Research shows increased violence against women. UN Women reports that approximately 33% of all women globally have been subjected to violence at one point of their lives.
As such, there is a need for women to equip themselves with reliable self-defense techniques. For example, some forms of martial arts offer moves and techniques that come in handy when girls are under attack.
This article highlights the best martial art for a small woman. We detail how each art will help you in case of an attack. Read on.
What Are Martial Arts?
Martial arts are fighting techniques that help you step in when your life is under threat. They are also exercising routines that will increase your flexibility, endurance, and strength.
There are several forms of martial arts ranging from their location of origin to the nature of fighting skills they offer. For instance:
- Chinese Martial Arts
Chinese martial arts include Kungfu, Wing Chun, Tai Chi, etc. They are mostly known for internal power generation and effective strikes that help you ward off opponents or attackers.
- Japanese Martial Arts
Japanese martial arts, such as Karate and Ju-Jitsu, use powerful blocks and punches to incapacitate opponents.
Other forms of Japanese martial art include Aikido, Sumo, Kendo, etc. These disciplines rely on throws, joint locks, and chokeholds to defeat opponents.
Krav Maga is another Japanese martial art that emphasizes self-defense. It draws its moves from several fighting techniques including Kung Fu, Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, Boxing, etc. Krav Maga fighters are known for their takedown moves that help them capture opponents swiftly.
- Brazilian Martial Arts
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a form of martial arts whose origin can be traced to Feijão. This was a traditional fighting process that started in the 18th century. The term Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gained popularity at the beginning of the 20th century when Mitsuyo Maeda went to Brazil and established a branch there.
In recent times, even the military has adopted Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as part of their fighting training. For example, United States Army Rangers use this art as a form of combat tactic.
Best Female Martial Arts
In light of the above, martial arts can be grouped into:
- Rough and Tough Martial Arts
This category includes forms such as Kung Fu and Karate. They focus on blows and strikes that cover a larger area. For instance, while Karate uses straight lines to hit opponents, Kung Fu relies on angular moves.
Despite focusing on larger areas, these forms train you to hit specific targets such as eyes, nose, or throat. Their vigorous nature makes them relatively tough for small girls.
- Smooth and Supple Martial Arts
They rely on movements that are less direct than those used by other martial arts. This category includes forms like Ju-Jitsu, Judo, Aikido, Tai Chi, etc. The smoothness of these moves makes them perfect for women.
Best Martial Art For A Small Woman
Judging by the nature of different martial arts, it is clear that they have their pros and cons. Besides, some forms are more appropriate than others depending on the type of attack you are facing.
However, there is one form that stands out when it comes to effectiveness, comfort, and size.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the best martial art for a female in the following five major ways:
1. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Best Self Defense Technique For A Small Woman
A recent study by Ohio State University revealed that women who take Jiu-Jitsu classes reduce their chances of getting injured when attacked. This is because Jiu-Jitsu helps them anticipate and counter an attack without exposing themselves to harm.
2. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Is Taught To Both Men And Women
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lessons are taught to both men and women, unlike other forms of martial arts. For instance, women who take Karate lessons are often seated separately from the men. This is because most styles of martial art are designed for men only.
3. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Is International
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an international style that has spread to different parts of the world including North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. In addition to the main branch in Brazil, there are over 30 countries with Jiu-Jitsu schools. This makes it easy for you to get a chance to learn from the best instructors irrespective of where you live.
4. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Is Safe
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, sparring is not part of the learning process. The style involves a lot of self-defense moves that help you counter-attacks in different forms. Like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, this form is ideal for women who want to keep themselves safe without being injured in the process.
5. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Is The Best Martial Art For Small Woman In Terms Of Fitness
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes are tiring but gentle. Even though they help you get your heart rate up, they do not leave you drenched in sweat like some other forms. Furthermore, the moves involved in this form of martial arts are easy to learn and remember. They also help to develop areas of the body that women find difficult to tone.
These are among the major reasons why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the best martial art for a small woman. The above information indicates that this form of martial arts is more effective, flexible, and comfortable than other forms.
Besides, it is growing at an unprecedented rate with new schools opening up daily all over the world.
5 Best Martial Arts for Street Fighting (For Girls)
I wanted to see what the hype was about and signed up for beginner classes in Tae Kwon Do and Kyokushin Karate.
Recently I had a chance to chat with a few women who train in different forms of karate such as Goju Ryu (hard/soft style), Kyokushin Ka, or Shotokan Karate. I asked them what they thought the best martial art was for women, and these were their responses:
1. Boxing/Muay Thai
This form of martial arts is becoming very popular among women because it teaches both offensive (how to punch) and defensive (how to avoid getting punched) techniques. Women who take this form of training become more confident and tougher.
2. Muay Thai/Karate
These two forms are also great for women because they teach them how to fight using their hands, feet, elbows, knees, legs, etc. This makes them ideal for street fighting or self-defense purposes without getting too bulky like other styles (e.g., Kung Fu or Karate).
3. Jeet Kune Do/Muay Thai
Jeet Kune Do is a form of martial arts that was recently proven to be the best in terms of learning speed, reaction time, and coordination. Muay Thai is also effective in self-defense situations because it involves hitting, kicking, clinching, kneeing, elbowing, and other street fighting techniques.
4. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/Muay Thai
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the best style of martial arts for self-defense because it teaches women how to counter an attack without getting injured in the process. Muay Thai is also an effective form of martial arts because it involves punches, jabs, elbows, blocks, kicks, knees, and other street fighting techniques.
5. Mixed Martial Arts
Mixed Martial Arts is a combination of several different styles that are effective when it comes to street fighting and self-defense when no other options are available. MMA involves boxing, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, judo, karate, and jiujutsu.
Best Martial Arts for a Small Girl- Bottom Line
The above information indicates that there are several forms of martial arts that are effective for women who want to defend themselves in street-fighting situations.
Boxing/Muay Thai is the most popular among female martial artists because it teaches them offensive and defensive skills. Mixed Martial Arts is also a great style because it involves different styles that can be used in self-defense situations.
However, the best overall style for a woman is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu because it teaches them how to defend themselves without getting injured in the process. If you are looking for the best overall martial art form then do not look any further. Your next stop should be BJJ which stands for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.