What is the best martial arts style for self defense?

The best martial arts style for self defense is ultimately an objective matter even among the well trained experts in the field. This post will get into the evolution of some of the popular martial arts styles out there and finish with 10 of the best martial arts styles that is practiced for self defense in our time.

But before we get into all of that, have a look at what Bruce Lee thought on the subject of martial arts and styles.

Some of the martial arts and combat styles that are practice in our modern day self defense classes originated from another style. Aikido, Baritsu and Judo all evolved from the ancient martial arts style of Jujutsu, while styles like Krav-Maga, Defendo and Systema all came from forms of modern military combatives.

Below is a breakdown of most of the modern day martial arts styles that are used in self defense classes (according to Wikipedia)

Civilian versions of modern Military Combatives:
- Krav-Maga
- Defendo
- Systema.

Self-defense oriented forms of Jujutsu:
- Aikijujutsu
- Aikido
- Bartitsu
- German ju-jutsu
- Allkampf-jitsu
- Judo

Reality-Based Self-Defense (RBSD):
- Defensive Tactics

Sport based systems:
- Kickboxing
- Muay Thai
- Boxing
- Savate
- Shoot Boxing
- Sanshou
- Judo
- BJJ
- Sambo
- MMA
- Wrestling

Traditional unarmed fighting styles:
- Karate
- Taekwondo
- Kung Fu
- Wing Chun
- Hapkido
- Pencak Silat

Traditional armed fighting styles:
- Eskrima
- Arnis
- Kali

I feel the same as Bruce Lee about styles. If you watched the short video I shared at the top of this post, you saw that Bruce Lee didn't believe in styles anymore. He was more concern about his mental state and expressing himself to the fullest.

There are still and will always be people who believe that their style is the best for self defense purposes, but at the end of the day it's all in their mind. Here are the top 10 martial arts styles for self defense according to ListVerse.com:

10. Kickboxing
09. Karate
08. Aikido
07. Wing Chun
06. Jiu-Jitsu
05. Jeet Kune Do
04. Western Boxing
03. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
02. Keysi Fighting Method
01. Krav Maga

Here is a short self defense training lesson from Bruce Lee that will benefits every self defense student regardless of which martial arts style they practice. See how many martial arts styles you can identify and feel free to let me know in the comments below.