Sports

What Is the World’s Most Popular Martial Art? Find Out Here!

Martial arts differ substantially between different regions of the world. They exist in three main categories, which include striking methods alongside grappling techniques and throwing maneuvers. Each martial art has its distinctive features, yet they share basic components of fitness training alongside defensive capabilities. A specific martial art stands out as the most famous across global communities. Our latest post reveals why millions practice this martial art while exposing its identity.

The World’s Most Popular Martial Art and Other Top Styles

Taekwondo

Taekwondo emerged in Korea during the post-WWII era to become one of the modern world’s most recognized martial arts. Its fast-paced kicking techniques and quick movements made it simpler to learn. The martial art is practiced by 70 million practitioners across 200 different countries worldwide. The introduction of Taekwondo as an Olympic sport in 2000 accelerated its worldwide popularity.

Karate

Karate began in Okinawa, Japan. It mixes simple punches, kicks, and strong blocks. Many people like it because it teaches both self-defense and discipline. Over 100 million people practice karate worldwide.

Judo

Judo started in Japan in the 1860s, and it was created by Jigoro Kano. This sport focuses on using throws and pins instead of punches and kicks. Judo is also an Olympic sport; it was included in the Olympics in 1964. Judo has 20 million students globally.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

BJJ originated from Japanese judo in the 1890s and is now considered a martial art that focuses on techniques used in ground fighting. People often think being in shape is the only way to win a competition, but in BJJ, it is taught that skill and strategy can claim victory. It gained popularity through MMA and is now widely taught for self-defense.

Kung Fu

Kung fu is one of the oldest forms of martial arts that originated in China. It has many styles that constitute different movements and forms. Chinese movies and legends like Bruce Lee helped it gain international fame and popularity. It has traditional roots and is also used in combat.

Muay Thai

Muay Thai, which translates to “The Art of Eight Limbs,” originated in Thailand. It incorporates striking with fists, knees, elbows, and kicks. Once used in real combat, it has now transformed into a national sport. Its popularity has skyrocketed in fitness gyms and MMA.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

An acronym for Mixed Martial Arts, MMA combines many forms of martial arts, such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing, Muay Thai, and even wrestling. Mixed martial arts gained popularity in the 1990s with the birth of UFC. While MMA is one of the most practiced combat sports in the world, it has inspired fighters to expand their training and be conditioned for a range of fighting situations.

Boxing

Originating in ancient times, boxing gained its formal recognition as a sport in England during the 1700s. In this sport, participants employ punches and footwork. People love boxing not just due to its history and renowned fighters, but also for the spectacular bouts. Boxing is both a competitive sport and an excellent exercise to keep oneself healthy.

Wrestling

Wrestling stands as one of the earliest combat arts that people still practice today because it first appeared in Greece. The wrestling sport includes combat techniques, which include holding opponents to the ground and throwing them there. Every nation maintains its unique wrestling traditions through freestyle and Greco-Roman styles. Schools teach this subject, and MMA fighters receive training in this discipline.

Kalarippayattu

Kalarippayattu represents the oldest martial arts form, which originates from the southwestern Indian state of Kerala. The martial art Kalarippayattu combines kicking and striking techniques with fighting methods that incorporate sticks and swords, and various other weapons. Kalaripayattu movements stem from the natural movements of the snake and the lion in their natural behavior.

Kalaripayattu exists as a combat system that provides therapeutic benefits along with stretching techniques and physical control abilities that make it special. The exceptional style, together with traditional aspects of this martial art, attracts practitioners from India and various international locations.

Among the well-known martial arts, which style holds the highest ranking?

The selection of the superior martial art from popular styles seems challenging to you. The individual characteristics of each martial art distinguish them from one another since they fulfill diverse requirements of their practitioners.

You should choose Taekwondo because it is an accessible martial art that combines fitness training with nutrition education and discipline development. The sport exists in more than 190 nations while participating in Olympic competitions, thus gaining universal recognition.

Taekwondo receives similar praise for its Olympic status as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) does for self-defense applications. People who feel their small stature or weak condition makes them defenseless should choose BJJ as their martial art. The strategic nature of this art enables practitioners to defeat opponents through skillful techniques. BJJ displays its greatest strength when opponents reach the ground.

The judo variation with throws and control aspects, and rule systems, makes this style one of the strongest choices for practitioners. Judo offers a secure learning environment since it exists in numerous schools worldwide while maintaining its status as an Olympic sport.

The ease of learning combined with discipline aspects makes Karate an attractive choice for numerous students. The growth in self-assurance leads to better self-esteem, which creates improved self-worth.

So, which is the best?

If you consider global reach, the sheer numbers show that Taekwondo is the most popular martial art out there. Different things like personal preference, your body’s comfort range, and whether you want to learn fitness, self-defense, or tradition, determine the best martial art for you.

Conclusion

Martial arts come in many styles, each with its own strength and story. Despite Taekwondo being the most practiced martial art in the world, the one that’s truest to you is the best. Whether your aim is to get fit, build confidence, or defend yourself, choose the one that motivates you.

Amanda Mills

Senior Content Writer at All Perfect Stories. I’m proud to be part of the All Perfect Stories team for over 5 amazing years. With a Bachelor's degree and an MBA in Marketing, I combine my love for writing with a strong understanding of strategy, storytelling, and what audiences are looking for. My role goes beyond writing articles. I focus on doing in-depth research, verifying facts, and breaking down complex topics into content that’s easy to read and understand. I aim to make every story clear, engaging, and valuable to the reader. Being with All Perfect Stories is a rewarding journey that helps me grow both personally and professionally. I’m grateful for the work I do and always excited to keep learning and creating.

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