What Are the Different Types of Martial Arts That Exist Today?

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Types of Martial Arts
Young Asian woman boxer with blue boxing gloves kicking in the exercise gym, Martial arts on black background

Last Updated on July 3, 2023 by

Are you thinking about learning self defense techniques? Wondering what the main types of martial arts are?

There have been many popular martial arts styles throughout the years and many of them are still going strong. There are a lot of great martial arts styles that exist to help you defend yourself as necessary.

Here are the main types of martial arts that exist today.

1. Striking Martial Arts

One of the main types of martial arts is striking martial arts. A variety of martial arts styles falls into this category. This includes many of the best martial arts styles that are out there.

Karate, Kung Fu, Krav Maga, and Muay Thai all fall under this umbrella term. This also includes styles such as Boxing and Kickboxing as well.

2. Takedown Martial Arts

Another category of martial arts that exists today is takedown styles. These are also known as throwing styles.

This category includes martial arts that are focused on taking down an opponent. Aikido, Judo, Hapkido, and Suhai Jiao all fall into this category.

3. Grappling Martial Arts

Grappling styles are another type of martial arts that are popular today.

These styles make use of grappling while also forcing an opponent to the ground. These styles are similar to the takedown martial arts styles listed above but aren’t as focused on takedowns.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most popular types of grappling martial arts. If you’re interested in learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on Long Island, you may want to visit Kiotobjj.com now.

Some other examples in this category include Russian Sambo, Wrestling, and Sumo Wrestling.

4. Low-Impact Martial Arts

A unique style of martial arts that is popular today is low-impact martial arts. These martial arts styles have a low focus on combat and focus more on breathing techniques and improving health and wellbeing.

Tai Chi is the primary example of this style but this category also includes martial arts styles such as Baguazhang and Chi Gong styles.

5. Hybrid Martial Arts

Hybrid martial arts styles are also a martial arts category that is extremely popular today. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), in particular, is very popular and will combine a variety of martial arts techniques and styles into one type of training.

Aside from MMA, other examples of this marital arts type include Ninjutsu and Jeet Kune Do. 

6. Weapons-Based Martial Arts

A final type of martial arts that you should know about is weapons-centered martial arts styles. These styles will make use of weapons in their training and they will be the focal point of the style.

Some of the prime examples of these martial arts styles include Kendo, Kali, and Iaido.

Choosing Between the Many Types of Martial Arts

If you want to start learning to defend yourself, there are many different types of martial arts to choose from. They’re all unique and effective in their own ways, so you should do plenty of research before choosing the right style for you.

Want to learn more about martial arts and fitness? Browse our blog now to discover more interesting tips.

Apart from that, if you are interested to know about Five Reasons to Try Jiu Jitsu then visit our Sport category.