What is the best martial arts for self defense? Before they begin training many students ask that question. I thought that I should put this question to rest once and for all. The short answer is this; the best martial art for self defense is the one that works for you. Some styles simply work better for some people than for others. But, above all else, you have to believe in the system and style that you train.
That was the simple answer. Now lets go a little deeper. My background is in Chinese martial arts, and in the years that I have been training in the Chinese martial arts I have learned that your body will tell you what martial art is best for you. For instance, in Chinese martial arts we have the basic styles of the five animals, as well at Tai Chi and other internal and external styles. Some styles are best suited for certain body types than others. Someone who is small in stature will not necessarily be able to do the same things as a larger person. A smaller person may feel more comfortable with the internal, or "softer," side of the art; where as a larger person may be more comfortable with the external or "harder" side. That being said, there is nothing that says the reverse can't also be true. The trick is listening to what your body tells you.
The best martial art for self defense is the one that you can make work when actually faced with a self defense situation. You have to believe in the style that you train. If you don't believe that your style would actually work in a real life situation, then it won't. If you train a style that isn't suited for your body type, you may have trouble applying it when you need it. Listen to your body when training martial arts, but also listen to your mind. If you don't believe in your style, your training is useless. Even if you train the "wrong" style for your body, your belief in yourself and your style will help you prevail.
In reality, there is no single "best martial art for self defense." There are different martial arts for different people. Your body will tell you what styles and techniques work for you and which ones don't. But above all, it is your belief, trust and faith in yourself and your style that makes it the best martial art for you.
