It’s one of the most common questions we get asked — by parents looking for confidence-building classes for their children, by adults wanting to feel safer on the streets, and by people who’ve never set foot in a dojo before:

“What’s the best martial art for self-defence?”

And while it would be easy to give a one-word answer, the truth is:
there’s no single martial art that covers every situation perfectly.

It really depends on the context — and on you.

Self-Defence Isn’t Just One Skillset

Think of real-world self-defence. One moment you might need to stay calm and create distance. The next, you could be grabbed or pushed. And in some cases, the smartest response is simply to de-escalate or get away.

That’s why at Bushido Martial Arts, we don’t rely on just one system.

We teach both Freestyle Karate and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu — two very different styles that work together to give you a broader self-defence toolkit.

• Freestyle Karate teaches powerful strikes, sharp reactions, and the ability to manage space and timing. Click here to learn more

• Jiu-Jitsu prepares you for grabs, throws, breakfalls, and ground-based scenarios — things most striking-based systems don’t always cover. Click here to learn more

Between the two, students at Bushido learn how to stay calm under pressure, defend themselves in a variety of situations, and most importantly — make smart decisions in the moment.

The Most Important Factor? The Way You Train

You could learn the “best” martial art on paper — but if you’re not training in the right environment, with the right instructors and mindset, it won’t do you much good in real life.

At Bushido Martial Arts, our focus is on creating confident, capable students — not flashy techniques or fast-track belts. We teach awareness, discipline, and practical self-defence that builds gradually over time. Our instructors have decades of experience, and many of our black belts started with no experience at all.

So... What’s the Best Martial Art for Self-Defence?

It’s the one that:

• Teaches you real-world awareness

• Builds your confidence, not just your physical strength

• Helps you stay calm under pressure

• Encourages consistency, not perfection

• Gives you a broad foundation you can actually use

For us, that’s a combination of Karate and Jiu-Jitsu — taught with care, structure, and respect for the individual.

If you’re thinking of giving martial arts a go, we’d always recommend trying a class, speaking to the instructors, and choosing a club where you feel supported from day one.

Want to learn more?
You can sign up for our Martial Arts Hints, Tips & Hacks monthly email — perfect for beginners who want to explore martial arts before committing to a class. Click here to opt in!

Because self-defence isn’t just a skill — it’s a mindset.