There’s no better time to learn self-defense than now. If you’re willing to give it a go, check out these tips on how you can pick a self-defense class that’s right for you.
Choosing the Right Self-Defense Class
There is no more guessing anymore. That is the beautiful part about self-defense in the modern age.
For literally thousands of years martial artists have been battling over which techniques and stances were the best. Zhou to Jin or hand to hand combat theory dated back to 5th century China!
On November 12th, 1993, a fighting tournament took place that would change everything regarding the Martial Arts argument. It was the birth of the UFC. The Ultimate Fighting Championship would pit all martial artists from all disciplines against each other.
This distillation would solidify the absolute best fighting techniques in the world. The best would rise to the occasion while others would get beaten into a bloody pulp.
This is great news for you. Now we know exactly what to study to protect ourselves.
1. Boxing
Learning how to throw a proper punch can be all you need for self-defense.
Boxing, however, is not just about hitting people hard. It’s also about protecting yourself. Slipping punches and understanding distance are essential to hitting without being hit.
This is even more true if you are fighting someone who has never taken a self-defense class. Believe it or not, many criminals have little to no fighting experience. They count on their victims being weak and helpless.
2. Jiu-Jitsu
The art of grappling is a massive advantage. Jiu-Jitsu is the practice of controlling the human body.
Whether you are holding someone down or manipulating someone on top of you, Jiu-jitsu is a technique that allows you to dictate the conditions of the fight.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was also created by a smaller man who wanted a fighting technique that used things like leverage and positioning to overpower larger opponents.
This makes it such a desirable martial art to learn. There is no greater fear in a self-defense situation than to be overpowered by an attacker.
Jiu-Jitsu training is also a ton of fun because you basically get to grapple at full speed every practice. This means you get to replicate a real fight. This isn’t possible with other martial arts because of the damage you would take.
3. Muay Thai
Also known as the art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai is the most devastating striking art in the world. The use of knees, elbows, fists, and shins makes it great for close-quarters combat.
Muay Thai is still the military martial art for the nation of Thailand. That speaks volumes of its efficacy.
One aspect of Muay Thai that is lost on the knockout culture of America is the clinch. A high-level Muay Thai tactician can control a person’s entire body just by executing the clinch.
By clasping the neck and forcing your elbows into the chest of the opponent you gain some serious leverage over them.
There is also a level of hardening that happens when you train Muay Thai. As you begin to hit heavy bags with knees and elbows, they’re going to hurt.
But over time, your skin and bones will get tougher. You will be able to really hit the bag with force. Your shin bones get stronger from all the kicks. There is a very real hardening element to Muay Thai.
While it is rare to find a Muay Thai exclusive gym, you can take Muay Thai in MMA gyms and even some Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools.
4. Yoga
Oh yes. It says Yoga. One of the greatest practitioners of all time, Rickson Gracie, swore by yoga.
We think that self-defense is something that exists only in the muscles and the fists. Punching hard and moving fast are often prioritized. However, I have seen many fights lost because the mind was defeated long before the body.
Yoga is a personal practice. It is a means of getting to know yourself, testing yourself.
Yoga teaches you effective breathing techniques and increases flexibility. Most importantly, it puts you in the driver’s seat of your mind by forcing you to be present and avoid compulsion.
Your resolve is everything in self-defense.
Train As Soon As You Can
I know you are watching those videos. You know, the ones where someone gets beaten up by a group or maybe attacked by someone much bigger. You are probably watching videos of people getting stabbed or maybe even shot and killed.
Our social media feeds have become hubs for violence in the streets. The threats have always existed, but thanks to phone cameras, we witness it all.
I know it makes you uncomfortable and it should. We are a civilized society who has long been removed from the brutality that is reemerging in our streets.
These acts are almost always perpetrated on people who make good victims. If you study martial arts and self-defense, in tandem with physical fitness, you will gain literal energy about you.
People can feel that kind of energy and the bad guys avoid it. Hone that energy. Start training, today!
Which of these self-defense classes are you looking forward to getting? Tell us why it appeals to you in the comments section!
Up Next:
- 7 Non-Lethal Weapons For Self-Defense
- Don’t Be A Victim | 13 Self-Defense Against Rapists
- 7 Self-Defense Martial Arts For Personal Safety And Survival
