SYSTEMS

A number of self-defense systems and styles have been developed as people have sought out better ways of defending and fighting. No one system is superior, as each has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Beginners or those with limited time and resources should do their research and pick one system and/or class to get started. If you have interest beyond the basics, there are plenty of systems to learn from. If you’re experienced and want to become a well-rounded, complete fighter, you should learn at least two self-defense systems to compensate for the weaknesses in each.

For convenience, we’ve classified the articles and resource directories into broad categories. Such categories are by no means definitive, and sometimes a system may be properly classified in two or more categories. Traditional martial arts have been de-emphasized and placed in the "Other" category.

RESOURCES

Visit the following pages for more information and related resources for each self-defense system:

• Reality-Based Combines methods from two or more martial arts for effective street self-defense.
• Combatives Originally developed during World War II for soldiers, its techniques can maim or kill.
• Krav Maga Israeli fighting system originally developed for soldiers, with adaptations for civilians.
• Jeet Kune Do Bruce Lee's fighting "system," combining elements of Wing Chun kung fu, Western boxing, and fencing.
• Martial Arts Traditional martial arts form the foundation of today's effective self-defense methods.