Looking for a new way to challenge yourself, boost your fitness, or pick up real-world self-defence skills? Martial arts could be exactly what you need. From intense full-body workouts to focused mental discipline, it offers benefits that go far beyond the gym.
But with so many styles out there — striking, grappling, traditional or modern — choosing the right one can be tricky. Are you drawn to fast-paced action or slow, deliberate technique? Do you want to compete, or just grow in confidence and control?
Take this short quiz to discover which martial art suits you best- based on your mindset, goals, and learning style.
Quiz
Quiz :
Why Practice Martial Arts?
Martial arts offer more than just physical training — they help develop focus, discipline, confidence, and resilience. If you're looking for stress relief, self-defence skills, a new hobby, or a full-body workout, martial arts can provide long-lasting mental and physical benefits. It's also a great way to connect with a supportive community and challenge yourself in a structured, motivating environment.
🧠 Mental Strength
- Improves focus and concentration
- Builds discipline and mental resilience
- Reduces stress and improves emotional balance
💪 Physical Fitness
- Full-body workout that builds strength and flexibility
- Improves cardiovascular health and endurance
- Enhances coordination and reflexes
🤝 Life Skills
- Boosts confidence and self-esteem
- Teaches respect and self-control
- Encourages goal setting and perseverance
🥋 What Are the Different Styles of Martial Arts?
Martial arts come in many forms — each with its own techniques, traditions, and training focus. Whether you're interested in stand-up striking, close-range grappling, or practical self-defence, there are a variety of different styles that align with your personality and training goals.
🥊 Striking Martial Arts
Striking styles focus on stand-up combat and striking techniques.
These techniques include punches, kicks, elbows, and knees rather than grappling or ground fighting. They emphasize speed, power, coordination, and the ability to control distance in a fight.
- Boxing: A Western combat sport that hones fast punches, defensive footwork, and head movement. Great for cardio, timing, and precision.
- Muay Thai: Known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” this Thai martial art uses fists, elbows, knees, and shins to deliver powerful strikes. It's intense, full-body, and excellent for conditioning.
- Karate: A traditional Japanese discipline that blends powerful strikes with sharp stances, kata (forms), and a strong emphasis on control, respect, and mental focus.
- Taekwondo: A dynamic Korean martial art recognized for its fast, high kicks and explosive movements. Also an Olympic sport, it's ideal for flexibility and speed.
🤼 Grappling Martial Arts
Grappling styles revolve around controlling your opponent through holds, throws, takedowns, and submissions.
Instead of focusing on strikes, they emphasize close-range techniques, body positioning, and leverage — often taking the fight to the ground. Grappling most commonly does not include striking or the use of props, but some techniques may teach these tactics.
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): Specializes in submissions, joint locks, and ground control. It relies heavily on strategy and technique rather than brute strength, making it accessible to all body types.
- Judo: A Japanese martial art built around the principles of balance and leverage. It teaches effective throws, pins, and submissions with a focus on timing and redirection.
- Wrestling: A competitive grappling style found in both sport and self-defence contexts. It's great for building explosive strength, control, and stamina.
🛡️ Self-Defence and Mixed Styles
These martial arts combine elements from different disciplines and are often designed with real-world effectiveness in mind.
Whether blending striking and grappling, or focusing on practical self-defence, they emphasize adaptability, efficiency, and reacting to unpredictable situations.
- Krav Maga: Developed for the Israeli military, Krav Maga prioritizes instinctive movements, practical techniques, and surviving real-life threats. No frills — just fast, effective defence.
- Mixed Martial Arts (MMA): A sport and training system that combines striking and grappling from various styles (e.g., Muay Thai, BJJ, wrestling). MMA is popular in competitions like the UFC but also offers well-rounded fitness benefits.
🧭 Which Martial Art Style Should You Choose?
The right martial art for you depends on your personality, goals, and how you like to learn. Are you drawn to discipline and tradition? Styles like Karate or Taekwondo offer clear progression and structured training. If you're more interested in developing strategy and technique, then Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu could be the right fit.
Whatever your path, martial arts can boost confidence, fitness, and focus.
Ready to get started? Browse martial arts tutors and classes near you on Superprof and take the first step in your journey.
Which martial arts style do you prefer?
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