The Most Advanced Martial Art, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the martial art you think is the most advanced!

Updated on May 1, 2024 06:16

In the world of martial arts, practitioners and enthusiasts often debate which style is the most effective and advanced. This question isn't just academic—it can influence training, teaching, and competitive strategies. By ranking these arts, we strive to provide a clearer picture of their relative strengths and applications. Each vote cast on our site contributes to a dynamic, collective insight into the martial arts community's views. This enables newcomers to make informed decisions about which art might suit their needs and interests best, while giving long-time practitioners a global perspective on how their chosen discipline is perceived.

What Is the Most Advanced Martial Art?

1

60
votes
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Gracie family

BJJ is considered to be the most advanced martial arts because it focuses on ground fighting and submission techniques. It is a highly effective martial art in self-defense as well as in combat sports such as mixed martial arts (MMA).
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that focuses on ground fighting and submission holds. It was developed by the Gracie family in Brazil in the early 20th century. The art emphasizes leverage and technique, allowing smaller individuals to defend themselves against larger opponents. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is known for its practicality and effectiveness in real-life self-defense situations. It has gained popularity worldwide and is practiced by both professional fighters and recreational enthusiasts.

Ground fighting: Focuses on fighting and techniques on the ground

Submission holds: Emphasizes joint locks and chokeholds to force opponents to submit

Leverage and technique: Relies on using proper body mechanics and technique rather than brute strength

Self-defense: Designed for real-life self-defense situations

Adaptable for all ages and sizes: Suitable for individuals of different physical attributes
2

33
votes
TZAHAL · Public domain

Krav Maga

Imi Lichtenfeld

Krav Maga is a self-defense system developed for the Israeli Defense Forces. It combines techniques from various martial arts and emphasizes real-life scenarios, making it one of the most effective martial arts for self-defense.
Krav Maga is a highly efficient and practical martial art and self-defense system developed for the Israeli military. It combines elements of various fighting techniques and focuses on real-world scenarios.

Focus: Self-defense and real-world combat

Origins: Israel

Principles: Simultaneous defense and attack

Techniques: Strikes, grappling, and submissions

Training methods: Emphasizes practical and instinctive movements
Krav Maga in other rankings
- Position 10 of 10 in Most beautiful martial art
3

25
votes
Jeet Kune Do

Bruce Lee

Jeet Kune Do is a hybrid martial art developed by Bruce Lee. It emphasizes practicality, flexibility, and adaptability in combat, making it one of the most advanced martial arts.
Jeet Kune Do is a highly advanced martial art that was developed by the legendary martial artist, actor, and philosopher Bruce Lee. It incorporates elements from various martial arts, making it a highly versatile and effective combat system. Jeet Kune Do focuses on efficiency, directness, and simplicity, aiming to find the most direct and effective way to defeat an opponent. The core philosophy of Jeet Kune Do is to be formless and shapeless, adapting to any situation or style to gain a tactical advantage.

Hybrid Martial Art: Incorporates techniques from various martial arts such as Wing Chun, Western Boxing, Fencing, and Judo.

Economy of Motion: Emphasizes efficient movements and minimal effort to achieve maximum effectiveness.

Intercepting Fist Technique: Focuses on intercepting and countering an opponent's attack before it fully develops.

Speed and Timing: Places great importance on quick movements and precise timing to gain an advantage.

No Fixed Forms: Rejects rigid techniques and encourages practitioners to adapt their techniques based on the situation.
4

20
votes
Loura Conerney from Manchester, England · CC BY-SA 2.0

Muay Thai

Muay Thai is a striking martial art that originated in Thailand. It is known for its devastating kicks, knees, elbows, and punches, making it one of the most advanced martial arts for striking.
Muay Thai is a martial art and combat sport that originated in Thailand. It is often referred to as the 'Art of Eight Limbs' because it utilizes the fists, elbows, knees, and shins for striking, making it a highly versatile and powerful fighting system. Muay Thai is known for its emphasis on clinching techniques, delivering devastating strikes, and the use of both offensive and defensive maneuvers.

Origin: Thailand

Year of Origin: Over several centuries

Primary Striking Techniques: Punches, elbows, kicks, knee strikes, clinching

Style: Stand-up striking and clinching

Training Methods: Pad work, sparring, bag work, conditioning exercises
5

15
votes
Taekwondo

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that emphasizes kicking techniques. It is known for its speed, agility, and flexibility, making it one of the most advanced martial arts for kicking.
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that focuses on fast kicks, spinning kicks, and jumping kicks. It emphasizes strong and accurate kicks, as well as agility and footwork. Taekwondo is known for its dynamic and high-impact techniques, making it an effective martial art for self-defense. It also promotes discipline, self-control, and respect.

Meaning: The way of the foot and fist

Date of creation: 1940s-1950s

Belt system: Uses a colored belt system to signify progress and rank

Sparring: Regular practice of free sparring

Forms: Includes a set of patterns called poomsae or forms
6

16
votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

Wing Chun

Wing Chun is a Chinese martial art that emphasizes close-range combat and trapping techniques. It is known for its efficiency and effectiveness in self-defense situations, making it one of the most advanced martial arts.
Wing Chun is a highly refined and systematic martial art that originated in southern China. It is known for its practicality, efficiency, and directness in combat.

Close-range combat: Wing Chun specializes in close-range fighting and employs simultaneous defense and offense techniques.

Centerline principle: It focuses on attacking and defending along the centerline of the body, aiming for maximum efficiency.

Economy of motion: Wing Chun emphasizes the use of the simplest and most direct movements to conserve energy.

Scientific principles: It incorporates principles of physics, biomechanics, and body structure to generate power and efficiency in techniques.

Chi Sao: Chi Sao, or sticky hands, is a training drill that develops sensitivity and reflexes for close-quarters combat.
Wing Chun in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most beautiful martial art
7

7
votes
Boxing

Boxing is a combat sport that emphasizes punching techniques. It is known for its speed, power, and footwork, making it one of the most advanced martial arts for striking.
Boxing is a popular combat sport that involves two opponents engaging in a match using their fists. It is often regarded as one of the most advanced martial arts due to its focus on strategy, technique, and physical conditioning.

Gloves: Boxers wear padded gloves to protect their hands and reduce the risk of injury.

Weight Classes: Competitors are divided into different weight classes to ensure fair matches based on similar physical attributes.

Rounds: Matches are typically divided into rounds, with each round lasting a specified duration (usually three minutes in professional boxing) and a short break in between.

Scoring: Boxing matches are scored based on effective punches, defense, ring generalship, and overall dominance.

Techniques: Boxing utilizes a variety of punches including jabs, hooks, uppercuts, and crosses, along with defensive moves like slips, ducks, and blocks.
8

3
votes
Judo

Judo is a Japanese martial art that focuses on throws and takedowns. It is known for its efficiency and effectiveness in self-defense situations, making it one of the most advanced martial arts.
Judo is a modern martial art that originated in Japan. It was developed by Jigoro Kano in the late 19th century as a refinement of traditional jujutsu techniques. Judo emphasizes using an opponent's strength and momentum against them, making it suitable for people of all ages and sizes. It combines throws, pins, joint locks, and chokes to subdue and control an opponent.

Origin: Japan

Year of Creation: 1882

Philosophy: Maximum efficiency, mutual welfare, and personal development

Techniques: Throws, pins, joint locks, chokes, and strikes

Belt System: Kyu and Dan system
9

4
votes
Shi Deru (a.k.a. Shawn Xiangyang Liu) · CC BY-SA 3.0

Kung Fu

Kung Fu is a Chinese martial art that emphasizes fluid movements and acrobatics. It is known for its diversity and versatility, making it one of the most advanced martial arts.
Kung Fu, also known as Wushu, is a traditional Chinese martial art that encompasses a wide variety of combat techniques, including strikes, kicks, throws, joint locks, and weapon training. It is not only a form of self-defense but also a unique art that emphasizes self-discipline, flexibility, and spirituality. The practice of Kung Fu involves cultivating both the mind and body to achieve harmony and balance.

Origin: China

Focus: Strikes, kicks, throws, joint locks, and weapon training

Techniques: Various animal-inspired movements (e.g., Tiger, Crane, Snake), internal and external styles

Training Methods: Forms (sequences of movements), sparring, drills, strength conditioning

Philosophy: Respect, discipline, humility, harmony of body and mind
10

2
votes
Sambo

Sambo is a Russian martial art that combines techniques from judo and wrestling. It is known for its effectiveness in grappling and submission techniques, making it one of the most advanced martial arts for ground fighting.
Sambo is a modern martial art that originated in the Soviet Union. It was developed by Viktor Spiridonov and Vasili Oshchepkov in the early 1920s with the aim of creating an effective combat system that combines elements of various traditional fighting styles. Sambo incorporates techniques from judo, wrestling, and various Russian folk styles of combat. It is characterized by its emphasis on versatility, efficiency, and practicality in real-world combat situations.

Origin: Soviet Union

Created in: Early 1920s

Incorporates elements of: Judo, wrestling, and Russian folk styles of combat

Emphasis: Versatility, efficiency, and practicality

Combat techniques: Throws, takedowns, joint locks, and strikes

Missing your favorite martial art?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for advanced martial art

Effectiveness

The primary goal of any martial art is self-defense. The ability of a martial art to effectively neutralize or subdue an opponent through strikes, locks, or other techniques is crucial.
Versatility

A well-rounded martial art should be able to adapt to different situations and opponents. It should feature techniques for fighting at various ranges, as well as both standing and ground combat.
Practicality

Some martial arts techniques may be visually impressive but not practical in real-life situations. A martial art should facilitate swift and effective self-defense, focusing on techniques that can be easily executed and learned.
Training Methodology

A martial art's training methods should promote skill development, conditioning, and the ability to apply techniques under pressure. This includes aspects like sparring, drills, and physical conditioning exercises.
Philosophical and Ethical Principles

While physical techniques are important, a martial art's guiding principles and values can form the foundation for personal growth, discipline, and a healthier mindset. This aspect of martial arts can be beneficial for mental health and overall well-being.
Accessibility

The martial art should not have prohibitive barriers to entry, such as overly complex techniques or a requirement for extreme flexibility or strength. It should be accessible to people of all ages, genders, and physical abilities.
Cultural and Historical Significance

A martial art that carries a rich cultural and historical tradition can offer a deeper understanding and appreciation for the art and its practitioners. This can contribute to personal growth and development.
Adaptability to Modern Contexts

While traditional martial arts can offer many benefits, an art that can adapt to modern self-defense situations, such as conflict resolution and awareness of personal safety, can be more applicable to current times.
Competition and Community

The martial arts community and the opportunities for competition can be a factor influencing the development of martial arts skills and motivation for continued practice.
Instructor Quality

The ability of an instructor to effectively teach and develop students is vital for the growth and progress of any martial art. A skilled and dedicated instructor is a crucial factor in a student's success.
Note

It's important to remember that no martial art can be deemed the "most advanced" for everyone, as personal preferences, goals, and physical abilities play a significant role in determining the best martial art for each individual.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most advanced martial art. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or martial art is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1325 views
180 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each martial art once every 24 hours. The rank of each martial art is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Trendings topics

Don't miss out on the currently trending topics of StrawPoll Rankings!

Martial Arts

Self-Defense

More information on most advanced martial art

Martial arts have been around for centuries and have evolved into various styles and techniques. From the ancient art of Kung Fu to the modern techniques of MMA, martial arts have always fascinated people with their grace, power and effectiveness. But what makes a martial art "advanced"? Is it the complexity of the moves or the effectiveness against opponents? Depending on who you ask, the answer can vary. Some argue that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is the most advanced martial art, due to its emphasis on grappling and ground fighting techniques. BJJ practitioners are known for their ability to control and submit opponents, using leverage and technique rather than brute force. Others believe that the traditional Japanese martial art of Aikido is the most advanced, as it focuses on the principles of harmony and non-resistance. Aikido techniques are designed to redirect an opponent's energy, rather than meeting it head-on, making it an effective self-defense system. Still, others point to the striking techniques of Muay Thai as the most advanced form of martial art. Known as the "art of eight limbs," Muay Thai fighters use their fists, elbows, knees, and shins to deliver devastating blows to their opponents. Overall, the most advanced martial art is subjective and depends on individual preferences and goals. Whether you're looking to improve your self-defense skills or compete in combat sports, there is a martial art out there that will suit your needs.