Best and Most Effective Martial Arts For Girls

Martial arts are not just for boys, they’re for girls too! Martial arts are a great way for all kids to develop self defense skills, build confidence, and stay physically fit. With so many different fighting styles to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this article, we‘ll take a look at the eight best forms of martial arts for girls, so you can find the perfect one to suit your needs. Whether you’re interested in traditional styles like karate or modern forms like BJJ, there’s something for everyone. So let’s dive in and discover the best martial arts for girls!

Benefits of Martial Arts for Girls

Martial arts can be a truly transformative experience for girls, providing a wealth of advantages that can last a lifetime. From boosting physical fitness and coordination to sharpening balance and building self-confidence, the benefits are endless. Not only that, but practising martial arts can also be a fun and social experience, allowing you to make new friends and become part of a supportive community. 

With discipline and self defense skills being developed along the way, you’ll find that learning martial arts is truly a journey worth embarking on. Whether you’re looking to get in shape, become more confident, or just try something new, the world of martial arts is waiting for you!

“The ultimate aim of martial arts is not to defeat others, but to defeat the negative within ourselves.” – Kano Jigoro, the founder of Judo.

The 8 Best Forms of Martial Arts for Women

As discussed above, martial arts offer a multitude of benefits for women, ranging from physical fitness and self-defence to mental clarity and personal growth. But with so many forms to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which one is the best fit. From Muay Thai to Krav Maga, the 8 forms of martial arts we’ve selected are not only among the most effective, but also have a proven track record of empowering women through their training. Each style offers unique techniques, skills and philosophies, making it crucial to choose the one that aligns with your personal goals and preferences. Here are our top 8 picks:

Muay Thai

Muay Thai is a form of martial arts that originated in Thailand and has been practised for centuries. It is known for its intense and physically demanding style, which involves strikes using fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Muay Thai is a full-contact sport and is considered one of the most effective forms of women’s self defense. The equipment required for Muay Thai includes gloves, shin guards, a mouthguard, and hand wraps. The popularity of Muay Thai has grown in recent years, with many gyms and dojos offering training martial arts classes for those interested in learning the sport.

Sambo

Sambo, originating from Soviet Russia, is a dynamic and diverse martial art that has gained popularity globally. Practitioners of Sambo require minimal equipment to begin, only needing comfortable athletic clothing and a pair of wrestling shoes. The sport combines techniques from Judo and traditional wrestling to provide a full-body workout. 

Its popularity stems from its effectiveness in self defense and its combination of throws, grappling, and submissions. The training regimen of Sambo is rigorous, providing a challenging and intense workout that is beneficial for both physical and mental health. For young girls, Sambo can be a great form of self defense and provide a sense of empowerment, as well as help to build confidence and strength.

Taekwondo

Taekwondo, originating from South Korea, is a highly popular martial art that emphasises kicking and agility. Practitioners of Taekwondo require a uniform, typically consisting of a jacket, pants, and belt, which is also called white Dobok, as well as a protective gear such as a mouthguard and shin guards. The sport has a rich history, having been developed in the 1940s and 1950s, and has since become one of the world’s most widely practised martial arts. 

The high degree of physical exertion and the focus on kicking techniques make Taekwondo an ideal choice for women looking to improve their overall fitness and develop self-defence skills. The practice also helps to boost confidence, increase balance and coordination, and promote mental clarity and self discipline. Taekwondo’s emphasis on form and discipline make it a popular choice for those looking for a challenging yet rewarding martial art experience.

Karate

Karate, the Japanese martial art form, has been a staple in the martial arts community for decades. Known for its strong focus on striking techniques, Karate is an excellent form of self-defence for women. The only equipment required is a Karate uniform (Gi) and a belt to signify rank progressions. Karate’s popularity is due to its versatility, with its techniques and principles adaptable to both self-defence and sport settings. As a result, it has become a staple in many schools and gyms across the world. 

With its emphasis on mental and physical discipline, Karate also offers many benefits to women looking to improve their overall health and wellness. The fluid, dynamic movements and powerful strikes of Karate make it an effective choice for women seeking to challenge themselves and improve their confidence in any setting.

Jiu-Jitsu

Jiu-Jitsu is a Brazilian martial art that emphasises grappling techniques and submissions. It is considered to be one of the most effective forms of self-defence for women, as it allows for techniques to be used against larger opponents. The equipment required for Jiu-Jitsu includes a martial arts uniform, also referred to as Gi, or simply a rash guard and a pair of shorts without any pockets for those interested in No-Gi BJJ. 

Jiu-Jitsu has grown in popularity in recent years, with many schools and dojos offering martial arts classes for those interested in learning the sport. Jiu Jitsu is a perfect example of traditional martial arts appreciated by millions across the world.

Judo

Judo is a Japanese martial art that emphasises throws, grappling, and submission techniques. It is considered to be one of the most effective forms of self-defence for women, as it allows for techniques to be used against larger opponents. The equipment required for Judo includes a martial arts uniform, training mat, and a personal mouthguard. Judo is a popular choice for women interested in learning self-defence, and many schools and dojos offer classes for those interested in learning the sport.

MMA

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a combat sport that encompasses a wide range of martial arts techniques, including striking and grappling and has gained massive popularity in recent years. To train in MMA, a student needs various pieces of equipment, including gloves, hand wraps, mouthguards, and shin guards. The history of MMA is rooted in the ancient Olympic games where various forms of combat sports were included. 

Today, MMA is considered one of the most physically demanding sports and requires a combination of strength, speed, and endurance. Despite its tough reputation, MMA is an excellent choice for women looking to improve their overall fitness, self-defence skills, and build confidence. The sport’s focus on technique, strategy, and discipline make it an effective choice for women seeking a well-rounded martial art.

Krav Maga

Krav Maga, a military self-defence system originating from the Israeli Defense Forces, is renowned for its versatility and effectiveness. This unique fighting style is created to empower individuals of all shapes, sizes, and strength levels with the skills to tackle a variety of dangerous self defense situations. With its emphasis on close-combat tactics like strikes, grappling, and ground fighting, Krav Maga equips participants with the essential tools for self-defence. To engage in this adrenaline-fueled activity, comfortable clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes are all that’s required. 

Krav Maga is designed to be fast-paced and instinctual, putting an emphasis on aggressive counter-attacks. This highly effective martial art form is ideal for women who want to boost their confidence and improve their safety. It’s also a fantastic option for women looking to take their fitness to the next level, with its intense physical demands providing a full-body workout.

Conclusion

Martial arts offer a variety of benefits for women, including improved fitness, self-defence skills, and confidence. The 8 martial arts covered in this article – Muay Thai, Sambo, Taekwondo, Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, MMA, and Krav Maga – are some of the best options available for women seeking to improve their physical and mental well-being. Each of these martial arts provides unique benefits and challenges, so it is essential to consider your personal goals and preferences when choosing the right one for you. Whether you’re seeking a fun way to stay fit, improve your self-defence skills, or build confidence, martial arts are a great choice.

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