5 Martial Arts for Hand-to-Hand Combat

Hand-to-hand combat has been a core part of different cultures across the world since ancient times, whether for self-defence, as a form of physical fitness, or simply as a medium of self-improvement and discipline.

Today, the practice of martial arts still retains many of its roots in hand-to-hand combat, although much of it now appears mainly in sports and as an approach to self-defence.

If you’re considering learning a martial art that excels in hand-to-hand combat, here’s a comprehensive list of the most effective styles, their unique techniques, and benefits.

What is considered hand-to-hand combat? 

Hand-to-hand combat refers to scenarios where a physical confrontation between two or more individuals takes place, without the use of weapons. This can happen in a structured environment like a dojo, a boxing or fighting ring, or on the street as part of an altercation between strangers.

The key thing about hand-to-hand combat is the use of physical techniques such as striking or grappling to overpower the opponent whether as a part of winning a match or simply to ensure one’s personal safety.

Not all styles of martial arts are suited for hand-to-hand combat — some make use of weapons to complement fighting techniques. Knowing how to apply martial arts techniques in a hand-to-hand combat scenario, however, can make a big difference in ensuring your personal safety. 

Kickboxing/Muay Thai

Kickboxing is renowned across the world as one of the foremost martial arts for hand-to-hand combat, evidenced by its use in professional fighting circuits and self-defence training.

Also known as Muay Thai, kickboxing originates from Thailand and incorporates the use of elbows and knees for striking techniques in addition to the arts and legs, earning it the moniker “Art of Eight Limbs”.

Muay Thai kickboxing is effective for hand-to-hand combat as many of the techniques in the martial art are designed for use in close-range scenarios.

Wing Chun Kung Fu

Popularised by the film Ip Man and the titular character, Wing Chun Kung Fu has gained significant global recognition as a notable martial art for hand-to-hand combat.

Wing Chun is characterised by its focus on close-range combat, rapid strikes, and efficient use of energy, specifically relating to how skilled practitioners are able to use their opponent's force against them. 

Wing Chun training develops quick reflexes, sensitivity, and the ability to maintain close contact with an opponent, making it a formidable system for personal defence.

Krav Maga

Developed by the Israeli military, Krav Maga is a martial art that focuses on effective techniques for dealing with real-world self-defence and hand-to-hand combat scenarios.

Krav Maga teaches practitioners to defend against a wide range of attacks, often from multiple attackers at once, including the use of strikes, grabs, and improvised weapons to neutralise threats quickly and effectively. 

It is widely considered to be one of the most practical forms of martial art for individuals with no experience in hand-to-hand combat, as it teaches the basics of situational awareness and the importance of preparing for unpredictable combat situations.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 

Often referred to in its abbreviated form (BJJ), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that specialises in ground fighting and submission techniques. Practitioners of BJJ are taught to make use of leverage to control an opponent and the fight, making it highly effective in hand-to-hand combat, especially when the fight goes to the ground.

BJJ involves the use of various grappling techniques, including joint locks and chokes, which allow users to overcome opponents regardless of their size or strength.

Mixed Martial Arts

Mixed martial arts, or MMA, incorporates elements and techniques for various martial arts disciplines including boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and more. The idea behind MMA is to equip practitioners with an arsenal of techniques that they can draw from during hand-to-hand combat scenarios, allowing them to be prepared for a diverse range of combat scenarios.

At UMF Academy, we are proud to be the exclusive provider of the industry’s #1-character development system in Townsville and offer premium training tailored to both adults and children. Our martial arts classes in Townsville for adults include:

• Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Combatives
• Muay Thai Kickboxing
• Wing Chun Kung Fu
• Street Edge Krav Maga