Top 5 Martial Arts for Self Defense

Victims of serious assaults are usually attacked in urban areas and are more likely than not fighting an armed opponent. The safest way to avoid injury is always to walk away, or back down.  Escaping from the attacker or disarming the situation with verbal tactics is always a better solution than hurting (and possibly killing) someone. More important than any type of self-defense technique I suggest learning how to move with agility and speed.  Learn how to run, jump and climb away from potentially lethal encounters.

This being said, when you have no choice but to defend yourself, something simple, brutal and effective is needed to get in and out and move on.  I've been training in various martial arts all my life and find many are too stylized to impress onlookers into getting a membership.  Real self defense is not pretty and doesn't include back flips and spinning death kicks.

The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) - Based on classic martial arts (Okinawan Karate, Jujutsu and Judo) and real world modern trench fighting, the curriculum of MCMAP focuses on eliminating an oponent as quickly and as thoroughly as possible.  There is also much emphasis on the mental preparedness to extreme stress conditions and the use of teamwork, fighting numerous opponents and responsible use of force.

Krav Maga - Krav Maga (meaning hand-to-hand contact in Hebrew) focuses on ruthless counter strike techniques, grappling and striking. It takes from Muai Tai and Ju-Jitsu, but it was originally brought up for street fight self-defense and is know as the brutal targeting of the most fragile body parts - groin, eyes, throat, mouth, and nose.

Jujitsu - Know as the art of using an opponent's power, weight and strength against himself. Jujitsu is a martial art that teaches a rather large variety of grappling techniques as well as biting, joint locks, gouging and holds. Many modern self defense martial arts take from Jujitsu and for good reasons. Time has proven it to be effective and it has had limited stylization, keeping its core intact.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) - Fundamentally different from all other Martial arts sports, MMA's origins date back to the days of Ancient Greece where Pankration fight (meaning ''All Powers'') where a common entertainment show. It was a fight in which opponents could use all necessary techniques (within limits of course) to win against an opponent. MMA as a modern sport is becoming more and more popular but it's fundamental core, to use whatever means necessary, is an appreciated outlook when needing real world self defense.

Last but not least is Verbal Judo. This isn't really a Martial Art, but understanding human psychology and swallowing ones pride can sometimes make the difference between a crushed spirit and a knife wound to the chest. Common sense is also a great technique. Keeping away from bars with bad reputations for fights, Carrying pepper spray, keeping an emergency cell phone, a whistle, all can help when one is faced with immediate danger.