Various martial art disciplines are experiencing a surge in popularity in the Philippines as many people look for activities that promote physical and mental growth. Joining martial arts training sessions helps many individuals improve their cardiovascular and muscular strength while also reducing stress and boosting self-confidence.
Beyond improving health, a growing number of gyms also offer martial arts for self-defense in the Philippines. As Filipinos seek practical skills to protect themselves from real-life dangers, many have turned to martial arts to acquire valuable techniques and boost their alertness and composure.
Not all martial arts are created equal, so it’s essential to recognize their unique strengths, philosophies, and training methods. This will help you explore which martial art best aligns with your goals so you can get the most out of your training.
What Makes a Martial Art Effective for Self-Defense?
Before diving in, you must see martial arts beyond the flashy moves you see on the internet. Some disciplines might attract you because of the fighting techniques in a controlled environment, but they might not be as effective in the real world.
An effective martial art for self-defense will allow you to use basic or advanced techniques effectively in various situations. Street confrontations are way different from sparring in gyms or dojos, as they often happen without warning. Some martial arts are better at equipping you with practical self-defence skills when things get messy.
In addition, martial arts should help you improve your situational awareness. The martial art you choose should help you be more aware of what’s happening in your surroundings and identify potential threats. This can help you avoid dangerous encounters before they escalate.
Furthermore, the martial arts should improve your timing, distance management, and quick decision-making. If confrontation is inevitable, these skills can help you acknowledge when to strike or evade, keep a safe distance from the attacker, and maximize control in the situation.
Top Martial Arts for Defense in the Philippines
Boxing
Boxing is one of the most popular combat sports in the Philippines. Like Manny Pacquiao, the boxing legends one of the best to ever do it, make Filipinos stop what they’re doing whenever he fights, with all eyes glued to the TV or computer. Over the years, this sport has become widely accessible and affordable in most gyms nationwide.
You might think that boxing is not that effective for self-defense because it only uses punches to strike, but boxing can build more than that. With boxing, you can:
- Finish with One Punch: Boxing can help you achieve the knockout power that can put anyone to sleep, especially on bare knuckles.
- Throws Fast and Accurate Punches: Apart from raw punch power, you’ll also get an opportunity to make your punches quicker and precise to prevent leaving openings for the opponent.
- Keep Balance: It is essential to keep balance when defending yourself so that you can effectively watch your back or flee when necessary.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai is a highly effective martial arts discipline for self-defense. Known as “The Art of the Eight Limbs,” this combat sport allows you to use every striking point in your body. From punches, kicks, elbows, to knee strikes, you’ll have plenty of options during confrontations.
Training in Muay Thai will also help you enhance striking abilities, as there is a focus on power, accuracy, and timing. Extensive training in Muay Thai will allow you to string together advanced combinations that can be difficult to defend. Moreover, you’ll acquire skills to protect yourself by efficiently gauging distance and fighting from range.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Are you looking for a martial art that focuses more on grappling or ground fighting? Do you have a small frame and want to use leverage to defeat larger opponents? Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu might be what you’re looking for.
This martial art has been proven effective in real-world altercations. It emphasizes technique more than strength, making it perfect for those who don’t have the strength to fight back. BJJ instructors often use realistic scenarios when teaching techniques, which is crucial when you are at a disadvantage.
In addition, you will get an opportunity to learn how to escape or neutralize threats when things are not looking up for you. You’ll learn different types of chokes or joint locks that you can use to end the fight, while there are also several escape and reversal techniques if the attacker manages to get on top of you.
Krav Maga
While not technically considered a martial art, Krav Maga is rising in popularity for its survival and self-defence techniques. It is created to be used explicitly in dangerous altercations, especially if there is no way to avoid them.
In Krav Maga, you will learn to target several vulnerable areas, such as kicking the groin, gouging the eyes, striking the throat, or disturbing their balance. It may also involve training for the use of knives and guns.
Krav Maga training focuses on preparing for real-life scenarios. This helps neutralize the attacker quickly and decisively, especially in high-stress situations.
Filipino Martial Arts (Arnis, Kali, and Eskrima)
If you’re looking for a weapon-based martial art, Arnis, Kali, and Eskriba are for you. These homegrown martial art disciplines focus on the use of sticks, knives, empty-hand techniques, or improvised weapons so you can attack or defend effectively regardless of the situation.
- Arnis: Officially the National Martial Art of the Philippines, Arnis has been around for ages, but only gained popularity worldwide around the mid-1900s. It emphasizes weapon training, mostly using sticks, and helps you acquire swinging, twirling, pushing, and parrying skills.
- Kali: Kali mainly focuses on the use of weaponry, especially blades and improvised weapons, but it also incorporates some empty-hand techniques. It also helps students learn striking, parrying, blocking, weapon disarming, and movements to exploit the opponent’s balance. Training is usually scenario-based, so students will be fully prepared if an altercation happens.
- Eskrima: Eskrima is mainly practiced in the Visayas and Mindanao. It focuses on sticks and incorporates knives and other weapons. It involves more linear footwork and medium-range combat.
Final Words
Martial arts are practical life skills, especially for those who want to acquire valuable self-defense skills. But with so many options to choose from, it’s vital to choose a discipline that aligns with your goals and that you commit to consistent training. No matter what martial art you choose, it can prepare you to protect yourself when needed.
If you want to start learning practical self-defence skills and commit to long-term physical and mental growth, finding a reputable gym can really help. Titans—Sports and Functional Gym is a well-known MMA gym in Bacoor and Imus, Cavite, offering premier training in several combat martial arts, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo, Judo, Boxing, and Muay Thai.
Take your fitness to the next level with Titans’ diverse combat sports programs. Visit our official website at www.titansgymcavite.com and register today!
Read More:
Judo vs. Taekwondo: What’s The Difference?
Sources:
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