Tag: Combat

Ever since humans have existed, we have developed various methods of self-defense. This fact has led many to wonder what the oldest martial arts in the world are and if they’re still practiced.

Here’s a list of some of the oldest martial arts in the world. Read below to learn a bit about the world’s oldest martial arts and how they were developed.

Explore The Oldest Martial Arts In The World

Pankration

• Originated: 2000 B.C.
• Country: Greece
• Still Practiced? Yes

The ancient art of Pankration is one of the oldest martial arts in the world. It’s a well-documented ancient hybrid-martial art.

It is a fighting style that consists of both striking and grappling techniques. An early form of MMA that would influence various future martial arts and wrestling styles.

In Greek mythology, it is said that Hercules used Pankration to defeat the Nemeaon Lion. Pankration dates back to the first Olympic Games, but the teachings go back to centuries earlier.

The presentation of Pankration has changed over the years, but the techniques have stood the test of time. It’s a martial art that helped influence the development of modern MMA.

Shuai Jiao 

• Originated: 2697 B.C.
• Country: China
• Still Practiced? Yes

When people think of jacket wrestling, they first think of Judo, but it wasn’t the first form of jacket wrestling. Shuai Jiao is one of the oldest martial arts in the world and arguably the first form of jacket wrestling.

This Chinese wrestling style was first developed as a game played by ancient Chinese soldiers. They would wear bull horns and try to knock each other out of a ring.

Martial artists of the period refined this wrestling and turned it into Shua Jiao. Armor was replaced with short jackets, and the throws and sweeps began to be refined.

It has been the most popular form of sport multiple times in Chinese history. Thanks to curious martial artists. Shua Jiao is starting to have a resurgence in popularity.

Kalaripayattu 

• Originated: 1000 B.C
• Country: India
• Still Practiced? Yes

One of India’s oldest martial arts in the world is the sword art of Kalaripayattu. This sword-based martial art is one of the oldest sword-fighting styles in the world.

Historians date that this sword and shield martial art began being formalized around 1000 B.C. According to Hindu legend, the art of Kalaripayattu was created by Parasurama, the sixth avatar of the Hindu deity Bishnu.

The original Shaolin monk, Bodhi Dharma, was said to be a Kalaripayattu practititoner. This martial art has withstood the test of time and is still widely practiced.

Taekkyon 

• Originated: 50 B.C.
• Country: Korea
• Still Practiced: Yes

Taekkyon is the oldest known Korean martial art, dating back to around 50 B.C. Some ancient books and art suggest Taekkyon was practiced during the Korean Three Kingdom period around 18 B.C.

The art of Taekkyon is a heavy-kicking-based martial art that uses long-range attacks. Predominantly kicks that are swift and powerful.

Before the Japanese occupation of Japan, Taekkyon was the most popular martial art in Korea. For half a century, the practice of Taekkyon or any Korean martial art was forbidden.

When Japanese occupation, Taekkyon would have a rebirthing period. Even being influential in the development of Taekwondo.

Today, Taekkyon is on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Ensuring that the martial art will be shared with future generations.

Muay Boran 

• Originated: 13th Century
• Country: Thailand
• Still Practiced? Yes

Everyone knows the art of Muay Thai, but some don’t know the fighting style it evolved from. Muay Boran was the predecessor to Muay Thai and one of the oldest martial arts in the world.

Formal Muay Boran was developed in 13th century Thailand, but the techniques were developed over centuries. Ancient Thai soldiers that predate the Siam kingdom were documented using an ancient style of Muay Thai.

These techniques of war were formally named Muay Boran. The techniques in Muay Boran are identical to the techniques of Muay Thai except for one detail.

Muay Boran was developed to defend yourself in a war, while Muay Thai techniques are for sport. Many techniques in Muay Boran would be deemed illegal in Muay Thai. In modern-day Thailand, the art of Muay Boran is still practiced and thriving. 

Malla-Yudda

• Originated: 3000 B.C.
• Country: India
• Still Practiced? Yes

India has another one of the oldest martial arts in the world, Malla-Yudda. It’s an Indian style of Pancrase that uses a variety of different striking and grappling techniques.

Malla-Yudda dates back to somewhere between 3000 B.C. or even before then. It’s a martial art that is divided into four different styles that are named after Hindu gods.

• Hanumanti: Technical Superiority
• Jambuvanti: Grappling Techniques
• Jarasandhi: Breaking Limbs
• Bhimaseni: Pure Strength

Sadly, the art of Malla-Yudda is not widely practiced anymore. Only a few communities within Northern India still practice the ancient Malla-Yudda techniques.

Boxing 

• Originated 600 BC
• Country: Multiple
• Still Practiced: Yes

Boxing is easily one of the oldest martial arts in the world. It’s a fighting style that every culture in the world practices a variation of.

Humans instinctually attack with their hands, which is why boxing was one of the first martial arts developed. There is no exact date to point to, but humans have been boxing for over fifteen thousand years.

Artifacts from numerous ancient cultures show that they practiced forms of boxing and passed down the teachings. Boxing was even one of the first Olympic Games that were held in 668 B.C.

Over a period of time, boxing has been refined and become the world’s most practiced martial art.

Wrestling 

• Originated: 15k to 20k Years Ago
• Country: Multiple
• Still Practiced: Yes

Early humans weren’t just punching each other but also wrestling. The grappling art of wrestling is one of the oldest martial arts in the world practiced by all cultures.

Historians believe that formal wrestling training dates back 15-20 thousand years. Some of the first sporting events, including the Olympics, had a wrestling event.

Every culture in the world practices a form of wrestling. The two most practiced wrestling styles in the world are freestyle and Greco-Roman.

The reason why wrestling is one of the oldest martial arts in the world is because we figured out grappling works.

Stickfighting

• Originated: Early BC
• Country: Multiple
• Still Practiced: Yes

Just like every culture had a form of boxing and wrestling, almost all ancient cultures practiced stick-fighting. A stick was the first weapon that humans started using to defend themselves.

They figured out that using a big stick gives them a range advantage and keeps their enemies at bay. Just about every ancient culture has documentation of a stick-based self-defense system.

Each style used different types of sticks that had different sizes and densities. For example, many of the stick-fighting styles of Asia use bamboo in their weapon styles.

Many of the older styles, like Bojutsu, Tahtib, and Zulu stick-fighting, are still practiced today. They are now practiced more as a sport but still give practitioners invaluable self-defense skills.

Fight fans love watching the knockout, whether it’s a TKO or KO. Although, for many, there is some confusion about the difference between a TKO vs KO.

Let’s break down the differences between a TKO vs KO finish in combat sports. The subtle differences between the type of knockouts and their criteria in different combat sports.

TKO vs KO: What Do They Mean?

The TKO and KO are two categories of knockout that have different definitions, which define them. Here are the definitions of a TKO vs KO detailed below.

Technical Knockout (TKO) 

TKO is short for “technical knockout.” A TKO occurs when a fight official steps in and stops a fight. The fighter did not lose consciousness but would’ve likely lost if the ref or doctor didn’t intervene.

Knockout (KO)

A KO or “knockout” is when the fighter is hit and loses consciousness from a strike. Anything from a punch, kick, knee, or elbow, depending on the combat sport.

TKO vs KO Rules Within Boxing 

Each boxing federation has similar criteria on how they define a TKO vs KO. Check out the criteria for defining these knockouts in boxing.

How a TKO is Assessed in Boxing

There are three ways a boxing match can end in a TKO victory. 

• Referee Assessment & Decision 
• Doctor’s Decision
• Corner Intervention 
• The Fighter

The referee is the predominant figure of authority in charge of calling a fight off. In boxing, they could step in for anything from a fighter receiving damage or being completely knocked out.

Referees will generally decide to call a fight off after a fighter is knocked down. If the ref feels that the fighter is compromised, they will rule the fight a TKO.

Doctors will also step in and call a fight for damage if they feel a fighter cannot continue. Usually, in between rounds or if the referee calls for assistance.

The corner of both fighters also holds the responsibility of protecting their fighters. They can call the fight if they feel a fighter cannot be won or their fighter is too injured.

But most importantly, the responsibility of the fighters relies on the fighters themselves. But they, more often than not, refuse to quit, which is why the other three must look after them.

How a KO is Assessed in Boxing

A KO in boxing is classified in two ways. Either the fighter loses consciousness from a punch, or they don’t get up on the 10-count.  10-count KOs will be considered a knockout even if the fighter is conscious.

TKO vs KO Rules Within MMA

The descriptions of KOs and TKOs in MMA are very similar to boxing, with a few differences. Here is the definition for each type of knockout in MMA.

How a TKO is Assessed in MMA 

A TKO win in MMA has a similar definition to boxing’s rule but is more vast to cover the different strikes. An MMA fight can be called a TKO in four different scenarios.

1. Referee Intervention: The referee can step in at any time if he feels a fighter is in danger of being knocked out. 
2. Fighter’s Condition: A referee can make the judgment call to end a fight if they feel a fighter has received too much damage.
3. Lack of Response: The referee will call a fight off if they tell a fighter to fight back and don’t respond.
4. Doctor Stoppage: A doctor can stop a fight the same way in MMA as in boxing.

How a KO is Assessed in MMA

A KO in MMA is defined similarly to what is considered a KO in boxing. The only difference is the variety of strikes that can end a fight in a KO.

In MMA, anything from a punch, kick, knee, elbow, or slam can result in a knockout win. Four more variations of KOs than in boxing.

TKO vs KO: Which is Worse? 

In terms of potential consequences, the TKO is “supposed” be less damaging than a KO. The ref must decide to intervene to keep a TKO from turning into a KO.

However, some studies show accumulative damage from TKO losses could be worse over time.

Who is Responsible For Determining a TKO vs KO?

The responsibility for determining a TKO vs KO is held by many in a combat sports bout. The main difference is the quantity responsible for determining a TKO. 

In everything from kickboxing, MMA, and boxing, the responsibility of determining a TKO lands on three groups.

• The Ref
• Ringside Doctor
• Fighter’s corners

The ref is the person most responsible for determining a TKO vs KO. It‘s the referee’s job to step in if a fighter cannot defend themselves or is taking too much damage.

The ringside doctor will determine a fight a TKO in two scenarios. Either the ref will ask the doctor to check the fighter, or the doctor checks fighters between rounds. If a fighter is too damaged to continue, it’s the job of the doctor to stop the fight.

Then there’s the fighter’s corner, which are also responsible for protecting their fighters. In between rounds, the main person in the corner can all the fight if they feel their fight is too damaged.

In boxing, the act of throwing in the tail is another way to call a fight off. Admitting defeat on behalf of their fighter in order to protect them.

TKO vs KO: The Main Difference Between Boxing & MMA KO/TKOS

The descriptions for a TKO and KO are nearly the same for boxing and MMA. There are only a handful of differences between these types of knockouts between the sports.

In MMA, you can be knocked out or TKO’d with a variety of strikes. There are also no ten counts in MMA. Once the referee steps in, an MMA fight is over.

Possessing proper self-defense skills is imperative for women to know. One of the most searched questions on Google is what is the best self-defense for women?

Check out our list of martial arts below that are considered some of the best self-defense for women. Going through all the qualities that make them an excellent choice for women to learn.

Why Should Women Learn Self-Defense

Before we examine the best self-defense for women, let’s go over why women need to learn self-defense skills. Here are twelve reasons why women should learn how to defend themselves.

1. Personal Safety: Women are a more likely target of violence than men. Learning self-defense skills will help improve their personal safety.
2. Prevention & Awareness: Learning self-defense will keep women safe from attacks and help prevent them by learning awareness. Having this ability to sense danger can keep them out of dangerous situations.
3. Boost Confidence: By learning a form of self-defense, a woman will become more confident in herself. Confidence will help them physically and mentally deal with a dangerous situation.
4. Physical Fitness: Along with learning self-defense, women also learn the importance of good physical fitness. It’s better to be physically ready to deal with a bad situation than not be in shape.
5. Independence: When a woman knows how to protect themselves, this gives them a greater sense of independence. They can go to more places alone and feel comfortable without having fear.
6. Empowerment: The best self-defense for women gives them a sense of empowerment. Giving them the confidence to take an active role in their own personal security.
7. Preparedness: You never know what could happen and must stay ready. This is especially true if you’re a woman.
8. Raise Awareness: Along with preparedness is awareness. As a woman, you must be ready for anything that can and will happen.
9. Self-Discipline: When you learn self-defense, you also develop self-defensive. This positive trait is crucial to further improve your self-defense skills.
10. Positive Influence: A woman cannot only improve their self-defense skills but the self-defense skills of other women. They can be role models for women who want to be strong and independent. 
11. Crisis Management: Good self-defense skills enable you to better manage crises or help others in crises.
12. Community: The best self-defense for women creates a sense of community for them. You aren’t alone and have a group behind you that will support and defend you.

What martial art is the best self-defense for women

Boxing

The first style on our best self-defense for women write-up is the sweet science of boxing. The art of pugilism has been one of the most practiced forms of self-defense for decades.

This fighting style has various qualities that make it great for women looking to learn how to defend themselves.

The Positives of Boxing for Self-Defense

Boxing has a lot of positive qualities, but we’ll list five specific positives for this article. Here are five positives that make boxing one of the best self-defense for women.

1. Effective Striking Skills: Boxing enables women to have the skills to defend themselves against an attacker. Attackers may think twice about attacking a woman once they start getting blasted with hard combos.
2. Hand-Eye Coordination: Boxing teaches students proper hand-eye coordination. If a woman is ever faced with an attacker, they can better see the strikes coming and react.
3. Realistic Training: Boxing training forces a person to spar against another opponent and react to their movements. This type of training will better prepare a woman to defend herself.
4. Fitness: Boxing is the best training to get you in shape. When you’re in shape, you can better defend yourself.
5. Mental Toughness: Boxing training has a special quality of instilling toughness into its students. It can teach women not to let anyone make them victims and fight back.

The Negative of Boxing for Self-Defense

Although boxing is a great martial art, it has one glaring flaw: a lack of ground fighting. Women will be protected on their feet, but not if they’re grabbed or taken to the ground. They could have good striking skills, but it won’t matter if a bigger man is holding them down on the ground.

Muay Thai

The art of eight limbs, known as Muay Thai, is an incredibly effective striking art. Its various strikes and clinch work has made it a popular choice of self-defense for women.

The Positives of Muay Thai for Self-Defense 

Muay Thai has numerous benefits that will help a woman in a self-defense situation. Here are five positive benefits that make Muay Thai a great form of self-defense for women.

1. Striking Proficiency: Muay Thai includes some of the most proficient striking techniques of any martial art. Especially the leg kick that will make someone think twice about starting an altercation.
2. Clinching: One of the biggest positives of Muay Thai is the clinching techniques, which will come in handy in a fight. There’s a lot of grabbing and clinching in a fight, which allows a woman to set up nasty elbows.
3. Range Management: Muay Thai will teach you how to manage the range in a fight. You’ll be able to control the punching, kicking, and clinching ranges.
4. Conditioning & Fitness: Muay Thai stresses the importance of fitness in order to maximize the power of your strikes. You may be a girl, but you certainly won’t hit like one.
5. Simplicity: What makes Muay Thai so effective is its simplicity. The techniques are straightforward and easy to learn.

The Negative of Muay Thai for Self-Defense

Muay Thai will leave you well-prepared on your feet. Even more so than in boxing due to the clinching, elbows, knees, and throws.

But Muay Thai’s biggest flaw is once a fight hits the ground. A woman adept at Muay Thai will be well-prepared on her feet, but she’s still vulnerable on her feet. See Rodtang vs. Demetrious Johnson as an example of this flaw.

Judo

The classic grappling style of Judo is considered one of the best self-defense for women. It has proven effective techniques that have protected many people in dangerous situations.

The Positives of Judo for Self-Defense

Judo has numerous positives as one of the best self-defense for women. Here are the five positive benefits of learning Judo for self-defense.

1. Throws & Takedowns: In an altercation, there’s a lot of grabbing and pushing. These movements play right in Judo, making throwing an attacker to the ground easy.
2. Utilizing Opponent’s Force: Judo is all about using an opponent’s force against them. Since an attacker will try to implement their force, this makes it easy to throw them on their head.
3. Balance & Coordination: Judo teaches you to stay calm while keeping your coordination and balance. This is a crucial skill to learn when in a dangerous situation threatened with violence.
4. Ground Control: BJJ is known for more pins, but many of the martial art’s techniques were adopted from Judo. You’ll also learn how to control an attacker on the ground by practicing Judo.
5. Adaptability: Judo is one of the world’s most adaptable grappling martial arts. You can easily adapt the techniques you learn in the Gi and implement them on the street.

The Negative of Judo for Self-Defense 

The biggest negative against Judo as a self-defense system is its lack of striking and striking defense. It is one of the best forms of grappling you can learn, but it will leave a woman quite vulnerable to strikes. See Ronda Rousey’s losses as an example of this flaw.

BJJ

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has become one of the most popular and best self-defense for women. It was created specifically to give a smaller person an equal advantage against a bigger person in a fight.

The Positives of BJJ for Self-Defense 

BJJ has numerous positives that make it one of the best self-defense for women. Here are five positives for women to consider when looking to learn a form of self-defense.

1. Defend Against Larger Opponents: BJJ was tailor-made to defend yourself against a bigger opponent. Being a woman, it is imperative that you learn grappling techniques that work against bigger opponents.
2. Escapes & Reversals: There might be a time when you’re on your back with a bigger attacker on top of you. BJJ’s escape and reversal techniques are a must in situations like these.
3. Submissions: BJJ has a lot of submissions taught within the martial art. You may be up against a bigger person, but they can be choke-out like anybody else.
4. Leverage Techniques: BJJ techniques are all about leverage and taking angles. Strength helps, but the grappling art is all about getting leverage on your opponent.
5. Transferable Skills: The techniques you learn in BJJ are transferrable to the street. You can see many instances of the techniques working in real-life situations on Youtube.

The Negative of BJJ for Self-Defense 

Like in Judo, BJJ will make a woman prepared to grapple and take a fight to the ground. Although, they will not be prepared to defend themselves against strikes. They could still fend off the attack but get hurt in a striking exchange if BJJ is all they know.

MMA

Mixed martial arts(MMA) is one of the most complete fighting systems on the planet. It encompasses all of the martial arts previously mentioned in this best self-defense for women article.

An eclectic style that teaches various forms of striking and grappling. Its diversity and effectiveness have made it one of the most popular fighting styles practiced today.

The Positives of MMA for Self-Defense

MMA is one of the most complete fighting systems that a woman could learn. Here are five positives as to why MMA is the best self-defense for women.

1. Versatile: MMA is one of the most versatile martial arts in the world. There is no other martial art that covers the amount of striking and grappling techniques that you see in MMA.
2. Realistic Sparring: The sparring in MMA is the most realistic type of sparring that you can do. It’s not a street fight, but it’s the closest way you can practice for one.
3. Ground Control: Like in Judo and BJJ, MMA teaches you how to control an opponent on the ground. On top of this control, you will also learn how to strike on the ground effectively.
4. Adaptability: The techniques taught in MMA are adaptable to an altercation on the street. These techniques are proven effective.
5. Mental Preparedness: By learning MMA, you will be mentally prepared to defend yourself in any situation that may happen. You will be able to calmly assess the situation and react accordingly. 

The Negative of MMA for Self-Defense

From a glance, MMA is the best self-defense for women. It’s great for self-defense, but the problem with MMA is that it’s sport-based.

This is a problem that all of the styles listed actually have. The techniques are taught within a sport setting, where the rules of the sport are respected.

This can be a problem on the street, as an attacker will not abide by any rules. MMA is a great choice, but keep this in mind if you learn this style.

Should a Woman Learn More Than One of These Self-Defense Systems?

The best self-defense for women is learning multiple styles of self-defense. By learning multiple styles, they would be better prepared to defend themselves in a dangerous situation.

If you’re a woman reading this, please go learn proper self-defense. It will enable you to live a better life without fear and give you the confidence to live better.