At a time when women are increasingly under the risk of being groped, harassed, molested, and raped openly, with the crowd gathering only to watch the horrendous act, it’s imperative that women practice a martial art and defend themselves. While any martial art would work well on the street if you’re received training in it for a significant length of time, there are some martial arts that may prove to be more effective and better suited to you than others. Here, we take a look at six effective forms.
1. Judo
Place of origin: Japan
Image Source: FirstRace TV
Judo is a system of martial arts that focuses on throws and submissions rather than strong punches or fast kicks. This helps you avoid focusing too much on building a strong, steely body, and instead pay attention to simple moves that help you pin or slam your opponent to the ground — a lethal set of moves for the street.
2. Wing Chun
Place of origin: China
Image Source: Wing Chun Illustrated
Wing Chun happens to be invented by a woman, Ng Mui, and possibly first used in combat by another woman, Yim Wing-Chun, who trained directly under Mui. It’s a close-range combat system, which is effective for women since the nature of attacks on them are often close-range. The compound punches and force deflection are especially lethal on the street.
3. Aikido
Place of origin: Japan
Image Source: Guillame Erard
Aikido is a martial art that doesn’t need you to use force on another person. It’s instead based on the principle of using another’s force to bring them down — but in an act of harmonizing, not defeating the opponent. This is perhaps one of the most effective since it relies on quick throws and locks to neutralize a conflict, without having to engage in a lengthy battle.
4. Tae Kwon Do
Place of origin: Korea
Image Source: Hwang’s Martial Arts
Korean martial art Tae Kwon Do is often treated like a sport. This system, whose name translates to “the way of punching and kicking,” is much more than a sport. It has lethal moves that can damage an opponent. It’s especially effective for women because women can compensate for a relatively weaker upper body strength with the help of lightning fast kicks.
5. Muay Thai
Place of origin: Thailand
Image Source: Double Dragon
Muay Thai is effective on the streets for women since it relies on the use of elbows, knees, and the head, all of which are tougher than a fist, which takes a long time to become tough enough to absorb damage and strong enough to cause it. The elbow, knee, and the head are better able to inflict damage on another without sustaining injuries to yourself, if done right.
6. Krav Maga
Place of origin: Israel
Image Source: Krav Maga Global
Krav Maga is unlike other martial arts in the sense that it’s devoid of a spiritual basis and is simply meant to cause serious injury to the opponent. As a Krav Maga practioner, a woman can learn how to use any part of her body as a weapon, especially the knees and elbows, as well as be equipped to neutralize both armed and unarmed violent situations effectively.