Striking vs Grappling: Which Self-Defence is Best for You?

One of the best aspects of martial arts is its diversity: You have disciplines focused on throws, such as Judo, kick-based styles like Taekwondo, and even no-holds-barred self-defence systems like Krav Maga. But the two fighting styles that trigger the most debates among martial artists are striking vs grappling. 

You may wonder what self-defence style is best if you’re just starting. After all, each has its strengths and weaknesses; so which do you choose? Keep reading to learn whether striking or grappling is better for you.

Striking Martial Arts

A striking martial art refers to the hand-to-hand combat opponents engage in while standing. Striking includes punches, kicks, knees, elbows, hammer fists, and more. It takes efficient movement, agility, and a lot of power to become a proficient striker.

Moreover, striking is an essential component of many self-defence disciplines. Some striking martial arts include:

• Kickboxing
• Karate
• Muay thai
• Kung fu
• Krav maga

Grappling Martial Arts

Striking martial arts help you keep your distance from aggressors, land effective blows, and make it easy to escape hostile situations. However, only knowing striking can be limiting. You can’t be sure an altercation will remain in the standing position. In fact, up to 85% of street fights end up on the ground. This knowledge makes grappling very important.  

In hand-to-hand combat, grappling entails the grabbing and holding of an opponent. A ground fighting martial art, grappling enables its practitioner to gain a physical advantage at a close range; this is done by either inflicting injury or imposing a situational position on the ground.

Similar to striking, grappling is a wide-ranging term that includes various fighting styles and disciplines. A few of these are: 

• Brazilian jiu-jitsu
• Wrestling 
• Judo
• Sambo
• Aikido

Choosing the Right Fighting Style for You

So which self-defence discipline is best for you? Well, it depends.

You’ll want to reflect on your martial arts goals and what you want from your training to determine which is best for you. Ideally, you want a mixture of both striking and grappling. Such a combination will transform you into a well-rounded fighter comfortable with standing and ground fighting. 

But it’s best to choose the fighting style that has piqued your interest. You’ll be more consistent in training if you genuinely enjoy the martial art. 

Next Step: Experience the Benefits of Martial Arts Today

At Affinity Academy, we offer Brazilian jiu-jitsu and kickboxing classes! As such, you can experience both fighting styles and determine which one you like best.  Experienced instructors teach our classes. Moreover, we provide a safe and fun environment where everyone can enjoy learning as they train! 

 

So if you’re ready, contact us today to experience the benefits of martial arts! 

 

Writer Bio:

Alex Brown is a self-improvement writer specializing in health & fitness, goal setting, self-discipline, and quality living. – See more at: https://alexbrownofficial.net/about-us/