that it includes:
- techniques for disarming the enemy;
- throws, sweeps, trips, allowing you to knock down an opponent for further finishing or holding;
- all kinds of punches, punches, kicks, knees and elbows. Those. you can actively use both the simplest low kicks and more complex taekwondo kicks.
A clear advantage of sambo is a special jacket, largely identical to the standard clothing of the autumn, winter and spring seasons. Most of the holds and tricks are done with this jacket.
The best representatives of sambo in MMA
The sambo school has long shown its effectiveness. Numerous competitions of various scales are held annually in this sport. Also, sambo is actively used by special services. The brightest representatives of this school are Fedor Emelianenko, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Oleg Taktarov. It was these fighters who invested a significant part in the popularization of this sport and its fame abroad. If we conduct a simple statistical analysis of victories in mixed martial arts, then it is likely that the advantage will be among fighters whose main style is different types of wrestling.
I would like to give the second place to MMA. A clear disadvantage of MMA over SAMBO as a sport for self-defense on the street is the lack of a sports jacket (which is effectively used for throws), armlocks (hand, forearm, etc.) and protective equipment from knife attacks or the threat of a gun. What is the best martial art for the street in the summer? MMA will be good in the summer season, because. if you get hung up on practicing tricks with a jacket grab, then adapt, especially in extreme situation will be more difficult. What can be used from MMA in the summer season:
- punches, kicks;
- passes to the legs, throws through the thigh, with a mill;
- undercuts, footboards;
- exit behind the back and subsequent stall.
Having fully mastered the sambo technique, you can easily calm down the attacker without inflicting serious injuries on him and thereby reducing the risk of exceeding the limits of the necessary defense, which will be checked in the event of a trial. A pain on the arm without a subsequent fracture, or a light choke will stop even such an aggressor, who is several times superior in physical fitness.
Other sports in self defense
What type of martial art is most effective in street fights and why. But despite all the advantages of sambo and mma, many young and not so young people are successfully engaged in other types of martial arts and this does not mean that these martial arts are somehow worse or better. The skills of a kickboxer and a taekwondoist will help a lot when defending against a knife attack. The advantage of kicks in this case is the greater distance and power of the kicks. Especially if you wear tight jeans and high shoes, getting a strong cut on your leg is quite difficult. Punching technique with hands is the best among classic boxers. When the question of "life or death" is raised, biting blows to the jaw or nose help well. Moreover, the trajectory of a knife strike does not differ much from the trajectory of hooks and jabs, so it will not be too difficult to defend, the main thing is not to use blocks when hitting from the side, the length of the blade can reach the temple!
Someone, talking about the qualities of martial arts, thinks that it could be used both in competitions and on the street. Someone is thinking about using it against other martial arts. We will try to reason in both these directions.
Percussion types of martial arts
Percussion types include martial arts in which wrestling is not used, but only blows are used. These sports include boxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing, taekwondo, some types of karate, etc. For each of them, competitions are held where athletes can test their level of skill.
IN this moment modern martial arts do not use the formal sequences of movements that are used in traditional martial arts. bright representative is karate with its own kata. Many martial arts experts consider kata to be a relic of the past and that now more attention should be paid to practice (working in pairs and sparring). But representatives of traditional types of martial arts believe that such formal practices of techniques and combinations are necessary.
My opinion on this matter is that formal training of combinations in the air is of course necessary, but they must go without interruption from practice, so that each student understands how this or that movement is applied in a real situation.
Even in the same boxing, athletes pay a lot of attention to working at the mirror, training the clarity of movements during strikes. This is very valuable, because they understand that a correctly delivered blow is more dangerous than a poorly practiced one.
Wrestling martial arts styles
In wrestling, there is much less practice in the air than in traditional percussion styles. But nevertheless, to some extent it is also present. In addition, there are significant differences in different areas of wrestling styles. Many of them prefer a certain level of wrestling. For example, judo gradually began to specialize more in stand-up fighting than in the ground. And jiu-jitsu, on the contrary, moved mainly to the ground. It has to do with the rating system. sports competitions, preparing for which, athletes work out more intensively those technical actions for which they can get large quantity points in the tournament.
At the moment, only Sambo is more or less able to balance between the upper and lower levels of wrestling.
Traditional martial arts
There are many martial arts that, according to some experts, are only suitable for competitions and that they are useless on the street. On this occasion, there are many attacks on Taekwondo, Karate, Aikido, Wing Chun and other authentic martial arts.
In my opinion, such claims are partly justified because such martial arts are stuck in their development.
The fact is that from time immemorial, schools of such martial arts have tried to stand apart from each other and did not exchange experience. Competition, of course, was also not held. This was due to the fact that each school tried to preserve its individuality. But on the other hand, it could be due to the selfishness of the founder of a certain martial arts and, as a result, because of the fear of comparing his style with others, which would inevitably lead to the identification of many shortcomings and undermine the authority of the creator of this martial arts. All this made the direction of martial arts more and more closed from the outside world. The exceptions are those combat areas that were developed for use in hostilities, that is, in wars. But again, these are more applied areas in which it was most often used. blade weapon. But on the other hand, fighters of such directions had a lot of practice and the level of skill could be assessed by whether a representative of one or another martial art is still alive or dead.
On the other hand, maybe it was the fear of death that made martial arts schools closed. No one wanted to give out the secrets of deadly techniques that can be used to eliminate the enemy.
But nevertheless, in our time, the success of mastery directly depends on the ability to enrich one's own experience, identify one's own shortcomings and work on them.
Wrestlers VS. Drummers
At the competition, the skill of athletes in their sport is tested. They compete on equal terms and there are no contradictions. Who owns better competitive discipline, he wins. But who will win if representatives of different martial arts meet on the street?
If the fight is going to be one on one. Then the chances of winning will be approximately equal for representatives of different types of martial arts. For example, two absolutely abstract athletes met in battle: a judoka and a boxer. Which of them will win if their skill level is about the same?
It is impossible to answer this question objectively. If the judoist has time to grab and make an amplitude throw, for which the boxer will obviously not be ready, since he has not studied either throws or correct falls, then the fight will come to an end. But if it happens that when trying to make a grip, he runs into an oncoming blow, then the fight will also be ended ahead of schedule, but in favor of the striker in the face of the boxer.
And this applies to almost any shock or wrestling type of martial arts. Much will depend on the ability to avoid what you are not ready for and start doing what you are ready for. But if something happens that you would like to avoid, then the chance of losing is great.
Street
So which martial art is more effective for street fight against a regular, random opponent? Again, if the fight takes place one on one, then any martial art will be effective: both wrestling and shock. But if the fight takes place against two or more opponents, then the efficiency is on the side of the strikers. It's obvious that you can fight. 
at the same time with only one opponent, while his partners can strike a wrestler whose hands are busy, which excludes the possibility of defending.
The drummer, in turn, can strike several opponents in turn, the main thing is to choose the right tactics for fighting and have the required skill.
But by and large, no matter how skillful an athlete would be, a fight against several opponents is something that should be avoided at all costs, as it is too dangerous. After all, no one knows what a street scumbag can get out of his bosom. Nevertheless, a striker always has an advantage over a wrestler in any street fight. This advantage lies in the ability to flee. Thanks to fighting with strikes, not throws, a strike-style fighter always has the opportunity to break the distance with opponents up to several kilometers.
But it may also be that the hooligans have experience in street fights and know that if help approaches, the victim cannot be released, and will try to capture in order to play for time before the arrival of their hooligan associates. To be able to avoid such problems, a fighter must be able to get rid of the hold, and this is already part of the skill of the fighter.
So, therefore, for street fighting, it is desirable to have striking skills and some basic basics of fighting, at least in order not to be on the ground and not be kicked.
Mixed styles of martial arts
And now let's find out what kind of martial art gives those involved in both striking and wrestling skills at the same time. 
This is, as many have already guessed, martial arts of mixed styles. Mixed martial arts include:
- hand-to-hand combat,
- Army hand-to-hand combat,
- pankration,
- Combat Sambo,
- kudo,
- Wushu Sanda,
- MMA (Mix Fight).
Despite the clear advantages that have been justified above, mixed styles have one drawback. Due to the large amount of material in the form of striking and wrestling techniques, fighters of mixed styles need much more time to master the discipline being studied than it takes to master homogeneous styles. That is why in mixed martial arts often people come who already know some kind of martial art and want to expand their combat arsenal, as well as learn how to connect it with each other.
From the very beginning of their history, people have tried to come up with the most sophisticated techniques for inflicting pain and injuring the enemy. It all started with claws and teeth, then there was an era of sticks and stones, and gradually all this resulted in systems of a wide variety of martial arts.
Some types of martial arts are really more like an art, for example, a dance, while others have left nothing from the battle except extreme efficiency and lethality. We will consider the latter:
An ancient martial art from Cambodia, another name is "Labokka-tao". Translated from the ancient language, it translates as "beating a lion." Bokator originated on the battlefield, during the clash of ancient armies, and not in daily small skirmishes, so it is not surprising that this system takes into account the use of various types of weapons - sticks, spears, etc.
This is a Canadian invention. Today it is no longer practiced, but during the Second World War, Kombato proved to be extremely deadly look martial arts that Canadian soldiers used against opponents (the Canadians fought mainly in Italy and Northern Europe, approx. site).
Jeet Kune Do
In Chinese it sounds like Tsequandao“, in translation means “The Way of the Leading Fist”. This style, developed by Bruce Lee, contained all the most effective techniques of all martial arts that the "Little Dragon" owned. For his style, Bruce chose only those elements that were truly useful in combat, focusing not on spectacle, but on effectiveness.
There is a unique, only video that has come down to us -.
Sib pal ki
This martial art has been in service with the Korean armies for hundreds of years. It is built on three main elements - lunge, strike, cut. What distinguishes Sib Pal Ki from other Korean martial arts is its greater emphasis on efficiency and less on philosophy.
Although today Capoeira is more of a dance than a fighting style, at the very beginning this martial art was quite intimidating. It appeared several hundred years ago in Brazil, in the settlements of slaves. Capoeira was created so that a runaway slave could protect himself if caught, which quickly fell under the ban.
Kajukenbo (kajukenbo)
This American-Hawaiian hybrid appeared relatively recently, around the time of World War II. The name is not accidental: "ka" - karate, "ju" - judo, "ken" - kempo, or ki Thai boxing. The history of the emergence of this martial art is interesting - it was invented by the Hawaiians for self-defense both from street gangs and from drunken American sailors.
The word familiar to the Russian ear means "self-defense without weapons" and is a deadly combination of shock and wrestling techniques. This martial art was developed by order of the Red Army in the 20s of the last century. Sambo includes the most effective techniques and tactics of various types of martial arts, martial arts and folk types of wrestling: Azerbaijani (gulesh), Uzbek (uzbekcha kurash), Georgian (chidaoba), Kazakh (kazaksha kures), Tatar (tatarcha koresh), Buryat wrestling; Finnish-French, free-American, English wrestling of the Lancashire and Cumberland styles, Swiss, Japanese judo and sumo and other martial arts.
Balintawak Eskrima
Also known as Balintavak Arnis or simply Balintavak. This martial art comes from the Philippines. The technique is so effective and sophisticated that the Spanish colonialists banned the Filipinos from practicing Baliwantak after several massive riots. The heyday of the style came in the 50s of the XX century.
Although the English word "spear" in translation means "spear", the name of this type of combat has nothing to do with melee weapons. The English abbreviation SPEAR (Spontaneous Protection Enabling Accelerated Response, approx. site) means "spontaneous defense with an accelerated counterattack." The style is almost entirely built on the use of natural human reflexes and is in service with many police services in the world.
GRU special forces combat system
As the name implies, it is used in Russian military intelligence. An extremely effective fighting style where the enemy is disabled as quickly and reliably as possible. Experts say that there is only one analogue in the world that is comparable in effectiveness and lightning speed - Krav Maga, used by Israeli special forces.
Krav Maga
Actually, the Israeli twin of the previous type of battle. Fast and reliable is the main message. There are no sports competitions in Krav Maga, no amateur sections exist.
Muay Thai
At home, it is called "the art of eight limbs", in the West the name "Thai boxing" is popular. Due to the active use of the elbows, knees, feet and shins, even sports fights often lead to serious injuries. Muay Thai is very ancient art fight, however, it gained worldwide popularity relatively recently, after the release of the film "Kickboxer", where leading role performed by Jean-Claude VanDamme.
Vale Tudo
Widely known under the names "Fight without rules", "Fight mixed style or Mixfight. In Portuguese, "vale tudo" means "everything is good" or "everything that works." This martial art of Brazilian origin came to Russia not so long ago - the first MMA championship took place in 1995, where the Russian fighter Mikhail Ilyukhin, having reached the final, lost first place to the Brazilian champion named Ricardo Morais. Currently the most famous Russian athlete of this style - Fedor Emelianenko.
This world famous martial art is based on merging with the opponent's attack and redirecting the attacker's energy. Simply put, the strength of the enemy is used against him. Leaving the distance to bring the opponent off balance is a common thing. This art is so traumatic that there are no competitions in traditional styles of aikido. In addition, the founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, rejected the very possibility of any rivalry: “In Aikido there are no and cannot be competitions and competitions.”
Originally from medieval Japan, translated means "the art of being invisible." Ninjutsu is an invention of the Japanese spy clans, or "ninja", there is no concept of "rule" itself. Anything is used as a weapon, any means are suitable to achieve the goal. The training of the ninja began from infancy, literally from the very cradle, which was rocked so that, hitting the wall, it helped the baby learn to group upon impact. Ninja mastered swimming before walking, they could walk along a dangling rope like a wide bridge, and legends still circulate about the ability to “merge” with the environment for camouflage. Usually, the collision of an ordinary ninja with an ordinary samurai did not bode well for the latter, because the samurai, with his laws of honor, was initially vulnerable. Because of the extreme unscrupulousness of the ninja performers, they were also called "genin", or "inhuman".
In contact with
So, your attention is presented to the author's TOP-10 rating of martial arts for self-defense. A little about myself: the total experience of martial arts is about 10 years. Among them: kickboxing, muay thai, RB, jujitsu. I have a fairly close experience of close communication with representatives various martial arts both in full contact competitions and on the street. Based on this PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, I made the corresponding rating.
I can definitely say one thing: one-on-one and one-on-one fights/crowd-on-crowd fights are quite different in terms of technical and physical requirements. preparation.
I have a deep conviction that in a 1 on 1 fight, wrestling skills + weight, preferably not superfluous)) are in the first place in a mass battle, delivered, tempo punches to the head, and speed of movement come first.
Naturally, at the same time, I do not deny the proverb that it is not the style that wins, but the fighter. I sure that Olympic champion in judo in heavy weight with a probability of 90% he will throw amplitude over his back against the curb, and put 2-3 light-weight boxers on the head. But we will speak in an average, otherwise there will be no rating at all))
Based on the foregoing, the ability of martial arts to resist both one opponent and several, that is, to beat and fight, was taken as a basis. Therefore, do not be surprised that the vast majority here are mixed species, which at first glance do not differ much. They differ in history, rules, specifics of the training and competitive process and distribution area, all this leaves a significant imprint on their effectiveness on the street and on their place in the ranking.
Well, the last question that is asked quite often: what is the point of comparing martial arts?
I think we should not forget that almost every one of us came to the gym in order to learn how to fight/defend ourselves. For the sake of this, thousands of boys, and not quite boys, come there every day. And only over time, those units that remain, begin to change the goal - from "protect yourself" to "become a champion."
Brief abbreviations:
MMA - mixed martial arts, mixed martial arts
BI - martial arts
RB - hand-to-hand combat
ARB - army hand-to-hand combat
So let's go!
1. Combat sambo
The first place is deservedly occupied by combat sambo. To date, this is the most common type of full-fledged mixed martial arts in the CIS space with a very wide arsenal. Here, punches, kicks, elbows, knees and even the head are allowed!) Throwing techniques, punches and kicks in the stalls, suffocating and painful on any limbs are allowed. Fights can be held both in helmets and without, which is also a very valuable experience, because. a blow missed in a helmet and without it is felt quite differently. Combat Sambo took the first place also because of all full-fledged mixed sports in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, this type has the largest number qualified trainers still of Soviet hardening and a proven training methodology, as well as the largest number of teaching places.
2. Hand-to-hand combat
Sports hand-to-hand combat. This species is not a full-fledged mixed species as such due to the partial castration of the parterre and the shock part. In the stance, you can not beat with your knees, elbows and head. You can't hit on the ground. The time of wrestling in the stalls is also limited, while an unscrupulous referee can often raise to the rack even if one of the opponents is predominantly a wrestler, and active technical actions are being carried out in the stalls.
The second place was taken by RB due to the fact that it is the most common mixed species. In small towns you may not find Combat Sambo or MMA, but you will definitely find RB! And the practice of performing at competitions will help to separate the wheat from the chaff and use only efficient technique. Plus, a relatively small number of technical actions will help you master the basics of the striking part in the stand and wrestling in the stalls in less time than in "full-fledged mixed events."
3.MMA / Valetudo / Mixfight / Freefight
If we lived elsewhere, this direction would rightfully take first place. In America, MMA is already the most common type of BI, and there are a huge number of excellent gyms with professional trainers for it. With us, unfortunately, this is still only a tribute to tradition. Good coaches can be found in large cities, often from current or former MMA athletes. But good coaches are rare here. All training programs consist mainly of the results of the coach's amateur performance and his wild imagination + scraps of knowledge from foreign colleagues seen on video or read in interviews.
4. Pankration
I put this direction in a separate paragraph, since it requires a separate consideration. Pankration as a whole is an MMA species, but with some historical circumstances that make it different. They lie in the fact that a huge number of athletes perform in pankration - freestyle wrestlers (freestyle wrestling), who take the vast majority of prizes in all competitions. This left its mark on training. Enough in many gyms they train "fighting with finishing" and wrestling + "put hands")). Naturally, this does not apply to all halls, but the trend is observed. A potentially very strong plus of pankration is its ability to become an Olympic sport in the future, in which case the pace of its development will be simply colossal.
5.Army Hand-to-Hand Combat (ARB)
Of the advantages of the style is a very wide technical arsenal, which is even wider than in combat sambo. Here it is allowed to finish off a prone opponent with both hands and feet, headbutt, etc. Also a definite plus is the wide distribution of the ARB and a large number good coaches. Of the minuses - the presence of an unrealistically huge amount of protection - a helmet with a mesh, pads with feet, a vest. Potentially especially dangerous is a helmet with a mesh - people who are not used to getting in an open face often get lost at first, and on the street this can decide the outcome of the fight, because. 90% of punches fly from the right and in the nose))) This problem is inherent in fighters of the ARB, KUDO and karate styles where they do not hit the head with their hands, it is removed by the practice of contact sparring or a period of half a year - a year of boxing training.
6. KUDO
The hallmark of the style are fighters in helmets - aquariums. Almost any actions are allowed, elbows and ruts in the rack. Of the minuses, we have a somewhat castrated stalls - there are restrictions on time and on blows. Also a minus of a similar ARB is a helmet - an aquarium. The undoubted advantage of martial arts is its wide distribution, a large number of qualified coaches, a well-developed methodological component, a large number of competitions. different levels and preserving the traditional spirit and aesthetics of karate. Also, the system is constantly developing, there are experts with professional directions.
7. Combat Ju Jutsu / Combat Jiu Jitsu
Combat Jiu Jitsu is a tribute to the fashion for mixed martial arts. To the traditional jiu-jitsu, the added technique of punching, kicking and kneeling from hand-to-hand combat, boxing, kickboxing. In general, it is a fairly holistic system with a strong emphasis on the stalls. Finishing in the stalls with hands and any painful and suffocating are allowed. Pros - very good technique wrestling and throws, fairly strict MMA rules, traditional technique training in wrestling, great emphasis on PHYSICAL. Of the minuses - a somewhat weak technique in the stance, not much popularity and prevalence of the style, and as a result, a small number of participants in the competition and a small number of good level athletes.
8. Ju Jutsu / Jiu Jitsu
Oddly enough, many do not know that in traditional jiu-jitsu there are punches and kicks. It is also characteristic that full-contact competitions in traditional jujitsu are tougher than in the direction of the combat, due to the fact that gloves and linings are not used at all in some jiu-jitsu competitions.
Nevertheless, the advantages of this martial art are an excellent ground floor and excellent throwing technique. The downsides are the low level of technique of punches and kicks, even at the national championships, and a large number of coaches - charlatans teaching jujitsu under the auspices of various incomprehensible federations that grow like mushrooms after rain.
9. Sambo
SAMBO was originally a system designed for self-defense and widely used by law enforcement officers. This is the only purely wrestling martial art in the ranking. But he didn't get here by accident. SAMBO has been in service with law enforcement agencies for a long time, and according to statistics, with the help of its techniques, a huge number of law enforcement officers neutralized criminals and came out alive and unharmed from many delicate situations. The key here is to work out the basic techniques to a state of automatism, in order to apply the technique without hesitation, on a subconscious level, in an extreme situation of a street collision.
10. Muay Thai / Boxing classic
Thai boxing is also the only but already purely shock type of martial arts in the ranking. The fact is that in Thai boxing you have the greatest freedom of action in the stance. In addition to the fact that this is Muay Thai, this is an "eight-armed" fight, that is, punches, kicks, knees and elbows are allowed, wrestling in the rack is allowed, and strikes from the rack are also allowed. All this in Thai boxing will teach you like nowhere else. Therefore, if you do not allow passage to the legs, the Thai boxer has a huge chance of winning. After all, what is the probability that an experienced wrestler will attack you on the street?
Well, everything is clear with boxing - firstly, here in the shortest period of time you can learn how to defend yourself - because of a very narrow arsenal. Secondly, this is martial art No. 1 when working with a group. Thirdly, a large number of competent specialists, many of them still of Soviet hardening.
And finally, let me remind you of a couple of eternal truths:
- it's not the style that wins, but the fighter
- before training, you need to take an interest in the achievements of the coach himself, both sports and coaching
- you need to practice where you want to practice, every time I force myself to go to training through I don’t want to fail
- it is better to start with a friend, and preferably with several. This will allow you to kick each other so as not to miss training, and it’s more fun together + there will always be someone to pair up with.
- in most gyms you can come for a trial workout, or even several - for free. Take your time, go to several gyms with different trainers, different styles, and stay where you like.
Don't buy expensive gear right away. The simplest - bandages, gloves, kimonos can be bought inexpensively. Everything else, especially good firms can wait up to six months. Firstly, you need to make sure that you stay here for a long time, and secondly, you will not be looked askance at as a beginner in a $200 Hayabusa kimono with a black belt that came with it)))
Martial arts - various systems of martial arts and self-defense of different, often East Asian origin; developed mainly as a means of hand-to-hand combat. Currently practiced in many countries of the world mainly in the form sports exercises aiming at physical and conscious improvement.
Classification
Martial arts are divided into areas, types, styles and schools. There are both quite old martial arts and new ones.
- Martial arts are divided into wrestling, drums And martial arts (include not only the study of techniques, but also the philosophy of combat and life).
- With or without weapons. Martial arts with the use of weapons include: all types of shooting, throwing knives, darts, etc., knife and stick fighting, fencing (rapier, saber), various oriental martial arts (for example, wushu, kung fu, kendo) using nunchaku, staffs, sabers and swords. Martial arts without the use of weapons include all others in which only various parts of the arms, legs and head are used.
- Types of wrestling by country(national). Every nation has its own types of martial arts.
Consider the most famous of them.
- Japanese karate, ju-jutsu (jiu-jitsu), judo, aikido, sumo, kendo, kudo, iaido, kobujutsu, nunchaku-jutsu, ninjutsu ( integrated system training of medieval Japanese spies, including hand-to-hand combat, the study of ninja weapons, camouflage techniques, etc.).
- Chinese wushu and kung fu. In addition, in China there are also various styles that imitate the behavior of animals, birds, insects, as well as a style that imitates the behavior of a drunk person (“drunkard” style).
- Korean hapkido, taekwondo (taekwondo).
- Thai muay thai or thai boxing.
- Russians sambo and combat sambo, hand-to-hand combat.
- European boxing, french boxing(savate), freestyle and Greco-Roman (classical) wrestling.
- Brazilian capoeira, jiu-jitsu.
- Israeli krav maga.
- mixed kinds. MMA (mixed fight), K-1, kickboxing, grappling are mixed sports, the techniques in which are taken from other martial arts and martial arts.
- Olympic martial arts. Part of the types of wrestling, martial arts and martial arts are included in the program of the Olympic Games. These include boxing, freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, judo, taekwondo, various types of shooting.
The difference between martial arts and martial arts
All sports martial arts differ from real martial arts in that they are always aimed at fighting with one person (which is why they are called martial arts), who is always an honest and good athlete, and always operates within certain pre-clearly agreed rules.
Also in martial arts, most often there is a division into weight categories, weapons are not used there, vile tricks and the effect of surprise, as well as tricks that can very much injure a person.
But naturally, in a real battle on the street, such excellent battle conditions are rare. Three of them can attack here, they can put a knife to the throat or even hit from behind without warning in advance, so let's try to discuss more effective and applied types of martial arts further.
Aikido
This self-defense system was created by the master Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) based on one of the branches of jiu-jitsu. Separate techniques of aikido were borrowed from the so-called Chinese wushu. soft styles, where the vector of application of force to the enemy coincides with the direction of movement of the enemy himself. The fundamental difference between aikido and other types of martial arts is the absence of offensive techniques. The main sequence of actions of a fighter is to capture the enemy’s hand or wrist, throw him to the ground and here, with the help of a painful hold, finally neutralize him. Movements in aikido are usually performed along a circular path.
There are no competitions or championships in aikido. However, it is very popular as an art of self-defense and quickly incapacitating an opponent. Like karate and judo, aikido is widespread outside of Japan, including in Russia.
American kickboxing
Another type of boxing is "American kickboxing" according to legend, its name and even the development of the fighting style are prescribed by the famous actor and naturally multiple kickboxing champion Chuck Noris. Kick-boxing is translated almost literally as "Kicks and punches."
Because kickboxing has become a mixture of wushu martial arts, English boxing, muay thai, karate and taekwondo. Ideally, fights should take place at full strength and across all levels, i.e. kicks and punches are allowed at full strength across the body. What allows kickboxers to become quite dangerous opponents both in the ring and outside it, but still this is a sports system and under street fight it wasn't set up in the first place.
English boxing and French boxing
Although the modern English boxing that we know from about 1882 was recognized in its former form as dangerous to health and began to be fought according to the rules known today, which finally reduced its combat effectiveness. But after that time, a bunch of similar combat "boxing" systems from various countries of the world still became known.
Of the most famous types of boxing, it can be noted: French boxing "Savate" was once generally one of the best street fighting systems in Europe.
Savat is European martial arts, also known as "French boxing", is characterized by effective punching technique, dynamic kicking technique, mobility and subtle strategy. Savat has long history: this type of martial art originated as a synthesis of the French school of street hand-to-hand combat and English boxing; In 1924, it was included in the Paris Olympic Games as a demonstration sport.
Greco-Roman wrestling
Classical wrestling is a European type of martial arts in which two participants come together in a fight. The main task of each athlete is to put his opponent on the shoulder blades with the help of a number of different elements and techniques. Main difference Greco-Roman wrestling from other similar martial arts - this is a ban on the implementation of any techniques with the feet (footboards, hooks, sweeps, etc.). Also, you can not do leg grabs.
Judo
Judo means "soft way" in Japanese. It's modern combat sport originally from the Land of the Rising Sun. The main judo are throws, painful holds, holds and chokes. Judo is based on the principle of unity of spirit and body and differs from other martial arts in lesser use of physical strength when performing various technical actions.
Professor Jigoro Kano founded judo in 1882, in 1964 judo was included in the program of the Summer Olympic Games. Judo is a codified sport in which the mind controls the movements of the body, it has the most pronounced educational character in Olympic program. In addition to competition, judo includes the study of technique, kata, self-defense, physical training and perfection of the spirit. Judo as a sport discipline is a modern and progressive form of physical activity. The International Judo Federation (IJF) includes 200 affiliated national federations on five continents. More than 20 million people practice judo, a sport that perfectly combines education and physical activity. The IJF organizes over 35 events annually.
Jujutsu
Jiu-Jitsu is a generic name for a combat system that is almost indecipherable. This is hand-to-hand combat, in most cases, without the use of weapons, and only in some cases with weapons. Jiu-jitsu techniques include kicking, punching, punching, throwing, holding, blocking, choking and tying, as well as the use of certain weapons. Jiu-jitsu is not based on brute force, but on skill and dexterity. Applying the minimum amount of effort to achieve maximum effect. This principle allows any person, regardless of their physical form or physique, to control and use their energy with the greatest efficiency.
capoeira
(Capoeira) - Afro-Brazilian national martial art, a synthesis of dance, acrobatics and games, all accompanied by national Brazilian music. According to the generally accepted version, capoeira originated in South America in the 17th-18th centuries
But nevertheless, experts still argue about the homeland and the time of the emergence of such a unique art. No one knows exactly where it came from, who was the founder of the ancient skill and, like capoeira, from century to century has reached rapid popularity.
There are several main hypotheses for its occurrence:
- The African zebra dance, which was common among local tribes, became the prototype of warlike movements.
- Capoeira is a fusion of ancient cultures - Latin American and African dances.
- The dance of slaves, which gradually developed into a martial art. Associated with the landing of Europeans on the continent and the emergence of the slave trade.
Karate
Karate ("way of the empty hand") is a Japanese martial art that offers different ways fighting with hands and several techniques with the use of weapons, including melee weapons. This martial art does not use grabs and throws. Main principle- speed and speed, and the main task is to maintain the main stance for a long time. Therefore, first of all, balance plays a role in karate.
Kendo
During sports fights, fencers hold elastic bamboo swords, and special training armor covers their head, chest and arms. For purely executed blows to certain parts of the opponent's body, the participants in the duel are awarded points.
Nowadays kendo is not only popular view sports, but also included integral part in the physical education program of Japanese schools.
Kobudo
The term "kobudo" in Japanese means "ancient military way". The original name is "kobujutsu" - "ancient martial arts (skills)". Under this term, the arts of possession are represented today. various types oriental species cold weapons.
Currently, there is a division of kobudo into two autonomous independent areas:
- Nihon-kobudo is a direction that combines systems common on the main islands of Japan and uses in its arsenal edged weapons of samurai origin and weapons from the arsenal of ninjutsu.
- Kobudo (other names Ryukyu-kobudo and Okinawa-kobudo) is a direction that unites systems originating from the islands of the Ryukyu archipelago (modern Okinawa Prefecture, Japan) using tools (items) of peasant and fishermen's everyday life of the inhabitants of these islands in the arsenal.
Sambo
Sambo belongs to the unique types of martial arts that have spread throughout the world. He became the only kind sports where international communication is conducted in Russian. There are two types of sambo, the first of which is combat, used to protect and incapacitate the enemy. The second type of this wrestling - sports sambo, promotes the development of personal characteristics, tempers the character and body, allows you to develop self-control and discipline.
Sumo
The rules of sumo are very simple: to win, it is enough to either make the opponent lose his balance and touch the ring with any part of the body, except for the feet, or simply push him out of the ring. Usually the outcome of the duel is decided in a few seconds. Associated rites can take much longer. Wrestlers are dressed only in a special loincloth.
In ancient times, sumo champions were revered on a par with saints; according to the beliefs of the Japanese, wrestlers, shaking the earth, not only make it more fertile, but also scare away evil spirits; sumo wrestlers were sometimes hired to "expel disease" from wealthy homes and even entire cities.
Therefore, such attention is paid to the weight of the wrestler (in sumo there is no weight categories). Preserved from ancient times varied diets and exercises that allow you to most effectively gain Weight Limit. The age of professional wrestlers ranges between 18 and 35 years. Most sumo champions become folk idols.
Thai boxing
Muay Thai was developed as a military and army martial art, the fighters of which, with or without weapons, had to be part of the personal guard of the king and really confront whole armies of an enemy outnumbered on the battlefield.
But today, like previous sports martial arts, Thai boxing has undergone quite strong changes in the direction of sports, modern rules have also changed a lot in it, which have become much more loyal and made this super tough and even deadly martial art an order of magnitude less effective.
Although in more closed schools and even sects, even outside of Thailand, where Thai boxing is also taught, there are still people who teach more effective forms of it.
Taekwondo (taekwondo, taekwondo)
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art. Its characteristic feature is that the legs in a duel are used more actively than the arms. In taekwondo you can equal speed and forcefully inflict both direct kicks and kicks with a turn. The martial art of taekwondo is over 2000 years old. Since 1955, this martial art has been considered a sport.
wushu
Literally translated as martial art. This is the common name for traditional Chinese martial arts, more commonly referred to in the West as kung fu or Chinese boxing. There are many different directions, wushu, which are conditionally divided into external (waijia) and internal (neijia). External or rigid styles suggest good sportswear fighter and high expenditure of physical energy during training. Internal or soft styles require special concentration and plasticity.
Usually, philosophical basis Chan Buddhism serves as external styles, and Taoism serves as internal styles. The so-called monastic styles are traditionally external and originate from Buddhist monasteries, one of which is the famous Shaolin Monastery (founded around 500 BC), where the Shaolinquan style was formed, which influenced the development of many styles of Japanese karate.
Which martial art to choose?
The choice of classes depends, first of all, on your preferences and physical characteristics. The table will help determine your body type and the type of wrestling suitable for this correspondence. However, do not forget that only general recommendations are given. Learning martial arts is a long process, during which your body will get used to, adapt to new conditions and gain experience in the martial arts that you choose.
Ectomorph
Tai chi chuan (tai chi chuan)
This graceful, non-offensive Chinese martial art emphasizes stability, balance, balance and is ideal for lean individuals. Complex controlled smooth movements will train all your muscles to work together and smoothly. Do not confuse tai chi chuan and tai chi, which is offered in fitness clubs. Real schools are more stimulating and allow their students to master many different weapons, including the double-edged sword.
This Chinese style is also called kung fu. There are over 300 varieties of wushu. Of these, wing chun (yongchun, "eternal spring") is suitable for people with a lack of weight and dimensions. This style allows a small, lightweight person to defeat a larger opponent by targeting sensitive areas of the body that are not protected by muscles (eyes, throat, groin, knees, and specific nerve points). Special flexibility is not required as most punches are thrown low (knee caps or calf).
Taekwondo (taekwondo, taekwondo)
It is desirable to be lean, light and loose for this Korean martial art, as it is best known for its wide variety of high impact kicks. This fighting style relies more on the legs than the fists. Head strikes are common, so you must at least be able to raise your foot to face height. In class, you need to be prepared for the fact that you will receive a couple of painful blows, but in general, contacts are not very cruel. In addition, taekwondo students train not only in fighting with each other, since this is one of the martial arts where breaking boards and bricks with your hands and feet is part of the training regimen.
Mesomorph
Aikido
Aikido does not focus on exhausting punches and kicks. The focus is on using the opponent's own energy against himself, in order to incapacitate him (using wrist locks or handholds) or knock him back. This style is easier for people with an athletic build, as most offensive moves are more effective when the musculature is developed. Also, unlike most martial arts, which require 10 ranks to reach a black belt, this Japanese martial art only has 6 levels.
Kendo
A Japanese martial art that allows you to wield a bamboo sword, dress like a samurai, and repeatedly stab your opponent's neck and head. It sounds menacing, but in this martial art the body is protected by armor similar to a knight's, which minimizes damage. Speed, strong shoulders and arms are necessary attributes of sword fighters, so a lean muscular physique will be ideal.
Muay Thai (Thai boxing)
Thai martial art with full contact with the opponent. Instead of just using the fists and legs, the opponent gets a series of blows to the elbows and knees. Most suitable for people of athletic build with developed muscles around the joints. Those wishing to master this type of martial arts should be prepared for early retirement, as serious practitioners have a rather short career (4-5 years maximum).
Endomorph
Judo
A Japanese martial art that aims to unbalance an opponent and throw them onto the mat. Stocky people have an advantage in it when performing defensive maneuvers, since the extra weight helps to stand more stable in the ring. Breathlessness will not be a problem in the early stages of training, which is all about perfecting grips, grappling maneuvers, and how to fall properly. To reach a more advanced level, you will need to develop endurance.
Karate
Based on a combination of cultures (roots from both Japan and Okinawa), karate is also a mixture of different fighting methods. Students learn how to fight with their hands, several techniques with the use of weapons, including nunchucks. While this martial art does not involve grappling or throwing, stocky people benefit from a stronger and more stable stance that gives more power to their punches and blocks. Most varieties of karate are worth choosing, but if you are afraid of pain, then be careful with styles that have "kenpo", "kempo", "American freestyle", "full contact" in the name.
Shorinji Kempo
This boxing style of karate is more suited to larger people for several reasons. First, he uses a series of punches, like in boxing, where stability in the ring due to a powerful physique is more important than strong fists. A strong physique will also be useful for mastering the techniques of dodging opponent's blows. Striking will require flexibility, but strikes are usually performed no higher than the waist.
Jiu-jitsu (jujutsu)
This Japanese technique combines many dangerous offensive and defensive techniques. This type of martial art is merciless, as it was originally developed for training an unarmed person to neutralize an armed soldier. It will be easier to master jiu-jitsu for those who are accustomed to loads, have endurance and flexibility.
