Which Japanese martial art is suitable for self-defense?
Japanese martial arts such as karate, judo, jiu-jitsu, aikido and kendo have gained worldwide fame. They are used for physical and mental training and have their origins in pure self-defense methods.
The best Japanese martial art for self-defense is Jiu-Jitsu or Ju-Jitsu. These martial arts cover all areas of unarmed combat and offer techniques and concepts at all distances, including ground fighting. Defense against weapons is also practiced regularly.
Top 5 Japanese Martial Arts for Self Defense:
- Jiu-Jitsu
- Ju-Jutsu
- Judo
- Karate
- Aikido
Jiu-Jitsu – die sanfte Kunst
Jiu-Jitsu means the gentle or yielding art. Jiu-Jitsu is a fighting method that includes all aspects of unarmed combat, but also dealing with armed attacks.
The spiritual aspect of the martial arts, which is in the word “Do”, which translates as much as way, as a symbol for the mental, spiritual development of the martial artist, is in the Jiu-Jitsu as a pure fighting method not included.
Because Jiu-Jitsu focuses solely on fighting and “neglects” the mental aspect, it is the best of the Japanese systems when it comes to self-defense.
Become in Jiu-Jitsu Punches, kicks, throws, locking, choking techniques, standing and ground fighting taught. So the system covers, at least in theory, all aspects that make up the physical part of unarmed self-defense. Dealing with attacks with weapons such as knives, sticks and sometimes firearms is also practiced.
In a well-founded Jiu-Jitsu training, sufficient attention is also paid to the theoretical part of self-defence. This includes behavior in everyday and threatening situations, the reduction of risks and behavior in pre-combat situations.
Jiu-Jitsu as the basis for many martial arts
That Japanese Jiu Jitsu is the basis from which it enjoys a worldwide reputation as an extremely effective martial art Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)emerged.
BJJ is an integral part of basic mixed martial arts training today.
It is extremely effective in ground combat and specializes in lock and choke techniques, which would be decisive in a fight. With shattered joints or choked unconscious, an opponent no longer poses a threat.
The Israeli Krav Magaa synthesis of many different fighting methods, is also heavily influenced by Jiu-Jitsu.
Jiu-Jitsu also has a fixed place in police and military training in many countries. Especially fixing and removal techniques from Jiu-Jitsu are mainly used here.
Karate – the way of the empty hand
Modern Japanese karate is from the Okinawa Te, a hard-hitting fighting method for self-defense. In the Okinawa Te, unarmed peasants trained themselves to defend themselves against armed samurai, the knight caste of feudal Japan. The stated goal was to kill the opponent with one hit. It was even practiced to punch through the samurai’s wooden armor.
That modern Karate was at the beginning of 20th century based on the Okinawa Te from Ginchin Funakoshi brought to life. The objective in modern karate is less the unlimited fight to the death, but the physical and mental training of the karateka.
Karate is taught in Japan, both in schools and at universities, and has a high status in society. The status of martial arts in Japanese society cannot be compared to that in the West.
In karate there are a variety of different styles that differ in focus, martial arts, martial arts and self-defence. These are among the best known Shotokan Karatethat Goju Ryu, Shito Ryu and that established by M. Oyama Full contact karate style Kyokushin.
The different karate styles are only partially suitable for self-defense. Karate traditionally focuses on punches and kicks, but there are also lever and throwing techniques, which are only taught in the higher Dan degrees and are of secondary importance.
Ground fighting and handling weapons are not taught in karate. However, you can learn how to use weapons in Kobudo, which is closely related to Karate.
Further information: Karate, the way of the empty hand
Aikido the martial art of the gentle warrior
Aikido was from Morihei Ueshiba Developed from Jiu-Jitsu and samurai fighting methods, it includes unarmed combat and the use of traditional samurai weapons. However, Aikido is actually a very peaceful martial art that places great value on inner and outer harmony.
The high goal in Aikido is to dominate the opponent without effort, with a minimum of violence and to point them to the right and non-violent path.
Who the American actor and aikido teacher Steven Segal seen in his films – Red Alert – is one of the most famous, could see a very harsh and brutal interpretation of Aikido. Actually atypical for traditional Aikido, these scenes show extreme violence. Segal also mixes elements of other martial arts into his repertoire, but the technical nature of Aikido is still clearly visible.
Aikido is only suitable for self-defense to a very limited extent. This is in large part because the training is unrealistic, there really aren’t any open practice fights, and the martial arts generally attract less combative types. They are more likely to be found in hard full-contact sports.
Nevertheless, Aikidoka, if they succeed in levering and throwing, can cause considerable damage to the opponent. In a school where Aikido is trained with the appropriate rigor and purpose, the training can be quite helpful for self-defense.
Judo
The sport of judo developed from Jiu-Jitsu and was Kano Jigoro justified. Judo was officially taught to the Tokyo police in 1886. Judo is now (since 1964) Olympic and is trained by over 8 million people around the world.
The basic idea of judo is very close to that of jiu-jitsu. The goal is to win by giving in.
Judokas, especially those who practice their sport competitively, are excellently trained, strong athletes whose fitness levels are quite comparable to wrestlers.
The sport of judo only allows throwing, choking and locking techniques. Attacks to the legs, such as wrestlers use to throw an opponent to the ground, are forbidden in judo. Punches and kicks relevant for self-defense are not trained in judo.
In order to be really prepared for self-defence, this is a major shortcoming. In many judo schools, however, techniques from Jiu-Jitsu are still taught that also deal with punches and kicks. Whether enough attention is paid to this aspect remains to be seen and certainly depends on the respective coach.
More information: Judo Olympic martial arts from Japan
Ju-Jutsu
Ju-Jutsu, although it sounds Japanese, is not a Japanese martial art. It was founded in Germany in 1967 as a practical self-defence system and optimized for official use. This martial art is originally a synthesis of karate, judo and aikido.
The most suitable techniques for self-defense have been compiled in a separate system. However, modern Ju-Jutsu draws on techniques, concepts and influences from all kinds of martial arts. Chain fists from Wing Chun/Wing Tsun, punches from boxing, influences from western wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu were also integrated into the system.
So-called shock techniques (breathing techniques) and gentle meansto control the opponent are also trained in Ju-Jutsu.
A big plus in Ju-Jutsu is that there are also competitions that allow a variety of techniques, similar to mixed martial arts.
In competitions, you fight against the realistic resistance of your opponent, who also wants to win. This training, like any competition or sparring, has proven extremely valuable in terms of the applicability of the skills trained.
In addition to Jiu-Jitsu, modern Ju-Jitsu is a good, comprehensive opportunity to prepare for self-defence. Defense against armed attackers is also practiced.
Non-Japanese self-defense systems as an alternative
Anyone who does not have the opportunity to learn the Japanese martial arts mentioned above or is looking for alternatives should take a closer look at the following fighting methods:
Krav Maga
The Israeli self-defense system is spread all over the world. Self-defence is trained and the fitness aspect also plays an important role. Krav Maga training covers all aspects of self-defense. There are now a large number of organizations and associations, all of which have developed different curricula. It is therefore worthwhile to find out more about the respective association and the teacher in order not to be taken in by any charlatans or half-trained teachers.
Contribution: Krav Maga self-defense from Israel
Filipino Martial Arts (FMA)
If you are not yet familiar with Filipino martial arts, you should definitely catch up if you are interested in self-defense. The FMA unite hundreds of different styles. Kali/Arnis/Escrima are often used as umbrella terms. The special thing about the FMA is that they have specialized in training with cut and thrust weapons. However, the FMA also include unarmed concepts and combat methods. So, as far as the fighting aspect is concerned, they cover a large part of the requirements.
Due to the style, however, there are often serious differences in terms of the orientation, objectives and focus in the training. So you should do your research beforehand and not assume that all styles and teachers train broadly the same thing.
Contribution: The Filipino martial arts complex and effective
Hapkido
Hapkido is a Korean self-defense system similar to Jiu-Jitsu. Punches, kicks, throws, lever and choke techniques are taught. Hapkido emerged from the Japanese Daitō-ryū Aiki-Jū Jutsu and is now an independent martial art.
In addition to Taekwondo, which mainly deals with kicks and punches, Hapkido is the most popular Korean martial art in the world.
Conclusion Japanese martial arts
Japanese martial arts are spread all over the world and in clubs in every city and in many villages, especially in German-speaking countries. The Japanese martial arts offer a wide range of opportunities to train according to one’s own individual preferences and interests.
As far as the self-defense value, if we want to call it that, there are big differences. Not every martial art aims to train fighters. Far more value is placed on the intellectual development of the students than on training the ultimate fighting machines. It is precisely this aspect that makes martial arts such as aikido or karate particularly attractive for many people.
If you want to focus on self-defense, Jiu-Jitsu or Ju-Jutsu is the best choice.
If you want to consider other non-Japanese alternatives, consider Krav Maga, FMA, or Korean Hapkido.
Enjoy the training!
