Top 15 Hardest Martial Arts To Learn (With Videos)

For centuries, martial arts have been practiced for self-defense, physical fitness, and spiritual development. However, some martial arts are notoriously difficult to master due to their complex techniques, extensive training, and physical demands.

Fencing

Fencing has a long history dating back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Rome. However, modern fencing as a sport originated in Europe during the 16th century, with Italy and France being the primary development centers.

Today, fencing is practiced worldwide and is an Olympic sport. It is particularly popular in European countries such as Italy, France, and Hungary, as well as in the United States and Asia. Fencing involves three different weapons: the foil, the epee, and the saber. Each weapon has its own set of rules and techniques, with the foil being the most popular for beginners.

Fencers wear protective gear, including a mask, jacket, and glove, to minimize the risk of injury. Matches are typically divided into three periods, with the first fencer to score 15 points is declared the winner.

Fencing requires significant mental focus, as fencers must constantly analyze their opponents’ movements and react quickly. It can take years of practice to master the various techniques and strategies of fencing, as well as the footwork and timing required to execute them effectively.

Fencers must also develop a strong sense of timing and distance, as they must strike their opponents at just the right moment while avoiding being hit themselves. This requires a high level of physical fitness, as fencers need to be able to move quickly and gracefully around the fencing strip.

Fencing is a highly technical and physically demanding sport requiring years of practice and dedication to master.

Kendo

Kendo is a Japanese martial art that uses bamboo swords called shinai, and protective armor is known as bogus. It has its roots in traditional Japanese swordsmanship and samurai culture. It is often referred to as “The Way of the Sword.”

Kendo requires significant physical and mental discipline, as practitioners must learn various techniques for attacking, defending, and countering their opponents. The emphasis is not on defeating one’s opponent but on self-improvement through the practice of the art.

One of the unique aspects of kendo is the use of the kiai, or loud shout, which is used to focus the mind and intimidate one’s opponent. This and the distinctive uniforms and equipment practitioners wear give kendo a highly ritualized and formalized appearance.

Training in kendo involves individual and group practice, focusing on developing proper posture, footwork, and swordsmanship techniques. It can take many years to master the various techniques and strategies of kendo and the mental discipline required to succeed in the art.

Kendo is popular not only in Japan but also in many other countries worldwide and is practiced both competitively and non-competitively. It is also recognized as an Olympic sport and has been included in the Asian Games since 1958.

Eskrima

Eskrima, also known as Arnis or Kali, is a Filipino martial art that emphasizes using weapons such as sticks, knives, and bladed weapons. It has a long and rich history in the Philippines, dating back to pre-colonial times when it was used for self-defense and warfare.

One of the defining features of Eskrima is its focus on practicality and efficiency in combat. Practitioners learn various techniques for striking, blocking, and disarming their opponents using weapons and empty-hand techniques for close-quarters combat.

Training in Eskrima involves solo and partner drills, focusing on developing speed, agility, and precision in using weapons. Practitioners also learn various strategies for dealing with different types of weapons and scenarios, such as multiple attackers or confined spaces.

In addition to its practical applications in combat, Eskrima is also valued for its cultural significance and has been recognized as the national martial art of the Philippines. It is often performed at cultural festivals and events and is considered an important part of Filipino identity and heritage.

Bajiquan

Bajiquan is a Chinese martial art emphasizing powerful, explosive movements and close-range combat techniques. It has a long and rich history in China, dating back to the late Ming and early Qing dynasties.

Bajiquan is known for its unique style of movement, which involves a combination of sudden, explosive bursts of energy and fluid, circular motions. Practitioners learn a variety of striking, kicking, and throwing techniques, as well as joint locks and pressure points for controlling opponents.

One of the defining features of Bajiquan is its focus on practicality and efficiency in combat. Practitioners learn to adapt their techniques to different situations and opponents and to use their surroundings to gain an advantage in combat.

Training in Bajiquan is physically demanding, requiring high fitness and strength. Practitioners also develop mental discipline and focus by practicing forms or choreographed sequences of movements.

Despite its challenging nature, Bajiquan has recently gained popularity in China and worldwide. It is often taught in combination with other martial arts, such as Tai Chi or Xingyi. It is valued for its practical self-defense applications and contribution to Chinese cultural heritage.

Kung-Fu

Kung-Fu, also known as Wushu, is a Chinese martial art with a long and rich history dating back thousands of years. You know it from popular culture, movies, and television shows.

Kung Fu is known for its wide range of techniques, which include striking, kicking, grappling, and joint locks. It emphasizes fluid movements, a focus on developing internal strength and energy, and physical fitness.

One of the unique features of Kung-Fu is its emphasis on different animal styles, which mimic the movements and characteristics of animals such as the tiger, crane, and snake. Each animal style has its own set of techniques and strategies. Practitioners may specialize in one or several styles, each taking up years to fully master.

Training in Kung-Fu involves a lot of solo and partner drills, as well as the practice of forms, which are choreographed sequences of movements. Practitioners also learn to use various weapons such as swords, staffs, and spears.

Kung Fu is popular not only in China but also in many other countries around the world. It is often taught in combination with other martial arts. It is valued for its focus on developing physical and mental discipline and contributing to Chinese culture and heritage.

Wing Chun

Wing Chun is a Chinese martial art originating in the southern Guangdong province. It is known for its efficient, direct techniques and emphasis on close-quarters combat.

Wing Chun was developed by a woman named Yim Wing Chun, whose legend has it learned the art from a Buddhist nun. It is characterized by its focus on practicality and simplicity, with a few techniques that can be applied in various situations.

One of the unique features of Wing Chun is its use of the centerline theory, which involves positioning oneself in the centerline of an opponent’s body to gain an advantage in combat. Practitioners learn a variety of striking, kicking, and trapping techniques, as well as joint locks and pressure points for controlling opponents.

Training in Wing Chun involves solo and partner drills, focusing on developing speed, agility, and sensitivity to an opponent’s movements. Practitioners also learn to use their surroundings to gain an advantage in combat, such as using walls or furniture to block an opponent’s movements.

Wing Chun has gained popularity recently due to its practical applications in self-defense and its influence on popular culture, particularly in movies such as “Ip Man.” It is often taught in combination with other martial arts. It is valued for its focus on efficiency, simplicity, and practicality in combat.

Aikido

Aikido is a Japanese martial art that emphasizes harmony and using an opponent’s energy against them. It was developed by Morihei Ueshiba in the early 20th century and is often translated as “the way of harmony with the spirit.”

Aikido is known for its circular movements and focuses on joint locks, throws, and immobilization techniques. Practitioners learn to redirect an opponent’s energy and use it to gain control over them rather than engaging in direct confrontation.

One of the unique features of Aikido is its emphasis on spiritual and philosophical development and physical training. Practitioners are encouraged to cultivate a calm and peaceful mind and approach conflict with compassion and non-violence.

Training in Aikido involves solo and partner drills, focusing on developing sensitivity to an opponent’s movements and intentions. Practitioners also learn to use various weapons, such as the sword and staff, which help to develop their understanding of distance, timing, and body movement.

Aikido has gained popularity recently due to its focus on non-violent conflict resolution and its emphasis on spiritual and philosophical development. It is often taught in combination with other martial arts. It is valued for its focus on harmony and compassion in both physical and emotional situations.

Jeet Kune Do

Jeet Kune Do is a hybrid martial art that was developed by the late Bruce Lee in the 1960s. And if the person who was training for hours upon hours every day developed it, you can bet it is hard to master. It is known for its adaptability, fluidity, and focus on practicality in combat.

Jeet Kune Do emphasizes the use of intercepting techniques, where practitioners intercept an opponent’s attack before it can land rather than blocking or evading it. It also incorporates techniques from various martial arts, including boxing, Wing Chun, and fencing.

One of the unique features of Jeet Kune Do is its emphasis on being formless and adaptive, with no set techniques or forms. Practitioners are encouraged to develop their own unique style based on their individual strengths and weaknesses, as well as the demands of the situation.

Training in Jeet Kune Do involve a combination of solo and partner drills and sparring and self-defense scenarios. Practitioners learn to use various techniques such as punching, kicking, trapping, and grappling and develop their sensitivity to an opponent’s movements and intentions.

Jeet Kune Do has gained popularity in recent years due to its focus on adaptability and practicality in combat and its influence on popular culture through Bruce Lee’s films. 

Karate

Karate is a Japanese martial art that has been around for centuries and has gained a reputation for its powerful strikes and emphasis on physical fitness. Originating on the island of Okinawa, Karate was developed for self-defense against armed opponents.

Karate training involves a combination of solo and partner drills, sparring, and self-defense scenarios. Practitioners learn various techniques, such as punches, kicks, knee strikes, and elbow strikes, as well as blocking and evasion techniques. They also learn to use traditional weapons like the bo staff, nunchaku, and sai.

One of the key aspects of Karate is its use of kata, which are choreographed sequences of movements that simulate combat scenarios. Practitioners learn a series of katas, each becoming progressively more complex, which help to develop their physical and mental discipline and their understanding of distance, timing, and body movement.

Karate has gained popularity worldwide for its focus on physical fitness and self-defense. It is often taught in combination with other martial arts. It is valued for its emphasis on discipline, respect, and self-improvement.

Bokator

Bokator is a Cambodian martial art with a long history dating back to the Khmer Empire. It was originally developed as a means of combat for soldiers on the battlefield, and it emphasizes using a wide range of weapons.

Bokator is also renowned for its emphasis on animal-based movements, with practitioners learning to move and attack like animals such as the cobra, tiger, and monkey. Incorporating animal movements makes Bokator’s techniques more fluid and unpredictable, adding to the art’s effectiveness in combat.

Training in Bokator involves a combination of solo and partner drills, focusing on developing strength, flexibility, and agility. Practitioners learn various techniques, including grappling and throwing techniques, strikes, kicks, and elbow and knee strikes. They also practice using various aspects of their environment to gain an advantage in combat, such as using terrain or objects as weapons.

Bokator is a highly challenging martial art that requires a combination of physical and mental discipline. Its emphasis on animal-based movements and extensive use of weapons make it a valuable addition to any practitioner’s repertoire of martial arts techniques and a way to learn more about Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage.

Muay Boran

Muay Boran is a traditional Thai martial art that dates back to ancient times. It was originally developed as a means of combat for soldiers on the battlefield and is known for its powerful strikes and deadly techniques.

Muay Boran emphasizes various striking techniques, including punches, kicks, knee strikes, and elbow strikes. It also incorporates grappling and throwing techniques and uses weapons such as the sword, staff, and nunchaku.

One of the unique features of Muay Boran is its use of the “eight limbs,” which refers to the hands, feet, knees, and elbows. Practitioners learn to use all eight limbs in combat, making their attacks more powerful and versatile. While one might learn the basics quickly, mastering the positioning and timing with proper technique might take up to a decade.

Training in Muay Boran involves a combination of solo and partner drills and sparring and self-defense scenarios. Practitioners also learn to use their environment to gain an advantage in combat, such as using walls or corners to trap their opponents.

Muay Boran has gained popularity in recent years, both in Thailand and worldwide, due to its practical applications in self-defense and its influence on modern combat sports such as Muay Thai and kickboxing. It is valued for its emphasis on power, technique, and practicality in combat.

Pencak Silat

Pencak Silat is a traditional martial art that has deep roots in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. It encompasses various styles and techniques, each with its unique history and cultural significance, making it a diverse and fascinating martial art.

One of the hallmarks of Pencak Silat is its dynamic and fluid movements, which incorporate various techniques such as striking, grappling, joint locks, and throws. This combination of movements makes Pencak Silat an effective form of self-defense in various situations.

Pencak Silat also strongly emphasizes the use of weapons, such as the karambit, the kris, and the sarong, which are often incorporated into its techniques. Practitioners learn how to use these weapons effectively in combat scenarios, making them formidable opponents.

With so many different techniques, scenarios, and styles to master, Pencak Silat proves to be one of the most challenging martial arts there is.

Savate

Savate is a French martial art that dates back to the early 19th century. It is known for its focus on footwork and kicking techniques and its elegant and stylish movements.

Savate emphasizes various striking techniques, including punches, kicks, knee strikes, and elbow strikes. However, it is known for its emphasis on kicking techniques, which are performed with a variety of different kicks, such as the chasse (front kick), fouette (whip kick), and the coup de pied bas (low kick).

One of the unique features of Savate is its use of a specialized shoe called the Chausson, which allows practitioners to deliver powerful and precise kicks without injuring themselves or their opponents. Savate’s emphasis on precise footwork and kicking techniques makes it hard to learn. The Chausson shoe used in Savate allows for more precise and powerful kicks, but it also requires a lot of practice to master.

Additionally, Savate requires practitioners to be highly agile and flexible, focusing on evading attacks and moving quickly around their opponents. This requires a lot of physical conditioning, training, and a keen understanding of distance and timing.

Another challenge in learning Savate is the variety of kicks and striking techniques used in the art. Practitioners must learn to execute each technique with precision and power, which requires a lot of practice and repetition.

Taekwondo

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art focusing on various striking techniques, including kicks, punches, and elbow strikes. It is known for its dynamic and powerful kicks, which are some of the fastest and most powerful in the martial arts world.

What makes Taekwondo difficult to learn and master is the emphasis on physical conditioning and flexibility. Practitioners must develop strong leg muscles and hip flexibility to perform the high kicks, a hallmark of the art.

In addition, Taekwondo also involves a lot of jumping and acrobatics, which requires a low body weight and high explosiveness. Practitioners must train extensively to develop the explosive power required to execute these techniques with precision and power.

Another challenge in learning Taekwondo is the variety of kicks and striking techniques used in the art. Practitioners must learn to execute each technique with accuracy and power, which requires a lot of practice and repetition.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art known for its slow and fluid movements, often described as a form of meditation in motion. It is an internal martial art that focuses on cultivating the body’s natural energy, or chi, and channeling it through precise movements.

What makes Tai Chi difficult to learn and master is the emphasis on precision and control. Practitioners must learn to execute each movement with grace and fluidity, which requires a lot of practice and repetition.

In addition, Tai Chi also requires a lot of mental discipline, as practitioners must remain focused and calm throughout their practice. This can be challenging for some, as the slow and repetitive nature of the movements can be mentally taxing.

Another challenge in learning Tai Chi is focusing on internal energy and chi cultivation. Practitioners must learn to harness and direct their body’s natural energy through precise movements, which requires a lot of mental focus and concentration.

Training in Tai Chi involves a combination of solo and partner drills and the practice of forms and meditation. Practitioners also learn to use their environment to gain an advantage in combat, such as using their opponent’s energy against them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of martial arts is diverse and fascinating, with a wide range of styles and techniques to master. From the precise footwork and kicking techniques of Savate to the internal energy cultivation of Tai Chi, each martial art on this list requires a combination of physical and mental discipline, precision in executing techniques, and a deep understanding of the art’s history and culture. Mastering these martial arts is no easy feat, requiring years of dedicated practice, perseverance, and hard work.