Martial Art reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 288 Reddit reviews across 28 subreddits and 48 posts to rank the best Martial Art brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/martialarts, r/StreetMartialArts, r/regina, r/ThunderBay, r/Buhurt. Top-rated brands include Muay Thai (4.4/5), Judo (4.2/5), Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (4.7/5).
Stats
Reviews288
Subreddits28
Posts48
Brands98
Products6
288 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Muay Thai
4.4
(31)
"I started Muay Thai at 38. I'm 49 now and killing it in the gym."
"I've been doing Muay Thai for 11yrs now and I'd definitely say BJJ and some kind of striking martial art (boxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing etc)."
"6 months muay thai then 6 month BJJ then MMA forever"
"Muay thai will teach you how to fight at closer distance with elbows and knees, and condition your shins to be decent weapons."
"Fundamentally, I think Muay Thai is the strongest base for standup."
"Muay thai and bjj is best, second is boxing and wrestling."
"Muay Thai, no contest. Greater diversity of moves so it is more fun."
"If you find a place where they can teach you the Wai Kru and what it means, and also teach actual Muay Thai, you are going to have a lot of fun."
"I train Muay Thai and it’s a lot of fun."
"Muay Thai + Jiu-jitsu"
#2
Judo
4.2
(26)
"Judo is good for self defense and very beginner friendly."
"Judo. Grappling is the best martial art for kids. It's also very kid-friendly."
"Great fun for kids and very useful against bigger opponents."
"Juuuuuudo, followed by Muay Thai and Greco"
"Judo judo judo"
"Judo and BJJ imo are the best for women if we are talking strictly for self defense."
"I'd recommend Judo, its pretty practical. Afaik there a club in the renmore community centre."
"I would say the best grappling is Judo and the best standing up fighting martial art or striking art is karate and specifically American Kenpo"
"While I'd say that wrestling and judo are both better than bjj, in terms of strictly ground grappling, it's bjj."
"The combination of karate and Judo is very hard to beat."
#3
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
4.7
(22)
"Most restraint systems have elements borrowed from grappling."
"BJJ is ideal for single opponent restraint."
"Learning how to control people is what you should do."
"BJJ is heavy on wrist control."
"The one I'd choose for my daughter... it teaches you enough to deal with bigger opponents quickly."
"Rising phoenix offers an anti bullying, Brazilian Jiu jitsu style program."
"Extremly clean!!!"
"No, do brazillian Jiu Jitsu and Judo."
"BJJ or judo. They're highly effective and will build far more strength than karate."
"Just self defense; BJJ is best. Teaches you how to fight and submit people in literally the worst position you can be put into as a girl!"
#4
Boxing
4.3
(22)
"The three that I have personally found most valuable were boxing, iaido and Shorinji Kempo."
"Boxing is never a waste of time."
"Boxing has a much shorter time frame to learn."
"Boxing. It's 90% cardio and strength."
"The 2 best martial art disciplines available in most areas."
"All martial arts are great workouts."
"You can get in incredible shape without sparring."
"Boxing"
"Boxing is probably the quickest route to learning some self-defense in a short amount of time."
"I always say boxing and wrestling. If you do a year of each, you probably can mess up most people."
#5
BJJ
4.8
(16)
"I would try BJJ or boxing/Muay Thai if I were you."
"Bjj is incredible and very fun otherwise Krav Maga best self defence."
"6 months muay thai then 6 month BJJ then MMA forever"
"BJJ... hands down."
"Bjj. I promise."
"Unless you're fighting a douche while six of his buddies are standing by, BJJ."
"Wrestling is best for things like MMA, but if it's for self defense BJJ will probably be best."
"BJJ or Judo, but BJJ is top for the fact that a woman is more likely to be in a defensive situation."
"I cannot advocate strongly enough for every little girl to do it."
"BJJ and Boxing my brother."
#6
MMA
4.6
(11)
"5 ?do mma. 10? Mma+ wrestling+fma"
"MMA is probably the best because you you learn striking, stand-up grappling and groundwork."
"Best ones for self defense are: MMA, Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, BJJ, Judo, Wrestling, Kyokushin Karate (Worst one on the list)"
"This is basically MMA. Now if this option is not available, Muay thai + BJJ, which basically is what I’m doing."
"Join an mma gym. Learn to fight in any position."
"If you want one place, maybe a MMA gym so she can learn both striking and groundwork."
"I strongly recommend Thai boxing/MMA its a deadly combo."
"IMO, MMA. If you have dealt with what the hospital security training videos have talked about."
"I would suggest your standard mma."
"Mma."
#7
Krav Maga
4.4
(10)
"Krav-maga is the only correct answer"
"If you’re a girl, krav-maga."
"There's no pagentry or ceremony to it... it's just designed to work."
"If it’s something where you legitimately fear for your safety, Krav Maga."
"Krav maga, every time, there's no other answer."
"Krav maga"
"I would also suggest Krav Maga if you want more striking/posturing stuff."
"Krav maga is what you’re looking for. It combines technique from multiple schools of MA into a combat form designed for self-defense in real life situations."
"For every day stuff (you learn disarming, cheap shots, etc)."
"Any martial art or combat sport that involves live sparring and pressure-testing is inherently useful."
#8
Wrestling
4.4
(9)
"Wrestling."
"Then wrestling without question."
"Wresting is great for the bigger guys."
"Not many martial arts push harder as far as cardio goes."
"I always say boxing and wrestling. If you do a year of each, you probably can mess up most people."
"While I'd say that wrestling and judo are both better than bjj, in terms of strictly ground grappling, it's bjj."
"I was talking about mixing one grappling and one striking art. Wrestling+muay thai."
"I would say learn basic wrestling or bjj... have a gun ( in case he escalates) and a taser or pepperspray."
"Wrestling or judo would be good picks, they rely on leverage and timing."
#9
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
4.2
(9)
"If you have more time 100% train ju-jitsu/jiu-jitsu/BJJ because you get punches, kicking, throws and grappling."
"Muay thai and bjj is best, second is boxing and wrestling."
"The Brazilian jujitsu on metropolitan looks worth checking out."
"Grappling arts like BJJ and wrestling are really good in the long term scale."
"Jiu jitsu, muay thai and boxing."
"I'll also look for a gym that practices newaza or cross train in BJJ."
"While I'd say that wrestling and judo are both better than bjj, in terms of strictly ground grappling, it's bjj."
"BJJ/wrestling has got to be up there for the grappling aspect."
"BJJ will suit you if you like the look of judo."
#10
Karate
3.7
(6)
"Very good atmosphere for kiddos."
"The combination of karate and Judo is very hard to beat."
"Karate, Judo, Taekwondo. As they grow older, expose them to some boxing, kickboxing, MMA content."
"If you want to learn kicking as well do karate."
"I think in my opinion would be boxing, kickboxing, karate (American kenpo kickboxing hybrid)."
"I'd seek the ones that are common in MMA. Karate kickboxing + judo."
#11
Kickboxing
4.4
(5)
"Turns out throwing legs around burns a shit ton of calories."
"Get a great workout in and forget about self defence."
"Jujitsu and a decent striking art like kickboxing or muay thai."
"Choose boxing, kickboxing, grappling, or some combo of these"
"I found kickboxing more suitable *to me* since it has boxing punches but I can slip them and bobbing and weaving isn’t a thing often since you can get kicked in the face if you do."
#12
Primal
5.0
(3)
"Primal is the best gym im mke area"
"Seconding Primal!"
"Primal in West Milwaukee is a good gym for all MMA/BJJ/Kick Boxing."
#13
Taekwondo
3.5
(4)
"Taekwondo for women isn't that bad, women have pretty strong legs and naturally are more flexible."
"Tae Kwon do is a nice mix of punching and kicking."
"Taekwondo. I don't care what people say, it protects head, shins, arms and body."
"Stay away from most taekwondo places. They mostly cater to children and are usually belt factories."
#14
Leading Edge
4.7
(3)
"Leading edge is amazing"
"Leading Edge has boxing, BJJ, wrestling, and MMA"
"South side - leading edge."
#15
Jin Pal Hapkido
4.7
(3)
"Jin Pal Hapkido is amazing and affordable! Best in town"
"Check out Jin Pal Hapkido. I was only there briefly but from what I remember it was very affordable and I LOVED it."
"Jin Pal Hapkido is $105 a month with 4 classes a week for kids and 4 a week for adults."
#16
Jiu Jitsu
4.7
(3)
"Is what you're after."
"Jiu Jitsu, boxing, Muay Thai."
"1. Jiujitsu 2. Better wrestling."
#17
Aikido
3.3
(4)
"Aikido. Definitely."
"If the scenario is dealing with people who are generally being a bit difficult."
"There’s a few things I’ve experienced with good aikido practitioners."
"I believe it will best suit your needs."
#18
BJJ4Life
4.0
(3)
"Bjjfourlife is very welcoming. I would recommend reaching out and seeing if they are what you are looking fir."
"BJJ4Life has (obviously) BJJ, but is a bit more limited in timeslots"
"North side - bjj 4 life at volunteer pool"
#19
Judo, Wrestling
4.0
(3)
"Judo or wrestling."
"I’d vote judo or wrestling."
"Your best bet rn would be judo or wrestling imo."
#20
Kendo
5.0
(2)
"You can do it effectively until you are 90 and it is a lot of fun."
"There are sensei in their 80/90s that still practice."
#21
Vision Taekwondo
5.0
(2)
"My daughter has been attending vision taekwondo for 6 months and loves it !"
"My children are enrolled in Vision Taekwondo. Have been for several years now."
#22
Midwest Karate
5.0
(2)
"I would recommend Midwest Karate. My daughter was with them for years. Not a McDojo either, and they’ve produced international champions."
"My daughter has been going there for a couple years now and I went myself back when I was a kid. Wouldnt be who I am today without them. Can't recommend them highly enough"
#23
Spirit of the Dragon
5.0
(2)
"I have a child in the Lil Dragons program and we love it. Very organized and well ran, the activities and messages to the kids are great, lots of fun and definitely a confidence builder!"
"Spirit of the Dragon. They care about the whole person, not just the fighter."
#24
Stout
5.0
(2)
"Absolutely have loved my time at Stout."
"Second on Stout. Great place to train. Very welcoming for all skill levels."
#25
Combat Fitness
5.0
(2)
"Is 100% the way to go."
"Is great. Non-political, non judgmental, friendly."
#26
TKD
4.5
(2)
"It's improved his dyspraxia immensely. He's more flexible, has more stamina, better memory, coordination and balance."
"Tkd build lower body flexibility pretty fast."
#27
Kyokushin
4.5
(2)
"Kyokushin was meant as the Ultimate Selfdefense!"
"I did muay thai for a couple years before doing kyokushin and had a lot more fun."
#28
Kings Combat
4.5
(2)
"As an adult I’ve trained at both Kings Combat on Austin St and Striking 101. Both gyms are great and are similarly priced."
"Kings Combat Forest Hills is nice."
#29
Striking 101
4.0
(2)
"As an adult I’ve trained at both Kings Combat on Austin St and Striking 101. Both gyms are great and are similarly priced."
"For adults there’s a mixed martial arts studio near ps144 , striking 101"
#30
Shorinji Kempo
4.0
(2)
"The three that I have personally found most valuable were boxing, iaido and Shorinji Kempo."
"It's all about defence and avoiding conflict."
#31
Hapkido
4.0
(2)
"Hapkido and BJJ are tied for grappling"
"Hapkido, Boxing, Karate, Muay Thai"
#32
Connacht Taekwon-Do
4.0
(2)
"As a Taekwon-Do practitioner I have to suggest either of two clubs on that side of town first. Galway Taekwondo in Renmore and Connacht Taekwon-Do in Ballybrit."
"Taekwando Connacht Taekwon-Do https://g.co/kgs/9ibhZUp"
#33
Galway TaeKwon-Do School
4.0
(2)
"I would also recomend Galway TaeKwon-Do School in Renmore."
"As a Taekwon-Do practitioner I have to suggest either of two clubs on that side of town first. Galway Taekwondo in Renmore and Connacht Taekwon-Do in Ballybrit."
#34
Wright's Gym
4.0
(2)
"Wright's Gym"
"My husband just started going to Wright’s gym and he loves it so far."
#35
Kyokushin Karate
3.5
(2)
"Kyokushin karate? The classical version that is not taught in the west that much, but you can learn it yourself - finger stabs to the throat, eyes, nuts, etc."
"Kyokushin is good but if we compare it to kickboxing or muay thai it's certainly lacking."
#36
Velocity Fitness
5.0
(1)
"Damien Burge at Velocity Fitness!"
#37
Gbg mac
5.0
(1)
"The best. Both very personal with many PRO fighters."
#38
House of Champion
5.0
(1)
"Really nice community and club."
#39
Filipino Martial Arts
5.0
(1)
"Good evidence for the ease on the body imo."
#40
Tai Chi
5.0
(1)
"Help him with the joints, with equilibrium and breathing."
#41
Boxing, Judo, Wrestling, Jiu Jitsu
5.0
(1)
"I think they are far more valuable than simply learning techniques or forms."
#42
Kickboxing, Boxing, Muay Thai
5.0
(1)
"Are all equally amazing for fat loss."
#43
Boxing, Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, Judo, Wrestling, TKD
5.0
(1)
"Boxing and jiu jitsu as a combination are kings."
#44
Boxing, Wrestling, BJJ
5.0
(1)
"Boxing and wrestling. This is the best combo ever."
#45
Boxing, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Judo, Wrestling, BJJ
5.0
(1)
"Start training one striking art and one grappling art."
#46
United Fighting Arts Institute
5.0
(1)
"Is the best gym around for Muay Thai."
#47
Grind
5.0
(1)
"It's awesome and he is a badass coach."
#48
Revolution
5.0
(1)
"It’s a great gym , it’s very comfortable."
#49
BJJ, Judo
5.0
(1)
"Tap early and often and the chances of injury are slim."
#50
Roufusport
5.0
(1)
"Roufusport"
#51
Lost Coast San Soo
5.0
(1)
"Lost Coast San Soo is a very inclusive kung fu school in Eureka. I loved it and always felt welcome and its more practical than most kung fu."
#52
Hilliard ATA
5.0
(1)
"Highly recommend Hilliard ATA. Master Blanks is a kickass instructor."
#53
Short North Muay Thai
5.0
(1)
"Short north muay thai rules. really great little community of people they have cultivated over there."
#54
SKN Muay Thai
5.0
(1)
"I (33F) started there 2 years ago and love it. The coaches are great and so are the other members."
#55
Zen Martial Arts
5.0
(1)
"I own and am the primary teacher at Zen Martial Arts in East Sac. We have a great group of men and women that train that are super welcoming to new folks!"
#56
Kovars Karate Dojo
5.0
(1)
"My daughters and I go to Kovars. It's a karate Dojo, but they mix in multiple other martial arts including jujitsu and eskrima. All skill levels. I've never seen any women feel harassed or threatened. Everyone is very respectful and helpful."
#57
River City Aikido
5.0
(1)
"Well a shout out to my Iwama Aikido dojo (River City Aikido). That style is very different than many BS aikido you see online and has a strong weapons focus as well as grappling, takedowns, ground fighting."
#58
Rudy Torres Escrima
5.0
(1)
"In the same dojo we have Rudy Torres teaching escrima"
#59
Ishinru Zen Martial Arts
5.0
(1)
"If you like ishinru, zen martial arts on J st. Top notch training. Mental and physical. Very clean dojo too."
#60
Legacy Muay Thai
5.0
(1)
"Legacy Muay Thai, close to your location, spectacular environment. My wife and I have worked out there for years."
#61
Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Zen Academy
5.0
(1)
"Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Zen Academy (run by a former Shaolin warrior monk) in Elk Grove and KSMY in Land Park."
#62
Spooners Boxing Academy
4.0
(1)
"Spooners boxing academy is also good, only boxing gym in northwest ontario."
#63
Thunder Valley Martial Arts
4.0
(1)
"Thunder Valley Martial Arts has BJJ and Muay Thai."
#64
Kali
4.0
(1)
"Kali. You also learn to use sticks and knives, which I love."
#65
Western Boxing
4.0
(1)
"Western Boxing"
#66
Boxing + Judo
4.0
(1)
"For u Boxing + judo is suitable easy to grasp mostly"
#67
Muay Thai + Judo
4.0
(1)
"If u also want to kick then muay thai + judo"
#68
Folks Taekwondo
4.0
(1)
"Folks taekwondo belonged to that club for most of my life .... 25$ a month I love it there"
#69
Expedition Jiu-Jitsu
4.0
(1)
"Expedition juijitsu Brock and Sam are great our daughter is 7 and really likes it"
#70
Sanshou
4.0
(1)
"Stand up:sanshou/lethwei"
#71
Lethwei
4.0
(1)
"Stand up:sanshou/lethwei"
#72
Wing Chun Kung Fu
4.0
(1)
"WING CHUN KUNG FU - Best stand Up Martial art"
#73
Cedar Park TaeKwonDo
4.0
(1)
"Cedar Park TaeKwonDo at Bell and Cypress Creek caddy corner to the new QT."
#74
Rebirth Martial Arts
4.0
(1)
"Rebirth Martial Arts off Bell."
#75
Ambush
4.0
(1)
"Ambush cedar park just opened"
#76
512 Outlaw Wrestling
4.0
(1)
"Skip martial arts and go to 512 Outlaw wrestling."
#77
HK Taekwondo
4.0
(1)
"Yeah the only taekwondo place I found that was worthwhile is HK at the crossover. Do recommend if that's what your kid wants to do."
#78
Lion Muay Thai
4.0
(1)
"Lion MuayThai near Calicut kitchen is good!"
#79
Wing Chun
4.0
(1)
"Wing Chun is just cool and flows nicely."
#80
Wrestling, Boxing, Muay Thai
4.0
(1)
"So maybe a combo of wrestling and boxing or Muay Thai?"
#81
Wrestling, Judo, BJJ
4.0
(1)
"Any grappling style with resistance training will build plenty of muscle."
#82
Muay Thai, BJJ
4.0
(1)
"Muy Thai and BJJ will both get you losing a lot of weight."
#83
Wrestling, No-Gi BJJ
4.0
(1)
"Wrestling or No-Gi BJJ."
#84
Wrestling, TKD
4.0
(1)
"Probably wrestling. TKD would be great for cardio."
#85
Boxing, BJJ, Kickboxing, Judo
4.0
(1)
"I'd start with boxing first before you go do BJJ."
#86
Muay Thai, American Kickboxing, Wrestling, Judo
4.0
(1)
"Realistically, a striking art that includes kicks."
#87
BJJ, MMA
4.0
(1)
"Grappling stuff like bjj etc or just mma in general."
#88
Wrestling, BJJ, Boxing
4.0
(1)
"Wrestling team/bjj or boxing. or both."
#89
Wrestling, BJJ, Kickboxing
4.0
(1)
"Wrestling or BJJ Or kickboxing."
#90
Savate
4.0
(1)
"Savate + Kyokushin Karate + Boxing + Judo (My Favorite)."
#91
Japanese Jiu Jitsu
4.0
(1)
"Daito Ryu Aikijujitsu is the parent art of Aikido."
#92
Baguazhang
4.0
(1)
"If you’re going for an eastern, kung fu flavor, you can’t go wrong with something like baguazhang."
#93
Arnis
4.0
(1)
"Arnis, That's one martial art you can master and get legitimately dangerous."
#94
Iaido
4.0
(1)
"The three that I have personally found most valuable were boxing, iaido and Shorinji Kempo."
#95
Safe and Strong Fitness
4.0
(1)
"Check out Safe and Strong Fitness"
#96
Red Schafer MMA
4.0
(1)
"Red Schafer MMA in Riverwest would be my choice."
#97
Muaythai Boxing Academy
4.0
(1)
"Muaythai Boxing Academy in Sadiq Nagar & Sirifort"
#98
Gunkata
3.0
(1)
"Gunkata obviously"
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