From Kung Fu to Krav Maga, this list will break down the top 20 martial arts. We have ranked these martial arts based on deadliness, effectiveness, and how readily available they are.
The deadliest martial arts in the world are Krav Maga, Rough and Tumble, Vale Tudo, Bacom, Line, Silat, Muay Thai, MCMAP, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. However, we must always consider intent and effectiveness when ranking these martial arts.
Key Takeaways
- Considering modern, testable martial arts we can look toward MMA to see which martial art styles beat out others and which have consistently risen to the top:
- Wrestling
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Muay Thai
- Boxing
- Sambo
- Judo
- However, there are some techniques that are not allowed in regulated MMA bouts such as those found in Krav Maga. So we cannot definitively say how effective they would be against other martial art styles
- We have based this list and our research around testable martial arts that have been proven to be practically effective as well as techniques that can be considered to do the most damage to your opponent
Top 20+ Deadlist Martial Arts Ranked
21. Kung Fu
Kung Fu is one of the oldest and most respected martial arts in the world. This ancient practice has been used for hundreds of years as a form of self-defense and attack, and it still remains one of the deadliest martial arts today. Jump to >>> BJJ vs Kung Fu
Originally developed in China, Kung Fu incorporates a variety of techniques such as striking with the hands and feet, grappling, joint locks, throws, and sweeps. It also focuses heavily on mental focus and discipline which helps practitioners stay sharp when using it in combat.
However, recently we have seen more and more how ineffective kung fu may be for practical defense or in a mixed martial arts setting which is why it is ranked lower on this list.
20. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is one of the most popular and effective martial arts in the world today.
Developed from a modified version of Judo, BJJ focuses on ground fighting and uses joint locks and choking to subdue opponents. It promotes the principle that even a smaller person can successfully defend themselves against larger attackers with balance, leverage, and technique.
The reason why Brazilian jiu jitsu is so effective is due to its emphasis on live sparring (rolling) which is the performing of techniques on fully resisting opponents.
19.Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that has captivated the world with its flashy kicks, fast-paced sparring, and excellent self-defense techniques.
Developed in the 1940s, Taekwondo combines a variety of traditional martial arts practices to create an effective form of self-defense. This martial art focuses heavily on kicks and is known for its ability to be used at both long and close range. With high flying kicks, powerful punches, and lightning-fast blocks, Taekwondo is one of the most visually stunning martial arts around.
Although it may not seem as lethal as some other styles on this list, Taekwondo can definitely be used as a deadly force if trained properly.
Its combination of strikes from all angles makes it difficult for an opponent to defend against and its use of spinning kicks allows practitioners to gain maximum force behind their attacks.
18. Line
LINE is a close-quarters combat system developed by retired combat arms Marine Ron Donvito in 1989. This system was designed to be used by the United States Marine Corps as well as the US Army Special Forces, and has since been used in military training and martial arts classes worldwide.
LINE stands for Linear Infighting Neural Override Engagement, and it has been honed over years of military experience. It consists of various techniques such as low-light maneuvers, smoke or gas combat tactics, and more that are effective even when the user is under immense physical or mental fatigue.
The unique aspect of LINE is its ability to allow users to defend themselves in a variety of close quarters situations while using minimal effort. By focusing on executions of techniques rather than brute strength, it allows users to maintain situational awareness during fighting without being overwhelmed by their opponent’s superior strength or agility.
17. MCMAP
MCMAP, or Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, is a combat system developed by the United States Marine Corps. It is designed to teach Marines the skills necessary to fight in any environment and situation. It focuses on hand-to-hand combat, weapon disarming techniques, and physical fitness.
MCMAP was designed to replace the LINE System which had become too deadly for modern missions. This style of martial arts emphasizes respect and discipline among its practitioners. It also teaches them how to handle different types of weapons, from knives and swords to batons and firearms.
The MCMAP curriculum includes various forms of martial arts such as Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Boxing, Karate, Aikido and Tai Chi. In addition to teaching practical self defense techniques it also focuses on developing the mental strength necessary for combat situations.
16. Ninjutsu
Ninjutsu is an ancient Japanese martial art that has been around for centuries. It is a set of skills and techniques that allow practitioners to engage in espionage, navigation, and surviving in nature.
Ninjutsu also includes unarmed combat, as well as the use of weapons such as swords and shurikens.
Ninjutsu is shrouded in mystery and myths, making it a thrilling form of martial arts to learn if you can find a legitimate and practical school.
This style of fighting focuses on efficiency rather than strength, which makes it great for people who are smaller or less physically fit than their opponents.
There are many different schools of Ninjutsu, each with its own unique approach and techniques that can be used in battle or for self-defense purposes.
However, all forms of Ninjutsu share the same underlying principles – adaptability, creativity and resilience.
15. Bokator
Bokator, an ancient martial art from Cambodia, is a renowned fighting style that has been practiced for more than two thousand years.
It combines hand-to-hand combat techniques such as striking and joint manipulation with ground fighting and weapons training.
Despite its deadly nature, Bokator is designed to be both a form of self-defense and physical fitness.
Bokator also incorporates elements of traditional Khmer martial arts, making it a unique form of unarmed combat.
14. Karate
Karate is one of the most beloved and respected martial arts in the world today. Hailing from Okinawa, Japan, Karate has been practiced for centuries as a form of self-defense. This martial art uses all parts of the body to attack and defend against opponents. Jump to >>> BJJ vs Karate
Punching, kicking, elbows, throws, and open-handed “knife strikes” are all staples of Karate.
Kyokushin Karate allows blows to be thrown with full force and fighters carry no protection. While Karate may not be as intense or violent as some other martial arts on this list, it is still an incredibly effective form of self-defense due to its focus on both the body and mind.
13. Wrestling
Wrestling is an ancient combat sport that has been around for centuries. It involves two competitors trying to make the other’s body touch the ground by forcing them into a prone position.
This deadly martial art was once used in hand-to-hand combat and even featured as part of Roman gladiatorial fights. Jump to >>> BJJ vs Wrestling
Today, it continues to be popular in many places around the world and is often used in UFC fights as one of the staple martial arts (which also includes muay thai, boxing, bjj, and judo)
Wrestling is one of the most effective martial arts out there. The reason why it’s not higher on this list is that the techniques in wrestling are not utilized with the intent to injure or seriously harm someone.
However, wrestling teaches you how to take an attacker down and control them. It should be one of the base martial arts you should learn if you are at all interested in self defense.
It teaches practitioners how to use their opponent’s strength and momentum against them, allowing for both competitive and defensive applications.
12. Boxing
