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What are the Different Types of Self Defense?
Self defense, also known as martial arts, was originally taught and trained for combat. The practice of martial arts today is more commonly used for methods of self protection, fitness exercising, sports, mental development and building up a person's confidence. There are several different types of defensive practices available to learn. Each method has different characteristics that set it apart from the rest.
Once a person figures out which method of self defense is right for them, they can begin taking classes under a martial arts instructor and progress in their level of skill through consistent practice and dedication. The practice of martial arts has been found as far back as ancient China. It was created for the sole purpose of defending one's self physically in the form of fighting.
Certain methods of martial arts were created for a person to perform them armed while others were created to be performed unarmed. The desired result of any of them is to achieve physical power over the opponent and defeat them. The different categories of self defense include using weapons, striking arts, joint lock arts, throwing arts and hybrid arts. Original defense methods using weapons involved the use of lethal weapons such as knives, daggers and swords. This has changed over time to a person using wooden weapons to avoid permanent injury to the opponent.
The striking arts method is probably the oldest type of martial arts practiced. The purpose of this method is to strike the opponent in various vulnerable parts of their body to defeat them. Karate, Tae Kwon Do and boxing are different types of the striking arts method. Karate and Tae Kwon Do utilize various punches and kicks to the body while boxing is performed by using gloves to hit the opponent in the upper torso.
A more defined method of self defense is the joint lock arts. A person must learn how to push and manipulate an opponent's joints past their comfort level. This is a very effective method to use when a small person defends themselves against a much larger person. Aikido is a type of joint lock arts technique. These type of techniques require years of study and are very difficult to master.
Throwing arts is often practiced in wrestling or Judo. The purpose of this technique is to knock the opponent off their feet. This method is widely used in sports competitions worldwide.
The hybrid arts method of self defense is using a combination of various martial arts methods to create something unique and new. A combination of throwing, striking and joint lock arts is used in transition from one to the other in a fluid movement. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Hapkido are examples of the hybrid arts. These different types of self defense have become very popular in martial arts schools everywhere.
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![Karate is a popular form of self defense.]()
By: Vladislav GajicKarate is a popular form of self defense. -
![Original martial arts defense methods included using weapons such as daggers.]()
By: Ruggiero ScardignoOriginal martial arts defense methods included using weapons such as daggers. -
![Aikido involves defending one's self against a range of weapons.]()
By: Nikola SpasenoskiAikido involves defending one's self against a range of weapons. -
![The striking method of self defense is to strike the opponent in vulnerable parts of their body.]()
By: Nicholas PiccilloThe striking method of self defense is to strike the opponent in vulnerable parts of their body. -
![Aikido is a type of joint lock arts technique.]()
By: grassy22Aikido is a type of joint lock arts technique. -
![Knowing a form of self defense can help if one is ever attacked on the street.]()
By: Felix MizioznikovKnowing a form of self defense can help if one is ever attacked on the street.
Discussion Comments
I want to join the military and get into law enforcement and I would like to learn all forms of self-defenses, both armed and unarmed.
@SauteePan: I'm 42, female, weigh more than I ought to, and I take Japanese jujitsu. I've really enjoyed the classes, and I've learned a lot about self-defense. Jujitsu, in particular, is one of the close-quarters martial arts, and well suited for learning practical self-defense, or as we say in class, "street tactics."
Look for a school that emphasizes positive reinforcement and that welcomes adult students as well as children. Some schools are better at this than others.
Weapons use is more or less the student's choice, but it is good to know how to use something like an escrima stick, which is about two feet long and as big around as a broom handle. It's legal and can do a lot of damage to an attacker when used properly. It's not flashy like nunchuks or throwing stars, but it is effective, which is the idea when defending oneself.
Japanese jujitsu tends to combine the punches, kicking, throwing, lock moves, and my school emphasizes appropriate self-defense tactics (knowing when to walk away, for example). We've even learned how to deal with someone flashing a knife or gun. I have learned a *lot* in class and would recommend the classes to anyone with an interest self-defense. Believe me: you don't have to be in great shape to start taking classes!
@Subway11 - That is a shame that your children quit Aikido. I just wanted to say that I have always wanted to take a self defense class but I am a little intimidated and feel that I have to be in better physical shape in order to take some of these self defense lessons.
I definitely am not interested in learning how to use weapons but I would like to learn some self defense techniques where I could block an attacker and develop quicker reflexes.
My kids took Aikido classes for a while and I liked the fact that they taught real life self defense techniques to my children. They would teach how to respond to a potential stranger abduction which was really important for me.
Unfortunately my children lost interest because in Aikido because it takes a long time to go through the belts which was one of the only disappointing things about these self defense lessons. Moving up in the levels is actually motivating and something that my children were looking forward to, but it would take about six months to get the first belt, so my kids gave up.
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