20 Types of Martial Arts Explained: Styles, Differences, and How to Choose

Every martial art teaches you something different—how to throw a punch, control an opponent on the ground, move with precision under pressure, or defend yourself when it matters. The hard part isn't finding a martial art to train. It's figuring out which one fits you.

This guide breaks down 20 martial arts styles, from globally popular systems like BJJ, Muay Thai, and Karate to lesser-known arts like Sambo and Capoeira. For each one, you'll get a clear picture of what training looks like, who it's best suited for, and how difficult it is to pick up. If you're running a martial arts school—or thinking about opening one—you'll also find business insights for every style throughout the guide.

Start with the comparison table below for a quick side-by-side view, then dive into any style that catches your eye.

At a Glance: Comparing 20 Martial Arts Styles

Not sure where to start? This table breaks down every style covered in this guide by what it emphasizes, who it's best for, and how steep the learning curve is. Click any style to jump to its full breakdown below.

1. Muay Thai

Muay Thai is a dynamic fighting style characterized by the artful combination of fists, elbows, knees, shins, and devastating clench techniques. It is famous for a full contact sparring component, although most sparring training is in Thai boxing is light.

Muay Thai originated in Thailand out of necessity for close-quarters combat and self-defense. Muay Thai is traced back to Siamese warriors on the battlefield. 

The techniques and tactics of Muay Thai were honed for warfare. Over time, Thai Boxing has developed into a popular spectator sport and remains an integral part of Thai culture. Muay Thai training focuses on building conditioning, endurance, and precise technique execution. 

Muay Thai is practiced worldwide and is highly regarded for its effectiveness in competition and self-defense situations. Thai fighters engage in rigorous training sessions that include pad work, heavy bag training, sparring, and conditioning drills. The training methods aim to develop strength, speed, agility, and mental resilience. 

2. Taekwondo

Taekwondo is a fast-paced martial arts style originating in Korea. Taekwondo draws inspiration from traditional Korean fighting styles such as Taekkyeon and Subak, which date back to 37 BC. Taekwondo emphasizes high and fast kicks, as well as precise hand techniques. 

Modern Taekwondo began to take shape in the 1940s and 50s following the end of the Japanese occupation in Korea. The martial arts style of Taekwondo places great emphasis on self-discipline, respect, and mental fortitude. 

Taekwondo training encompasses various aspects, including self-defense techniques, forms or patterns, sparring, and board-breaking techniques. Practitioners engage in repetitive drills to refine techniques and enhance flexibility by combining intricate footwork, swift strikes, and blocks, making it an art form that blends beauty, athleticism, and practicality.

Black belt Olympic taekwondo competition technically classifies as full contact sparring.

3. Tai Chi

Tai Chi Chuan was established in China and is rooted in Taoist philosophy seeking to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit. The development of Tai Chi is attributed to Zhang Sanfeng, a Taoist monk, though the precise historical details are often debated. 

Tai Chi focuses on cultivating internal energy, promoting physical health, and achieving a sense of balance in the body and mind. Techniques consist of a series of slow, fluid movements (known as sequences) performed in a continuous and connected manner. 

Training methods in Tai Chi involve practicing sequences in a slow and controlled manner, emphasizing mindfulness of body movements, calm breath, and mental focus. Practitioners also use partner work (tui shou) to develop sensitivity and responsiveness to an opponent’s actions. 

4. Kickboxing

Kickboxing is a full-contact fighting style that combines pouches and kicks, combining striking techniques from both the upper and lower body. Kickboxing originated in the 1960s blending the martial arts styles of boxing and karate. Kickboxing has gained global popularity as a competitive combat sport. 

Kickboxing focuses on developing striking skills, physical conditioning, and self-defense techniques. Kickboxers utilize a variety of techniques, including punches, kicks, knee strikes, and depending on the fighting style, sometimes elbows. 

Pad work and heavy bag training are integral aspects of training. Practitioners and their coaches use mitts or Thai pads to train for accuracy, speed, and timing. Sparring is another critical aspect of kickboxing training that allows for a practical application in a controlled but realistic environment. 

5. Karate

Karate is a traditional Japanese fighting style that uses striking techniques using various body parts, including punches, kicks, knee strikes, and elbow strikes. The origins of Karate are traced back to the island of Okinawa during the Ryukyu Kingdom era (14th to 19th century). 

Karate was practiced during the Ryukyu Kingdom in secret as a means of self-defense against bandits and other threats. Karate is practiced worldwide today with several different styles emphasizing different aspects, such as self-defense, sport, or traditional values. 

Karate is a martial arts type that pursues constant self-improvement through discipline, respect, and the cultivation of inner strength. The training methods aim to develop posture, balance, coordination, speed, power, and mental focus. Karate training includes practicing basic techniques (kihon), forms (kata), sparring (kumite), and self-defense techniques. 

6. Kung Fu

Kung Fu refers to several martial arts types, including Shaolin Kung Fu, Wing Chun, Tai Chi, Baguazhang, and Xingyiquan, to name a few. The precise origins of Kung Fu are highly debated. Legends attribute its creation to an Indian monk named Damo, who brought the fighting style to the Chinese temple of Shaolin in the 5th or 6th century AD. 

Kung Fu has been influenced by various factors, including ancient Chinese philosophy, legends, military combat techniques, and the exchange of knowledge between regions. Kung Fu encompasses not only physical techniques but also philosophical aspects of discipline, respect, self-cultivation, and the pursuit of balance and harmony. 

Kung Fu training aims to develop physical and mental skills through a combination of techniques, forms, partner drills, and conditioning exercises. Training methods include repetition and sparring drills that apply techniques to refine timing, distance management, and defense. Students of Kung Fu build a foundation through fluid stances, footwork, hand strikes, kicks, and weapons. 

7. Aikido

Aikido is a martial arts style that focuses on redirecting an opponent’s energy and neutralizing an attack. Aikido focuses on peace, unity, and personal growth. Aikido was developed in the 20th century in Japan, influenced by other fighting styles such as Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu. 

Aikido places great emphasis on the concept of blending with an attacker’s energy, redirecting their force, and using it to neutralize the attack. Aikidoka incorporates a series of techniques, such as joint locks, throws, and pins, to subdue an attacker without causing excessive harm. 

The philosophical origins of Aikido make it as much about self-discovery as it is about fighting. Aikidoka take turns as uke (attacker) and nage (defender) during Aikido training, where students apply techniques they’ve learned. Training methods also include randori, which is a freestyle practice involving multiple attackers, kata (forms), and ukemi (falling and rolling).

8. Judo

Judo is a Japanese fighting style focused on throws, grappling techniques, and submission holds. Judo was founded in the late 19th century by Jigoro Kano, who incorporated elements of traditional jujutsu with other martial arts types to create a system for practical self-defense.

Judo emphasizes maximum efficiency with minimal effort, utilizing an opponent’s energy and momentum to execute a series of throws, pins, and submissions. Judo techniques include throws (nage-waza), grappling (katame-waza), sweeps and reversals, and counters and combinations. 

Training sessions include a combination of randori sessions, repetition of technique, practice of forms, and strength and conditioning drills. Training methods focus on a progression of skill development and applying techniques that foster mutual respect and sportsmanship.

9. Kendo

 Kendo is a swordsmanship martial art that uses bamboo swords called shinai. Kendo was officially recognized as a Japanese martial art type in the early 20th century, with roots in the ancient Japanese arts of kenjutsu. 

The practice of Kendo is deeply rooted in Japanese history, tradition, and Bushido (the way of the warrior). Kendo focuses on strikes, thrusts, and defensive maneuvers with the shinai, simulating the use of a real sword. 

During training, footwork and body movement are emphasized for agility and stability. Kata (forms) practices refine technique and strategy while sparring (keiko) allows combatants to apply their skills in controlled bouts. Kendo aims to cultivate precise sword techniques, mental focus, physical conditioning, and the embodiment of Bushido principles.  

10. Krav Maga

Krav Maga is a powerful self-defense fighting style focused on practical techniques for real-world situations. Krav Maga was developed by Imi Lichtenfield, a Hungarian-Israeli martial artist, in the 1930s. It was initially designed to meet the self-defense needs of Jewish communities facing anti-Semitic violence during a time of political unrest. 

Krav Maga is focused on the neutralization of threats quickly and effectively through a combination of striking, grappling, and ground fighting. Krav Maga incorporates various strikes such as punches, kicks, elbows, and knees targeted at an opponent’s vulnerable body parts. 

The training methods of Krav Maga include close-quarters combat in which clinching is used to control an opponent. Weapons defense against knives, sticks, and firearms is practiced during training in scenario-based simulations. Training methods equip individuals with practical self-defense skills, adaptability, and the ability to respond to threatening situations effectively.

11. Wing Chun

Wing Chun is classified as a Kung Fu type of martial art. Wing Chun is known for its close-range combat techniques and approach to self-defense. Wing Chun originates from southern China during the late Qing dynasty, and according to folklore, it was developed by a Buddhist nun named Ng Mui. Mui developed Wing Chun for smaller individuals against larger and strong opponents. 

Wing Chun’s effectiveness lies in its focus on the economy of movement, simultaneous attack and defense, and utilizing an opponent’s energy against them. It emphasizes close-range combat, centerline theory, and rapid strikes. 

Key fighting styles of Wing Chun include rapid-fire straight punches, targeted attacks on an opponent’s vulnerable areas, and low kicks to disrupt the balance. Training methods focus on reflexes and the ability to read and respond to an opponent's movements. 

12. Jeet Kune Do

Jeet Kune Do is a combat sport founded by legendary martial artist Bruce Lee. Jeet Kune Do translates to “way of the intercepting fist” and was developed in the 1960s. Jeet Kune Do incorporates elements of Wing Chun, Western boxing, fencing, and philosophy. 

Jeet Kune Do focuses on simplicity, directness, and the use of the most efficient technique for a given situation. Techniques include punches, kicks, elbows, knees, and trapping maneuvers while minimizing unnecessary movements. 

Training in Jeet Kune Do involves drills, sparring, and scenario-based exercises that cultivate adaptability, timing, and the ability to flow seamlessly between techniques and ranges. The goal is to develop a well-rounded martial art type to respond with simplicity and adaptability. 

13. Hapkido

Hapkido is a Korean martial art that uses joint locks, throws, and strikes incorporating elements of Taekwondo, Judo, and Aikido. Hapkido is characterized by its versatility and full-scale approach to self-defense. Choi Yong-Sool is often cited as the founder of Hapkido in the mid-20th century. 

Hapkido focuses on redirection of an opponent’s energy to use it against them. Hapkido encompasses a range of techniques, including joint locks, pressure points, throws, kicks, strikes, and weapon disarmament, especially when smaller fighters are matched against larger opponents. 

There are several variations to Hapkido training methods and techniques. Core principles of Hapkido include circular motion, fluidity, and the integration of a harmonious balance of mind and body. Most Hapkido schools have forms and stances, footwork and striking techniques, and drills and combinations structured to progress in skill systematically. 

14. Capoeira

Capoeira is a unique martial arts and Brazilian cultural expression combining rhythm and musical traditions. Capoeira’s origins go back to the 16th century when enslaved Africans incorporated traditional combat and dance forms to disguise martial arts training from enslavers. 

Capoeira focuses on fluid, rhythmic movements, acrobatic moves, and music. It incorporates strikes, kicks, sweeps, and takedowns, blending them smoothly with evasive maneuvers, spins, and flips. 

Capoeira training involves a combination of physical conditioning, enhanced skill, and musical practices. Capoeiristas work on partner drills, where they practice a sequence of attacks, defenses, and evasive moves while promoting camaraderie among the team. 

15. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a fighting style that focuses on groundwork, grappling, and submission holds. BJJ was founded by Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese judoka who immigrated to Brazil in the early 20th century. 

The art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is focused on leveraging technique, body leverage, and positioning to overcome opponents, regardless of size or strength. Techniques include sweeps, takedowns, joining locks, chokes, and positional control. BJJ aims to gain dominant positions on the ground with tactics such as a rear mount, where joint locks or chokeholds are applied with force. 

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is widely popular for its effectiveness in mixed martial arts. It can be trained safely with full contact sparring virtually every session. Training methods of the BJJ fighting style involve both technical drills and rolling, which focus on perfecting specific techniques, transitions, and combinations. Rolling sessions simulate real combat situations.

16. Jiu-Jitsu

Jiu-Jitsu, known as Japanese Jujutsu, is a traditional Japanese martial art focused on close-quarters combat, grappling, and submissions. The origins of Jiu-Jitsu date back to ancient Japanese samurai warriors who used Jujutsu during battlefield situations.

The core focus of Jiu-Jitsu is efficient self-defense through the use of leverage, timing, and technique. It emphasizes redirecting an opponent’s force to use against them rather than brute strength. The fighting style of Jiu-Jitsu enables smaller fighters to overcome larger opponents.

Jujutsu is practiced worldwide and has a heavy influence on the development of Brazilian 

Jiu-Jitsu. Jiu-Jitsu utilizes throws, joint locks, pins and immobilizations, as well as strangleholds. Techniques are practiced both in standing and ground positions. Training in Jiu-Jitsu involves partner drills and rolling sessions. Jiu-Jitsu training methods also focus on ukemi, which refers to learning how to fall and roll safely. 

17. Boxing

Boxing is the sweet science—a striking art built entirely around punches, footwork, and head movement. Unlike martial arts that spread attention across kicks, throws, and submissions, boxing goes deep on a narrow set of tools: the jab, cross, hook, and uppercut. That focus is what makes it both accessible to beginners and endlessly challenging for advanced practitioners.

Training centers on pad work with a coach, heavy bag rounds, shadow boxing, and sparring. Most boxing gyms structure classes around timed rounds (typically three minutes on, one minute off), which builds cardiovascular endurance alongside technique. Footwork drills—pivots, angles, and distance management—take up more training time than most beginners expect. The best boxers don't just throw punches; they control space.

Boxing's fitness benefits are hard to beat. A single session burns 500–800 calories while building coordination, reaction time, and shoulder and core strength. Many people train boxing purely for fitness with no intention of competing, which makes it one of the most approachable combat sports for general audiences.

For self-defense, boxing develops practical stand-up skills faster than most martial arts. Within a few months, a consistent student can throw real combinations, slip punches, and maintain composure under pressure—skills that transfer directly to real-world situations. The main limitation is that boxing doesn't address kicks, takedowns, or ground fighting.

18. Wrestling

Wrestling is one of the oldest martial arts on earth—depicted in cave paintings dating back 15,000 years and featured in the original Olympic Games in 708 BC. It's a grappling art focused on takedowns, positional control, and pins, and it forms the foundation that many of the world's best MMA fighters build on.

There are several competition styles. Folkstyle (practiced in American high schools and colleges) emphasizes control and riding time on the mat. Freestyle and Greco-Roman are the Olympic formats—freestyle allows leg attacks, while Greco-Roman restricts techniques to above the waist. All styles share a common emphasis on explosive takedowns, relentless pressure, and mental toughness.

Training is famously intense. Wrestling practices include drilling takedowns and escapes, live sparring (called "going live"), and significant conditioning work. The physical demands build exceptional strength, cardio, and grit. Many wrestlers describe the sport as the hardest thing they've ever done—and credit it with building discipline that carries into every other area of life.

For self-defense, wrestling is highly practical. Most real confrontations involve clinching and end up on the ground, and a wrestler's ability to dictate where a fight takes place is an enormous advantage. The main gap is that wrestling doesn't teach submissions or strikes.

Wrestling's role in cross-training for combat sports can't be overstated. It's arguably the single most important base for MMA, and wrestlers who add BJJ and striking become extremely well-rounded fighters.

19. MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)

Mixed martial arts is exactly what it sounds like—a combat sport where fighters can use techniques from any martial art. Striking, wrestling, submissions, and clinch work are all legal, which means MMA fighters need competence everywhere: on the feet, in the clinch, and on the ground. It's the closest thing to a "complete" fighting system.

Modern MMA emerged in the early 1990s when the UFC tested style-vs.-style matchups to determine which martial art was most effective. The answer turned out to be "all of them, together." BJJ dominated the early tournaments, but as fighters adapted, the sport evolved into a distinct discipline that blends boxing, Muay Thai, wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into a cohesive system.

Training at an MMA gym typically involves separate classes in each discipline—striking, wrestling, and grappling—plus dedicated MMA sessions that combine everything. Sparring in MMA is more complex than in single-discipline arts because you have to defend threats from every range simultaneously. That complexity is what draws many students in; the "what if" factor of a pure striking art (what if they grab me?) or a pure grappling art (what if they punch me?) goes away.

For self-defense, MMA training is among the most practical options available because it prepares you for every phase of a confrontation. The tradeoff is that it's demanding—training multiple disciplines requires more time and energy than specializing in one.

20. Sambo

Sambo (short for SAMozashchita Bez Oruzhiya, meaning "self-defense without weapons") is a Russian martial art developed in the 1920s for the Soviet military. It combines elements of judo, wrestling, and traditional folk grappling styles from across the Soviet Union into a distinctive system that emphasizes throws, takedowns, and ground control.

There are two main branches. Sport Sambo looks similar to judo with key differences—leg locks are legal (they're restricted in judo competition), and there's no gi, so practitioners wear a jacket (kurtka) with shorts instead of full judogi. Combat Sambo adds strikes, headbutts, and soccer kicks, making it one of the most permissive rulesets in combat sports and a natural bridge to MMA.

Training involves extensive drilling of throws and takedowns from the clinch, ground control and submissions (especially leg locks, which Sambo is famous for), and for Combat Sambo, integrated striking. The Soviet training methodology emphasizes high-volume repetition and conditioning alongside technical instruction.

Sambo has produced some of the most dominant fighters in MMA history—its blend of wrestling, judo, and submissions creates an extremely well-rounded grappling base. For self-defense, Combat Sambo is among the most practical martial arts because it trains both standing and ground fighting with strikes included. The main challenge is availability: Sambo gyms are still rare outside of Russia and Eastern Europe, though the sport is growing internationally.

What are Martial Arts?

Martial arts refer to a broad range of traditional and modern combat practices and systems that incorporate techniques, strategies, philosophies, and cultural aspects related to combat and self-defense. 

Martial arts are practiced for a variety of purposes, including self-defense, physical fitness, personal growth, cultural preservation, and competitive sports. Martial arts are often deeply rooted in traditions and have evolved over centuries through the contributions of different cultures and individuals. 

Training in martial arts emphasizes physical conditioning, coordination, flexibility, balance, speed, strength, and mental fortitude. All martial arts embody philosophical and moral principles that promote discipline, respect, humility, perseverance, and self-control.

How to Choose a Martial Art to Learn

Consider styles that align with individual goals, interests, and capabilities when choosing a martial arts discipline to learn. Start by identifying the objectives of different martial arts types. Different types of fighting styles emphasize self-discipline, physical fitness, competition, or personal development in varying levels of importance.

Research different martial art types and explore the philosophies, techniques, and training approaches that align with the decided objective as well as individual capabilities. For example, personal physical attributes such as strength, flexibility, or coordination align better with certain fighting styles than others. 

Visit multiple local martial arts schools, attend trial classes, and speak with instructors and students to get a firsthand experience of the training environment and teaching methods. It’s important to choose a martial art that resonates with personal goals, capabilities, and values. 

What to look for in a good martial arts school

Whether you're choosing a school for yourself or your kids—or you're an owner thinking about what students expect—here are the markers of quality:

Red flags to avoid:

• Long-term contracts with no trial period. Quality schools let the training speak for itself. If they won't let you try before committing, ask why.
• Belt promotions based on time or money, not skill. "Pay for your next belt" or automatic promotions without demonstrated ability undermine the entire system.
• No transparency about credentials. Legitimate instructors can explain their training background and lineage. Vagueness is a warning sign.
• High-pressure sales tactics. If they're pushing hard to close you today, they're not confident you'll come back after thinking about it.

Green flags to seek:

• Free trial class offered. Schools confident in their product want you to experience it before deciding.
• Clear curriculum structure. You should understand what you're learning and why, with visible progression.
• Clean, well-maintained facility. Mats, equipment, and bathrooms reflect the school's professionalism.
• Active student community. Long-term students and high retention indicate satisfaction—ask how long the average student stays.
• Transparent pricing. No hidden testing fees, equipment requirements, or surprise costs after you join.

Questions to ask before joining:

1. What's your instructor's training background? Who did they learn from?
2. What does the typical student journey look like from beginner to first belt/intermediate level?
3. How do you structure classes for different skill levels?
4. What's included in the membership? What costs extra (testing, equipment, seminars)?
5. Can I observe a class before committing?

Starting a Martial Arts School?

If you're considering opening a martial arts school, your choice of style(s) shapes everything from your target market to your revenue model.

Fastest-growing styles (2024-2026):

1. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — Continues 15–20% annual growth in new school openings, particularly in suburban markets where demand is outpacing supply.
2. MMA / Mixed Martial Arts — The dominant new-gym model, driven by UFC's mainstream reach. Most new combat sports facilities open as multi-discipline MMA gyms rather than single-style schools.
3. Muay Thai — Steady growth, especially where positioned at the intersection of fitness and martial arts. The kickboxing/Muay Thai fitness crossover continues to broaden the audience.
4. Boxing (fitness crossover) — Boutique boxing studios are expanding rapidly. Traditional boxing gyms that add fitness-focused classes are seeing enrollment jumps among demographics that wouldn't walk into a "real" boxing gym. Starting a boxing gym has a lower equipment barrier than MMA.

Best styles for kids programs:

• Taekwondo — Built for youth with engaging belt systems and after-school integration
• Karate — Strong brand recognition with parents; "discipline and respect" positioning
• BJJ — Kids programs growing fast; games-based instruction is key to making it fun

Best styles for adult hobbyists:

• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — "Human chess" positioning attracts professionals seeking mental engagement
• Muay Thai / Kickboxing — Fitness + self-defense combination appeals broadly‍
• Tai Chi — Older adult demographic with limited competition for students

Revenue model comparison:

Choose What Makes You Happy

From striking arts like Muay Thai and Taekwondo to grappling systems like Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, each style in this guide attracts different students and supports a different kind of school. Some lend themselves to kids’ programs and family-focused schedules, others draw in serious adult hobbyists or competitors who want more mat time and advanced curriculum.

For school owners, that mix matters.

The styles you choose influence your class structure, membership options, and how you position your school in your local market. A kids-heavy TKD program, for example, will often prioritize after-school time slots and family plans, while a BJJ or Muay Thai academy may lean into evening classes, fundamentals tracks, and competition teams.

The better your training offer matches who you want to serve, the easier it is to keep mats full and students progressing.

That’s where your systems come in. Once you’ve decided what to teach and who you’re teaching, you need a way to manage memberships, trials, belt promotions, payments, and communication without living in spreadsheets.

Gymdesk is built specifically for gyms and martial arts schools, with tools for automated billing, attendance and rank tracking, online sign-ups, and member self-service so you can focus on coaching instead of admin.

If you’re planning your mix of programs or looking to clean up the backend of an existing school, you can see how it all works by starting a free 30-day trial of Gymdesk.