7 Different Martial Arts from Around the World and What Makes Them Unique

Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a ground-based martial art that focuses on techniques for controlling and submitting opponents, making it suitable for practitioners of all sizes and strengths. It highlights using leverage and technique to overcome adversaries, making it especially appealing for beginners who are looking to learn effective self-defense skills. Unlike other fitness regimens, BJJ encourages students to advance at their own pace, a strategy that can help develop a student’s confidence and problem-solving abilities over time. 

A perfect option for those who value strategy, precision, and adaptability, the jiu jitsu Manila classes offered by Lucas Lepri provide an engaging and intellectually stimulating workout to people of all ages. It’s an ideal method to build muscle strength, improve flexibility, and enhance mental focus. You can also form lasting bonds with fellow practitioners in a supportive community. 

Karate is a Japanese martial art known for its striking techniques and disciplined training methods. It focuses on punches, kicks, and blocks, providing learners with a full-body workout that improves cardiovascular fitness, coordination, and balance. Karate also offers students opportunities for self-improvement as they work on leveling up their skill level and physique.  

This combat sport stands out because of its accessibility, simplicity, practicality, and emphasis on personal development. It also presents learners with a clear progression in the form of acquiring belt ranks. This builds up confidence as one gets involved deeper into the sport. What’s more, it’s quite easy to sign up for a karate class in the Philippines as it is popularly taught in schools, gyms, and other places of instruction. 

Originating in Korea, Taekwondo is celebrated for its dynamic and high-flying kicks, which are an exciting way to level up one’s flexibility, coordination, and endurance. More than its demanding physicality, Taekwondo also builds respect, discipline, and self-control.

With its popularity and widespread presence in the Philippines, Taekwondo offers beginners a supportive environment to learn and excel. These make it an attractive option for those eager to explore a martial art that blends tradition with athleticism.

Muay Thai hails from Thailand. Perhaps one of this martial art’s standout characteristics is its utilization of powerful strikes and clinching techniques, which have been the subject of many international films. This combat sport offers beginners and seasoned kickboxers alike a high-energy workout that challenges both strength and endurance. In particular, Muay Thai focuses on punches and kicks and using the knees, and elbows to strike. This provides a comprehensive cardiovascular workout while teaching essential self-defense skills. 

Aside from its physically challenging quality, Muay Thai training builds mental toughness, discipline, and self-confidence. For those who appreciate a competitive edge, this martial art makes use of sparring sessions that give you an opportunity to test your skills in controlled settings. 

Krav Maga, originating in Israel, is a practical self-defense system known for its efficiency and adaptability. It’s a popular option for many individuals, as it presents straightforward techniques for real-world scenarios. If you want to learn effective skills and techniques to defend yourself in a short period of time, this martial art is a great option.

Krav Maga’s focus is on instinctive movements and quick strikes to neutralize threats. It's particularly attractive to those who value practicality over traditional forms. The emphasis on defense against armed attackers, multiple opponents, and various scenarios makes Krav Maga an empowering choice for self-protection.

Many Filipino martial arts make use of weapon-based techniques, along with empty-hand and grappling skills. One of the most popular options is arnis, sometimes called eskrima/escrima or kali. Studying these homegrown martial arts offers a unique combination of self-defense strategies, cultural heritage, and physical conditioning.

One of the unique aspects of this martial art is that practitioners learn to use sticks, knives, and improvised weapons. The incorporation of these weapons in the practice helps develop coordination and adaptability that translate to real-world scenarios. Its practicality and efficiency also make this discipline an appealing option for Filipinos who are looking to acquire effective self-defense skills while staying true to their roots. Additionally, the use of partner drills and sparring in arnis cultivates teamwork and tactical thinking.

Capoeira is a martial art from Brazil that blends elements of dance, acrobatics, and music. It provides a unique avenue for self-expression, creativity, and physical fitness. With its fluid movements and interactive "game" between participants, capoeira presents an engaging way of enhancing flexibility, agility, and rhythm. The easy camaraderie within capoeira groups creates an inclusive environment where beginners can learn and progress together. The non-confrontational nature of this sport and its emphasis on improvisation also make it a suitable option for those looking to explore a martial art that integrates movement, culture, and community.

These martial arts not only help you keep fit. They also carve a path to self-improvement, community engagement, and a deeper connection to culture. Whether you're stepping onto the mat for the first time or considering a fresh endeavor, it’s a good idea to research the martial arts that you are interested in to ensure that they will be a good fit for your personal goals.