Which martial arts is the most effective?
149088
Here's the BIG question. And however I have another question in return to that one: what do you consider effective? Do you mean martially effective? or effective at clearing your mind or bringing inner peace? Martial Art = The art of war. What makes up a martial art: Percussion (striking), Projection (throwing), Immobilization (joint locks), and Armament (weaponry). Here are some examples of different systems:\n\nKarate: Okinawan. Covers Percussion. Civil Art. Kara- meaning open or empty depending on translation. -te originally meant Chinese Hand but they later changed it to just hand after the Chinese were driven out. Derived from White Crane Kung Fu. Believes in hardening the body against strikes and striking hard is the key.\n\nKung Fu: External Chinese. Most cover percussion, projection, and armament, with a few covering immobilization as well. Usually either martial or civil art. There are SO many systems within the term kung fu that it is hard to describe this system effectively. To say the least the best Kung Fu I have seen was in Dallas, and was translated to the Water-Fire Kung Fu.\n\nAikido / Aiki-jujutsu: Japanese. Covers immobilization with slight touch on projection. Civil Art. Was originally derived from Nihongo Jujutsu or Japanese Jujutsu (honestly I hate that I have to specify WHICH jujutsu compared to Brazilian or American… as if you would get an French taco or Russian sushi). Aikido has sadly become one of the snobbiest “styles” out there and they insist that what they do would work in real combat, although only about 10% of EVERYONE who is involved with that system knows what they’re doing. Though I will admit those that do, can do some beautiful Aiki.\n\nJudo: Japanese. Covers projection. Sport Art. Another derivative of Nihongo Jujutsu. A sport derived from the throwing system used in Japan’s combat. As with all sports, there are certain things that they threw out as “illegal moves” due to their effectiveness therefore making the “style” weaker.\n\nBrazilian: Japanese origin. Covers a portion of Immobilization and Projection. Martial Sport. This “style” was made famous by the Gracie family after they were originally taught by a Japanese man who refused to show them any more than the grappling section of Jujutsu. So they concentrated on the art of ground fighting. Most people that do Brazilian are extremely competitive and aggressive in nature.\n\nTaekwondo: Korean. Percussion. Sport Art. This is a primarily kicking “style” and is considered one of the most famous “styles” in use. Another system that is sport / competition based they rely heavily on flexible and fast legs. Originally a derivative from a certain school of Karate which name eludes me at this moment.\n\nKrav Maga: Israeli. Um… Percussion? Military wannabe. I REALLY don’t suggest this system unless you’re looking for a Billy Blanks on steroids kinda feel. This system was built to teach the foot soldiers of Israel a quick, brutal and less than effective hand-to-hand fighting method in a matter of a week, so seriously, don’t bother.\n\nThose Russian arts: Mainly knife junkies who think they know what they’re doing. More flashy than anything else, don’t fall for the hype.\n\nPilipino: Mostly Stick and knife, and they are not for the faint of heart, although not much art to the system, it seems those whom you can find who actually know what they’re doing are pretty good with a knife and stick but that’s it.\n\nMMA: Mixed martial arts. Probably the worst thing that has ever happened to martial arts besides Krav maga. The concept of mixing martial arts is taking a system that is inferior and mixing it with another inferior system to hopefully make up for the gaps left by the other one. For example: Karate doesn’t have Immobilization, so lets throw in Aikido and Brazilian, and those don’t have projection so lets throw in Judo, and all of those don’t have armament so lets throw in Pilipino. \n\nTh
500981
I take two styles Wing Chung Kune and the Chin Na grappling system. Wing Chung is great for fighing it is mean to maim or kill the attacker. Chin Na is not a martial art it is a system. Both Chin Na and Wing Chung Kune are taught at both the nothern and souther Shaolin temples. I also like the older styles such as from the Hung Gar family (Tiger Crain is an example). I agree with what you said about the circular motion in Kung Fu i belive that Karate is far to ridged and do not belive it would hold up well against an experience Kung Fu practioner.
329824
karate and as you become fit judo and/or ju jitsu is just awesome!\nEither of these will teach you to defend yourself immediately.\nkarate in particular emphasizes self discipline.\nTae-Kwon-Do  is the commonist type of karate taught in the US. Kung Fu is also one type of karate.\n\nBruce Lee does karate. Hitting, punching and kicking.\nSo does chuck Norris.\n\nju-jitsu involves using pressure points on your opponents body to control him. You do not have to move much. but it is harder to practice alone so requires more classes.
928094
What is best for me won't necessarily be what is best for you. I like Hung Gar. We train in a complete system that does not require blending other systems, but also does not frown upon it.\n\nI have studied Chinese boxing for over a decade now, but have experience in Korean systems previously to that. I do prefer Chinese systems (otherwise I wouldn't be training in them!), but that isn't to say they are necessarily better than other systems; rather, they are better for me and what I want out of my training.\n\nThe great thing I have found about Chinese boxing is that they are varied and are determined to be suited for a practitioner not just based on desire of training, but also on attitude and even the practitioner's physique. Since I am of average height and have a stalky build, I am very well suited for Hung Gar, which is the system in which I train. I know of people who do Northern Shaolin who are tall and lanky and excel at it. This isn't to say that somebody like me couldn't do just as well in it, but it may require more practice and training to reach a higher level.\n\nAll that being explained, ask yourself what you want out of your training, how long you plan on training, and what techniques may come more naturally for you, otherwise, how much practice you are willing to put in for techniques that do not come naturally for you!\n\nOh, and FYI, "Tai Chi" is merely a philosophy, whereas "Tai Chi Chuan" is an actual martial art. It is practiced slowly since it possesses no basics and since doing it slowly massages the internal organs and has fantastic health benefits. This being the case, many never progress to practicing it at full speed. This is also why many seniors do it. In fact, it is joked that Tai Chi Chuan is China's universal health care! When somebody does do Tai Chi Chuan at full speed, though, it is easy to see why the translation is "Supreme Ultimate Fist". It takes a very long time to attain this level. Most Chinese boxing schools teach Tai Chi Chuan on top of their external martial arts programs.
646499
me I prefer Aikido, its based on self defense. I took aikido this summer, and our teacher told us that even the basic techniques can save your life. Even if you're a beginner you can learn some techniques you can use to defend yourself. Even tai chi can be used as self defense. So its up to you, i'm not into karate 'cause they're exercise is WAY upbeat. in aikido they teach you to counter/evade punches/kicks.
200799
Yes it is very effective.  It also helps increase your flexibility. But 30 minutes of martial arts will not burn the same amount of calories as 30 minutes of jogging.
870654
kickboxing is effective, yes. those kicks and elbow-and-knee-punches are very explosive and can very painfully disable an untrained fighter.\njujitsu focuses on grappling and submission, best if you're rolling on the pavement. you can disable your opponent without even throwing a punch.\n\nmy preferences, though :\njeet kun do trains you to utilise and maximise any and all of your body parts (plus whatever "tool or weapon" you can get your hands on) in a fighting match. deadly, if i may say. i trained for 4 yrs..\n\ncombat aikido uses your oponent's force against him. it's kinda cool. (ever watched steven seagal? don't mind his poor acting, watch how conserved his movements are, even in tight places) i trained for 9 months.\n\nin my opinion, these two are best for street fights.\n\nof course, jeet kun do includes a philosophical outlook in life. and you may end up wanting to avoid fights instead (rather than possibly killing your opponent). still, your skill is there with you should the need for it really arise.\n\nnevertheless, any form of martial arts training will do you good in any fight.
665190
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu / Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an highly effective self-Defense system, it is designed to allow a smaller, weaker person defend his or her self in a real world situation. It teaches standing self defense against punching, kicking and various weapons as well as grappling and ground fighting.\n\nJeet Kune Do/Personal Defensive Systems . JKD/PDS takes the best the martial art world has to offer in the area of self-defense and combines it all into one simple and easy-to-learn system. Every range of self defense is covered - Kicking, striking, trapping, Joint locks, grappling, Blunt and edged weapons, and much more. This system is designed to teach you to defend yourself.\n\ngood luck with it...
929548
There is no "best" art. Shaolin Temple Boxing (Kung Fu) & Karate are both fine martial arts. There are more differences among different Chinese styles than there are between Chinese & Japanese styles or between Chinese & Korean styles etc.\nFind a good instructor & good luck.
807403
If you're in the movies and/or media, of course you're going to want to display the most elegant and good-looking martial arts out there. Effectiveness plays a backseat role... if it even plays a role at all. Why do you think in summer blockbuster kung fu epics, Discovery Channel documentaries, and Olympic competitions, only the best-looking and flashiest moves make it to the screen for the viewers to see? Beautiful kicks, fanciful forms, and good-looking fight choreography make up the majority of what we're exposed to when we see martial arts through the media's eyes.\n\nSo yeah, when you look at it from a pop culture perspective, elegance is given more importance.
855851
Tai Chi in it's various forms is the most popular. Wushu means martial arts as basically does kung fu.
361091
I've seen your other questions about martial arts. As a martial artists (specifically I am in American Kenpo Karate), the best fight is one where you can walk away without even fighting. If you know nothing about fighting, it is best to talk your way out. Even experienced martial artist are taught to walk away. You never ever let an opponent know that you know how to fight, and you don't underestimate. So, in any fight, always think that they are better than you.\n\nIf you can't avoid fighting, one of the best things to keep in mind is to not get yourself cornered. You have to keep moving, and do the cornering. If you don't know any self defense, the best thing is to go for the man's groin. And don't forget the eyes and neck. Extend all your fingers and start gouging away. Teeth will also work for you.
855021
Tai chi , crane kung fu, aikido , very few styles demand a high amount of physical strength . Developing strength happens with practice . You don't need to be a huge body builder to deliver a powerful strike .
157464
go with tae kwon doe. it's fun and buils mental and physical strength.
527744
well duh. Wrestling: breaking ones neck. Kung fu: Dim mak. etc etc...every martial arts has lethal techniques. Why do you think they're called martial? Mars..roman god of war...
1152112
Most martial arts will provide those benefits so it really depends on what you like.  I would suggest sitting in on a class at several schools and see what you think you would be most comfortable with.
13838
I study Tai Chi, and if you are loking for one that does not hurt anyone then I would suggest looking into it. It is great for body, mind and self defence.\n\nI know it is not on your list, so sorry if you mean just from those four!