Learning ways to defend yourself is basically essential in today’s society as a female. The best way to stay protected as a woman is to be prepared for anything. Safeguarding yourself from personal attacks can not only keep you safe physically, but can boost your confidence and an increased sense of empowerment. There is no peace of mind like knowing you can take care of yourself in any dangerous situation. If you’re ready to jump start honing your self-defense skills, here are 5 types of martial arts you can try in your local city.
Karate
This is a great tool for defending yourself and staying physically fit. Karate focuses on accuracy and speed, and encourages an emphasis on physical strength as well as being in-tune spiritually. Karate is also said to be a great tool for reducing stress and anxiety. One of the most commonly practiced martial arts, this self-defense style is an effective tool for women’s self-defense based on distance and technique.
Wing Chun
Invented by a woman, Ng Mui, this type of martial arts is said to be used in combat for the first time by a woman. Wing Chun is design perfectly for women to utilized in close-range attacks, which is the typical nature of personal attacks on women. Its close-range combat style focuses on swift arm and leg movements, but also requires softness and relaxed execution of techniques.
Taekwondo
Originating in Korea, Taekwondo is a mix of Karate and Chinese martial arts that is a great way to increase your flexibility, core strength, speed and overall dexterity. As one of the world’s most popular forms of martial arts, it is also extremely effective for women. Taekwondo’s emphasis on kicking is perfect for women to overcome men’s typically overpowering upper body strength.
Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu
This style of martial arts is perfect for a smaller person to subdue an attack from a larger individual by using specific technique, leverage and moves. The winning fighting style utilized to win the first UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) event ever held, Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu has grown to be considered one of the most effective martial arts of all time.
Muay Thai
Known as the art of eight limbs because you utilize your feet, knees, elbows, and fists, was created by the people of Thailand. Muay Thai is a more sophisticated version of a previous style “Muay Boran,” after being deemed too brutal (which was complete with headbutting and other rough techniques). Because it uses all major points of force and power within the body, Muay Thai can quickly inflict a huge amount of damage to any attacker.
Krav Maga
Maybe one of the most practical forms of martial arts, Krav Maga teaches the art of utilizing almost anything you can find as a weapon. As a woman, transforming everyday items into a fighting tool can come in handy in so many situations—from headphones during a run, to office equipment while at work. Conditioning and spatial awareness is the focus of this combat style.
