Those who are masters of martial arts can be some of the most deadly, and yet you’ll tend to find that they are also the most nonviolent.
This is because martial arts are the practice of self-defense skills and the goal is to not actually need to use these refined skills.
And while the main goal remains the same, there are several different forms of martial arts.
There may be some disagreement over which of these is the hardest to learn from some people, but there is a general consensus as to which is the hardest (we’ll reveal all soon!)
Martial art requires discipline and patience and can take some considerable time to perfect. This is why those who achieve belts throughout their practice take them very seriously.
They are often revered with respect, especially those with belts in the highest rank. They are a symbol of all of the hard work of the individual who has perfected the art.
The Hardest Martial Art To Learn Is
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jui Jitsu (BJJ) is regarded as the hardest martial art to learn. Don’t go to a BJJ class thinking that you’ll pick it up like second nature by your second lesson because that certainly won’t be the case.
Even the most athletic individuals will struggle initially. But don’t let that put you off, in fact, the challenge is one of the most popular reasons for students to sign up for this martial art. It’s good to put yourself to the test!
If you want to find yourself flying through the ranks of this martial art, you’ll need a strong drive fuelled by a passion for BJJ as well as a strong work ethic.
A sound understanding of the concepts of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu will heavily influence your performance, but this is something that will only come with time.
Even the most talented and promising students will need to study for a couple of years before they really start to gain BJJ expertise. So if you were hoping for a shortcut or loophole way to become an expert quickly.
I have some disappointing news. You have to be dedicated and committed to practicing and learning frequently – it is the only road to success.
And when I say dedicated, I really mean it. Perfecting each of the many techniques is no easy feat. In fact, you’re going to need to spend many, many hours learning each movement until is precise and exact.
Typically in BJJ self-defense simulations and tournaments are held often. As a student, you will go rounds attempting to resist your opponent. However, you can be facing any level opponent, even white and black belts.
This will showcase your skill level and allow your teacher or trainer to see if you have been taking the time to practice.
And if it wasn’t already difficult enough, it’s also extremely physical. Most daily training will involve students partaking in intense resistance exercises.
Students will be pulling and pushing from the opponents moving body and this may not sound that bad, but give the training a go and see how your opinion changes.
The difficulty and dedication needed for BJJ can put off some individuals, but once you really get yourself into the art you’ll find it almost addicting.
Students all find the sport very enjoyable and like to train whenever they can. Don’t be afraid of the discomfort or pain you may feel when you very first begin either. The more you keep going the more the discomfort will fade.
Other Martial Arts
Of course, BJJ is not the only martial art out there. In fact, there are many other practices available:
Karate – Well known for punches, kicks, and open-handed chops
Aikido – Well known for joint locks and pushing movements
Judo – Well known for pinning opponents to the ground
Kung Fu – Well known for its acrobatic elements; flips and jumps
Hapkido – Well known for using weapons such as canes, belts, and ropes
Tae Kwon Do – Well known for being the world’s oldest martial art
Tai Chi – Well known for being the most practiced choreographed form of physical exercise.
Krav Magra – Well known for using objects found in their environment as weapons. For example trash can lids or tree branches.
How Long Does It Take To Progress In Martial Arts
Much like was discussed with Brazilian Jui Jitsu, any martial art takes time to perfect. You’ll be practicing for at least a couple of years before you will hone in on the skills needed to advance in status/belt.
For most martial arts, a black belt is the highest achievement you can be bestowed (Find out Who Is The Youngest Blackbelt?). On average it will take a karate student a minimum of four years to obtain a black belt, and for Tae Kwon Do you’re looking at at least five years.
And if you’re after that prestigious and highly converted BJJ black belt, you’ll be looking at a minimum of eight years, in fact, you won’t even get your blue belt until you’re at least two years into practice.
Final Thoughts
No martial art is easy to pick up. They all take years of discipline to master but patience and dedication are rewarded.
However, it is fair to say that Brazilian Jui Jitsu is without a doubt the most difficult of the lot. The sport is incredibly physical and the skills that you need to learn can be very time-consuming to actually learn to do.
You really need true love and passion for the sport if you want to succeed as this is what will push you to work hard. And It is certainly going to take a lot of hard work and time and it’s best to know that before you begin.
But the rewards and satisfaction from perfecting such a craft are definitely worth the challenge.