Which Martial Art Should You Choose? Our Complete Guide! |... ![](https://www.budo-fight.com/favicons/android-chrome-512x512.png) Budo Fight Which Martial Art Should You Choose? Our Complete Guide! In his book The Way of the Warrior: Martial Arts and Fighting Styles from Around the World, Chris Crudelli lis... Découvrir → budo-fight.com Search by keywords Categories - [ All items ](https://www.budo-fight.com/en/news "All items") - [ News & New Arrivals ](https://www.budo-fight.com/en/news/news-new-arrivals "News & New Arrivals") Subscribe! News & New Arrivals Image in progress Published on **August 6, 2021** # Which Martial Art Should You Choose? Our Complete Guide! In his book The Way of the Warrior: Martial Arts and Fighting Styles from Around the World, Chris Crudelli lists **over 300 martial arts**. It can be tough to **make the right choice** when you want to get started! To help you pick a martial art suited to your personality and physical condition, our Budo-Fight expert has prepared **a handy guide** for you. ## Looking to lose weight? ![Jiu Jitsu Brésilien](https://www.budo-fight.com/upload/images/2021/jiu-jitsu-bresilien.jpg)Which martial art should you choose if you want to lose weight? It’s true that some are more effective than others. If you haven’t done any physical activity in a long time, we recommend starting with a **gentle martial art** such as **Tai Chi Chuan** or [Judo](https://www.budo-fight.com/en/catalog/judo/judo-gi), to help you ease back into exercise. After that, nothing beats **[Taekwondo](https://www.budo-fight.com/en/catalog/other-disciplines/taekwondo), Capoeira, Krav Maga, Muay Thai, Kudo, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu** for burning calories. These martial disciplines are intense and require a good amount of physical preparation. They’re not recommended if you’re not in good shape, but **they’ll melt the pounds off you in no time**! ## Looking to calm your anger? ![MMA](https://www.budo-fight.com/upload/images/2021/mma.jpg)Do you get angry quickly and often regret things you’ve said or done because you couldn’t control yourself? Many martial arts can help you overcome this issue. Among them is **[MMA](https://www.budo-fight.com/en/catalog/mma/mma-gloves), or Mixed Martial Arts**. Closer to a combat sport than a traditional martial art, MMA appeals to those who like it when **anything goes**. Kicks, punches, knees, elbows, grappling, ground fighting… It’s the perfect way to **let off steam**! In this sport, competition is fierce. You’ll **put so much energy** into becoming the best that you won’t even **have the energy left to get angry**! If you wish, you can also try **[Karate](https://www.budo-fight.com/en/catalog/karate), Taekwondo, or Wing Chun**, martial arts that are both **internal and external**, teaching you to meditate and manage your emotions while also letting you physically unwind. It’s the perfect way to head home feeling calm after a good training session! ## Need to relax? ![Tai Chi](https://www.budo-fight.com/upload/images/2021/tai-chi2.jpg)Which martial art should you choose if you want to focus more on the **spiritual side** than on fighting? If you’re stressed, anxious, and need to **unwind a bit** after a long day at work, **Tai Chi Chuan and Qi Gong** are made for you. These martial arts focus on your energy and teach you to relax through gentle exercises and meditation. In general, all **so-called “internal” martial arts** are your best allies for helping you relax. They’re accessible to everyone: whether you’re young, not so young, whatever your body type or physical condition! ## Want to learn self-defense? ![Aïkido](https://www.budo-fight.com/upload/images/2021/aikido.jpg)Which martial art should you choose to protect yourself? **[Aikido](https://www.budo-fight.com/en/catalog/other-disciplines/aikido)** is excellent for learning self-defense. You don’t need huge muscles to practice it: it teaches you to **use your opponent’s strength** and attacks to neutralize them. Women, men, and children of **all sizes and body types** can practice it with no problem. But the master of self-defense is [Krav Maga](https://www.budo-fight.com/en/catalog/other-disciplines/krav-maga). This Israeli martial art teaches you not only how to defend yourself, but also how to **manage stress and confidence** in case of an attack. Everyone is welcome, regardless of age or body type. Plus, it helps tone your body and firm up your figure! ## Want to learn to handle weapons? ![Kendo](https://www.budo-fight.com/upload/images/2021/kendo.jpg)Weapons are impressive. Whether it’s the saber, katana, or even nunchaku, these tools are sure to amaze both kids and adults. If that’s your thing, try **Aikido, Kendo, Kobudo, [Kung Fu](https://www.budo-fight.com/en/catalog/other-disciplines/kung-fu), Ninjutsu, or Yoseikan Budo**. There’s no shortage of options! Beyond just looking cool, using weapons lets you **learn martial arts in a different way**. They give you the chance to **master distance** differently and use **unusual attack angles**. In general, they help you develop **other skills**. If you’re looking for a way to become the best version of yourself through martial arts, weapons can help you get there! ## Which martial art to choose for a child? ![Karaté enfants](https://www.budo-fight.com/upload/images/2021/karate-enfants.jpg)Martial arts are excellent for children. They teach many **fundamental values** such as respect, self-confidence, concentration, a taste for effort, and how to channel emotions. **Judo** is one of the best in this area: it’s **not traumatic** for the body and teaches them to **fall properly** without getting hurt. It’s a martial art that focuses on **defense rather than attack**. Karate is the **ideal martial art for children**: it teaches them **discipline, respect, and humility**. It’s a great activity for **channeling the energy and emotions** of energetic and hyperactive kids. Don’t worry, karate is **not violent at all**, especially when it’s based on learning katas and technique. Now that you know which martial art to choose, don’t hesitate to **visit the clubs** in your area to find the one that suits you best. Talk to the instructor, chat with people, and **get a feel for the atmosphere yourself**. Remember: the more comfortable you feel, the more **motivation you’ll have to progress**! Some clubs even offer **free sessions**, so you can try and **change your mind** if you end up not liking the martial art after all. And if you’d rather leave **martial arts** for combat sports, feel free to try **English boxing**, **Muay Thai** (or Thai boxing), or **French boxing**. These disciplines offer plenty of benefits for both young and older practitioners! 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