Which UK Martial Arts are the Most Popular?
Self Defence and Fitness Go Hand-in-Hand: Here are the Most Popular Options
I almost spat out my coffee researching the most popular martial art in the UK.
One (albeit spammy) website claimed that MMA, or Mixed Martial Arts was number one. They used Google data. Hate to be the bearer of bad news here, but the 98% of searchers that wanted to watch the latest Colin McGregor fights (for example) could have had a tiny influence here…
Back to those self defence sports which are popular here in the UK.
Unsurprisingly, a lot of it is skewed by kids.
The fact that hordes of children go to Karate, Judo and Taekwondo makes a big difference. Mui Tai is hugely popular – though among a male 20-something demographic. Brazilian Ju Jitsu is also on the rise. Again, this is still a niche compared to the big three.
Popular UK Martial Arts #1 – Karate
There was a time when martial arts and Karate were synonymous.
Fast forward to the 2020’s, and it is still the single most popular discipline. This strike-based self-defence discipline has a long history. While most people think of Karate as coming from Japan, it pre-dates this, first appearing in the then Chinese controlled Ryukyu islands. It later gained popularity in Japan, before exploding around the world.
Karate is an Olympic sport – and taught to everyone from young children to older adults.
A big advantage of its popularity is that you can move area or to a new town – and you’ll find a group near you to continue your training.
Popular UK Martial Arts #2 – Judo
Judo translates as ‘gentle way,’ though if you watch the top athletes in this discipline, there is not much gentle about their skills.
Except in rare pre-arranged formats, this is a fully defensive martial art. You use techniques and your opponent’s movements to throw them – pinning them down to claim victory. The popularity of Judo again comes from its suitability for all ages.
Like Karate, Judo has a history of development in Japan. It is a popular Olympic sport and has had a major influence on newer martial arts, including BJJ.
Popular UK Martial Arts #3 – Taekwondo
The British Taekwondo Association state that this martial art has 60 million practitioners in 184 countries.
Just like Jodo and Karate, this sport appeals to a wide age-range. The name translates as ‘the way of the foot and the fist.’ If this name is not enough to convince you to try it, then the flashy spinning head kicks should seal the deal. This martial art originated in Korea, originally influenced by Karate. It has spread quickly around the world – challenging the incumbents for the top spot.
Taekwondo is an Olympic sport.
Popular Martial Arts #4 – Muay Thai
You might know this sport as Thai Boxing – though unlike boxing, kicks are an essential element.
For many years, practitioners went to train in Thailand. These days there are 100’s of gyms offering training around the UK. It is known in Asia as the ‘way of eight limbs. Arms, legs, elbows, and shins are used to attack and defend. The history of Muay Thai has been traced all the way back to the 16th Century in Thailand.
While Muay Thai is a wonderful spectator sport, it is now gaining popularity as a social way to combine fitness, strength, and self-defence skills. In 2021, Muay Thai was recognised as an Olympic sport.
Popular UK Martial Arts #5 – Brazilian Ju Jitsu
While BJJ has a history going back to the 1920’s, it shot to fame thanks to the recent popularity of Mixed Martial Arts competitions.
This sport uses holds and body-weight leverage to take opponents to the ground and pin them. There are similarities to Jujitsu and Judo. As the MMA world found out, the techniques of Brazilian Ju Jitsu can beat even the fiercest competitors in more combat-focused disciplines.
You will now find BJJ gyms and trainers all over the UK. This format is growing in popularity, though is less common for kids (at least for now).
Wrapping Up: The Best Martial Art for You?
In my experience, most people asking about martial arts already have an idea of which one appeals to them.
If that is you, make that call to your local gym. Get going, and if you switch disciplines later – then you will already have gained strength, flexibility and even some new friends.
If you genuinely can’t decide then the clearest division is between martial arts that emphasise attack or defence. Judo and BJJ are the classic defensive disciplines. Karate, Taekwondo and Muay Thai are all about attacks (though of course, you’ll learn how to defend).
For older adults and kids, Karate is a solid attacking option. For those in their later teens and 20’s, why not go for the exciting Muay Thai instead.
Whatever you pick, get an experienced instructor. You’ll learn safely and get the confidence that comes with being able to defend yourself too.
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