In the year 2024, the top ten best combat sports in the world. Throughout the course of human history and culture, combat sports have been an essential component, developing over the course of several centuries and attaining importance in the modern age. There are various disciplines within the realm of combat sports that showcase a variety of tactics, strategies, and styles. Today, the world of combat sports is diversified. In the year 2024, the following is a list of the top ten best combat sports, with an emphasis on the distinctive qualities and widespread appeal of each sport.
Top 10 Best Combat Sports In The World 2024 List
1. Karate
Karate is a Japanese martial art that emphasizes hitting. Punches, kicks, knees, and elbows are used. Kata, pre-arranged forms or patterns, and kumite, sparring, are included. Karate, established in Okinawa, Japan, is now practiced worldwide and has several styles and schools. Karate originated in Ryukyu, now Okinawa. Chinese martial arts influenced its development. It became popular in mainland Japan in the early 20th century and extended worldwide. “Karate” means “empty hand,” reflecting the art’s focus on unarmed combat. It is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Kingdom.
2. Muay Thai
The Thai martial art known as Muay Thai, which is also commonly referred to as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” is a traditional form of the discipline that incorporates punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes. Muay Thai is a sport and a method of self-defense profoundly established in Thai culture and history. It is known for its striking skills and clinch training, and it is also known for its hitting techniques.
3. Boxing
Boxing, which is frequently referred to as the “sweet science,” is a combat sport in which two competitors engage using only their fists while wearing gloves. It is well-known for the strategic depth, athleticism, and dramatic bouts that are associated with the sport. Method, strategy, and physical training are all components that are utilized in order to choose the winner.
4. Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Specializing in ground fighting and submission holds, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a form of martial art that was developed in Brazil. Taking its roots from the Japanese martial art of Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) places a greater emphasis on technique and leverage than it does on physical strength. This philosophy makes it possible for a smaller or weaker individual to defend themselves against a larger opponent.
5. Judo
Japanese martial art and Olympic sport judo emphasizes throws, joint locks, and pins. The word “Judo” means “gentle way,” referring to its use of an opponent’s energy against them. Strength is less important in judo than balance, technique, and efficiency. Jigoro Kano founded judo in 1882 to promote moral and physical development. Kano took aspects from numerous jiu-jitsu systems and focused on throws and submissions, deleting harmful techniques to make it safe and informative. Japanese judo became an Olympic sport in 1964 after growing popular globally. It is a Japanese martial art founded on the principles of using an opponent’s force against them.
6. Taekwondo
High, rapid kicks and forceful strikes define Taekwondo. Head-height, jumping, spinning, and quick kicks are emphasized. Taekwondo, a popular sport and self-defense method, emphasizes discipline, respect, and self-control. Korean martial arts like Taekkyeon were combined with Chinese and Japanese martial arts to create Taekwondo in the 1940s and 1950s. It was formally designated “Taekwondo” in 1955 and is now one of the most popular martial arts. After becoming an Olympic sport in 2000, Taekwondo gained global recognition.
7. Krav Maga
Israeli military-developed Krav Maga is a realistic and successful self-defense system. Krav Maga’s no-nonsense approach stresses real-world self-defense methods that are easy to learn and effective in difficult situations. It uses attacks, grappling, and weapon defense to quickly neutralize adversaries. Imi Lichtenfeld, a Hungarian-Israeli martial artist, created Krav Maga in the 1930s to defend Bratislava’s Jews from fascist gangs. Lichtenfeld modified Krav Maga for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), where it became routine combat training to soldiers after moving to Israel. It is now taught globally as a self-defense system after being adapted for civilian use.
8. MMA
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat sport that permits a wide range of fighting techniques and skills from numerous martial arts traditions. As a result, it is considered to be one of the most diverse and dynamic combat sports in the world. In order to prevail over their adversaries, fighters employ striking, grappling, and ground fighting tactics. These techniques combine aspects of a variety of martial arts, including boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, Muay Thai, Judo, and others.
9. Sambo
The martial art and combat sport known as Sambo originates from Russia and incorporates aspects of judo, wrestling, and striking methods respectively. The term “Sambo” is an abbreviation that originates from the Russian word “SAMozashchita Bez Oruzhiya,” which translates to “self-defense without weapons.” Both in the realm of sports and in the realm of self-defense in the real world, it is well-known for its effectiveness.
10. Aikido
It is a Japanese martial art that emphasizes joint locks, throws, and redirection rather than direct confrontation. Aikido is a form of martial art that focuses on utilizing the energy and movements of an opponent against them. It is frequently referred to as the “art of peace” due to the fact that its primary objective is to neutralize aggression without causing any forms of harm. The art of Aikido places a strong emphasis on fluid movements, balance, and the concept of blending with the force of an opponent in order to control or deflect it. Aikido is now practiced in around 140 countries.