Top 10 Best Fighting Styles
Fighting styles vary widely in their focus, techniques, and philosophies. Some emphasize striking and aggressive offense like Boxing or Muay Thai, while others prioritize defensive maneuvers and strategic approaches such as in Taekwondo. Then there are the more eclectic and adaptive styles like Jeet Kune Do or the self-defense-oriented Krav Maga.When evaluating a fighting style, you might want to consider several factors:
- Effectiveness: How practical and efficient is the style in real combat situations? Is it geared towards self-defense, competitive sport, or perhaps a blend of both?
- Accessibility: Is it suitable for all ages and fitness levels? Some styles require significant physical prowess, while others are more about mental acuity and tactical thinking.
- Technique Diversity: Does it cover a broad range of skills, such as strikes, grapples, and ground work? A well-rounded style can offer adaptability in various scenarios.
- Philosophical Depth: Some martial arts are more than just fighting techniques; they include a way of life, emphasizing values like discipline, respect, and self-improvement.
Your preferences might lead you towards a style that's rooted in tradition, like Karate, or something more modern and dynamic. Regardless of what catches your eye, it's the personal connection and what resonates with your goals and values that truly matters.
Remember, there's no definitive "best" style as it often depends on individual needs and circumstances. Explore, experiment, and find what works for you. The rich world of martial arts has something to offer for everyone, from those seeking self-defense skills to those looking to engage in a fulfilling, physically demanding hobby.

Max Baer knocked out a bull.
Joe Louis broke a man's back by punching him in the front.
Willie Pep won a round without throwing a single punch.
Several boxers have killed their opponents in the ring.
Boxing is the best and most fundamental fighting style out there.
Boxing is the most fun martial art, without question. I box constantly, and being in the ring makes you feel so alive.
Nothing beats a good old-fashioned punch-up followed by a Texas-style bar brawl. Bruce Lee couldn't bar brawl.

There's nothing like overpowering your opponent, slamming them, and pinning them to win.
A good grappler always outperforms a good striker in close combat.

Judo can defeat any of these styles with just one well-timed trip. It can even finish off a wrestler or a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner because the trips can unbalance someone even twice your size, allowing you to throw them to the ground. Additionally, Judo includes submissions and has a great ground game.
Judo is a strong and effective fighting style for self-defense, especially against strangers.
Kickboxing combines the striking of Western boxing with powerful kicks. The constant sparring prepares you for being hit with force. There are no forms or formalities common with martial arts - it's boxing with four-wheel drive.
Although relatively unknown and classified for a long time by the Russian government, Systema is a brutally effective and efficient style made up of natural movements that everyone performs daily. In theory, everyone already knows Systema.
Krav Maga is unique and takes less time to learn. If you want efficient self-defense that is taught to many soldiers and is effective for women and kids, this is the style for you. It saved my friend's life twice!
Krav Maga is new but effective in real-life situations. It was developed for counterattacks and power attacks and is also good for fast movements and lethal techniques.
Krav Maga is a mix of attack and defense. If you can master both, you can fight people three times your size with ease.
Taekwondo should be ranked higher because of its deadly kicks. It's more kick than punch and has more bite than bark.
Taekwondo is great, but one must be able to move quickly in all directions, not just forward. You also need to develop super wrestling strength.
One must have strong leg muscles to avoid getting knocked out.
I've only seen Karate in Cobra Kai, but I think it's amazing.
Karate is a great sport. I'm a blue belt, and it took two years to earn it. I find it much better than Kung Fu.
Wing Chun is widely used in MMA and UFC, which speaks to its effectiveness.
Wing Chun is the best fighting technique. Bruce Lee used it, and so did Ip Man. It's fast and targets the body's weak points.
The best in the world. It should be ranked second globally.
The Newcomers
Aikido is the epitome of mind and body harmony.
I took Kung Fu for one year and earned a white belt. It's naturally one of the most intelligent fighting styles, but it's more of a martial art than a combat sport. To understand it, you need to explore what martial truly means. Kung Fu masters all weapons except guns, so you're either fully committed to it, or you might face challenges if you think it's just another hobby. It's a living art, something people often wish they had seen on TV. However, Kung Fu isn't just about competition. It's a full-contact discipline that involves all kinds of weapons. This experience can't be found anywhere else, and they are protective of their art. I regret leaving it, as I lost both my power and interest in life. Kung Fu is the top defensive fighting style in organized fights.
Ninjutsu is arguably the most intellectual of the martial arts. By the time you realize you're facing a Ninjutsu opponent, it's usually too late.
How is this not number one? I'm a boxer, but I fully recognize that this is the most effective martial art without question!
LINE was made for special forces and specialized in killing the opponent. It's currently banned, but you can still find courses online.
Every military should train in this martial art.
Combat Sambo is a hybrid fighting style that includes both grappling and striking techniques. It resembles MMA but was developed by KGB Russian special forces during the Soviet Union.
The oldest martial art in the world.