Learning martial arts is more than just another way to stay in shape or train for competitive combat. It is valuable for self-defense purposes as well. 

But you may wonder, what martial art should I learn? Or, if boxing is good for self-defense?

In this blog, we’ll answer these questions by diving into the benefits of different martial arts for self-defense and show why they are so empowering. We’ll also cover how the various disciplines help in multiple ways as you better prepare yourself for a fight.

Benefits of Martial Arts for Self-Defense

Any fighter will tell you boxing is not simply a series of punches. There are several skills that serve self-defense purposes, such as defensive positioning, distance management from opponents, and agile footwork.

Though power is an advantage, the timing and awareness taught during martial arts training is equally effective. Each technique and movement can be effective when used for self-defense. Here are other benefits martial arts provide when defending yourself against someone.

Improves Balance

In self-defense, there’s the element of surprise to consider, which can quickly throw you off balance. An attacker may block your fist or leg and take you off guard. 

A key aspect of martial arts training, having control over your body is key. Learning how to stay balanced and upright helps securely position you against an opponent, particularly after throwing a punch or delivering a kick. 

Highlights Defensive Techniques

In addition to powerful punches and kicks, knowing how to block advances is equally important. Making it difficult for an attacker to land a clean punch will tire them out and give you a better chance of escaping.

Unlike sparring with a partner to improve your skills, a street fight is about doing what’s best for your safety. In some cases, that may mean finishing a fight by leaving the situation. 

Teaches Grappling Moves

Boxing involves punches and kicks, though jiu-jitsu is a different martial art that’s impactful as well. In jiu-jitsu, fighters are taught how to grapple. This is particularly important if the fight is taken to the ground.

Grappling includes ground fighting and submission holds to subdue your attacker. Leg sweeps can also push someone off balance and give you an advantage.

Increases Physical Strength

Martial arts require a full-body workout every time you train. It builds muscle, strengthens the core, and boosts heart health. As a result, it helps fighters become more confident in their abilities and better prepared to protect themselves.

Moreover, knowing even a few of the basic techniques of boxing, muay thai, or jiu-jitsu for self-defense can be enough to ward off an attacker and make them less of a target.

Creates Mental Toughness

Another important part of martial arts is the mental aspect. No one can fully prepare for a surprise attack. But learning how to react to sudden movements during training can help in the same way if needed for self-defense. 

Also, martial arts teach you how to be aware of your surroundings, which is helpful to allow time to escape before a fight can even ensue. Self-defense isn’t necessarily about trying to outfight someone but rather protecting your safety as best as possible. And sometimes that means running away.

Focuses on Agility and Speed

Speaking of running away, martial arts training requires quick footwork to improve your agility and speed. This is beneficial if you have to sidestep an attacker quickly in order to get out of the way or move into an offensive position.

Of course, in a street fight (versus training at the gym with boxing gloves), there are no rules about which martial art is best to use. It’s smart to learn the techniques of multiple martial arts, so you have more knowledge at your disposal if and when the time comes.

Are Muay Thai Self-Defense Techniques Effective?

Not sure if muay thai self-defense is best to learn? First and foremost, it’s beneficial to know movements of all martial arts since they all possess self-defense elements. However, muay thai is specifically effective because it focuses on keeping an opponent/attacker at a distance. 

By positioning your arms out long (versus with boxing where they’re held in close), it gives you space between you and another person. The long guard allows for an extra second to get out of the way, which in a street fight, is invaluable. 

A muay thai skill like the standard one-two punch may be enough to surprise your attacker, leaving you time to run away. Also, a powerful knee to the gut or groin is effective, especially when hand-to-hand combat is not an option.

Regardless of which martial arts movements you use for self-defense, the goal is to seek safety, not stay and fight to declare a winner.

Which Martial Art Should I Learn?

In a street fight, it’s most likely someone will throw a punch. There likely won’t be kicking or grappling, at least not initially. Therefore, if you were to choose between the different martial arts, boxing would be considered the best choice.

However, street fighting is unpredictable. And just because you learn one type of martial arts, it may not fully prepare you the way appreciating all of them would do. 

When determining the most effective martial art, it's the combination of martial arts for self-defense that’s invaluable. Boxing is one of the best martial arts for fitness, helping to improve your stamina. This is important when defending yourself against an opponent since strength and endurance are two of the best advantages. 

On the other hand, jiu-jitsu and muay thai are beneficial in learning how to defend against full-body contact. In situations where you are outsized, throwing punches will not be the most effective solution. 

There are advantages to each martial art and having a combination of techniques and training will add to your self-defense arsenal. 

Best Martial Arts for Self-Defense for Women

You may wonder if there is a difference in the best martial arts for self-defense for women versus men. Or deciding whether the best martial arts for kids is boxing or jiu-jitsu. 

The answer is: they are all valuable for any person. Regardless of gender, age, or skill level, everyone can benefit equally from what martial arts can teach.

Get Into Fight Mode with Hayabusa

The best martial arts training focuses on strength and discipline, not violence or ego. However, one of its main purposes is to make people confident in knowing how to defend themselves if needed.

As you continue your martial arts journey and feel more equipped to take on your next opponent, look to us to have the gear you need to train. From hand wraps to gloves and women’s apparel, men’s apparel, and clothing and equipment sizes for kids, find all you need to fight at Hayabusa.