21 Deadliest Martial Arts in the World (Ranked by Brutality)

Some martial arts are combat systems. But with hundreds of martial arts practiced all over the world, it can be hard to figure out which ones have the capacity to do the most damage. So, what are the deadliest forms of martial arts?

Some of the world’s deadliest martial arts include:

• Krav Maga – Israeli self-defense and fighting system.
• Combat Sambo – Russian martial art and combat sport.
• Muay Thai – Thai kickboxing and striking art.
• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – Ground fighting and submission grappling.
• LINE – U.S. Marine Corps combat system.

But I promised a total of 21, so don’t worry. I’ll explore all of them in this article and then dive in deep on the most common ones and the top questions surrounding the topic.

Let’s have a closer look at the deadliest martial arts and see what techniques they use.

What Constitutes a Deadly Martial Art?

A deadly martial art isn’t just about flashy moves or high-flying kicks; it’s about efficiency, effectiveness, and real-world application.

At its core, a martial art deemed “deadly” focuses on neutralizing threats quickly and decisively. These arts prioritize vital targets, such as the throat, eyes, and joints, aiming to incapacitate an opponent with minimal effort.

Training in such martial arts often involves understanding human anatomy deeply. Knowing where to strike or apply pressure can mean the difference between neutralizing a threat and becoming a victim. For instance, some arts emphasize joint locks and breaks, leveraging the body’s weak points.

Another hallmark of deadly martial arts is their adaptability.

In real-world scenarios, fights are unpredictable. A martial art that rigidly adheres to specific stances or sequences may not fare well outside the dojo. In contrast, deadly martial arts train practitioners to adapt, using their environment to their advantage, whether it’s using walls for leverage or everyday objects as improvised weapons.

Moreover, the mindset cultivated in such arts is crucial.

While all martial arts teach discipline and respect, deadly ones often instill a heightened sense of awareness and a calm, focused mind. This mental conditioning ensures that practitioners can assess threats, make rapid decisions, and act without hesitation when faced with danger.

Lastly, it’s essential to note that labeling an art as “deadly” doesn’t mean it encourages violence.

Often, these arts emphasize avoidance and de-escalation, resorting to physical techniques only as a last resort. The true power of these martial arts lies in their ability to equip individuals with the skills and confidence to handle threats, ensuring their safety and the safety of those around them.

Now let’s review the . . . 

21 Deadliest Martial Arts in the World

Below are my picks for the 21 deadliest martial arts (and self-defense and/or combat systems) across the globe. Of course, any list like this is subjective and subject to change.

I give a brief description of each, so check out the FAQs below to dive in deeper on the topic.

1. Krav Maga

An Israeli self-defense system more than a true martial art, Krav Maga is designed to inflict maximum damage as quickly as possible with as little risk to the practitioner as possible.

No spiritual components as with traditional martial arts, and developed very much in the real world with the decades of conflict in the middle east as the testing ground for the techniques.

Reasons why it’s deadly –

Krav Maga stands out as a deadly martial art due to its real-world focus. Originating from Israeli military training, it emphasizes neutralizing threats swiftly using instinctive movements.

Krav Maga targets vulnerable body parts, like the eyes and throat, ensuring rapid incapacitation. Its adaptability to various scenarios and emphasis on situational awareness make it highly effective for self-defense in unpredictable situations.

2. Muay Thai

Also known as Thai Boxing, Muay Thai is not for the faint of heart.

There’s a reason so many UFC champions include Muay Thai in their roster of martial arts they practice. Swift, deadly punches, kicks, and elbow strikes can quickly and efficiently render an opponent beaten or unconscious.

Reasons why it’s deadly – 

Muay Thai, known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” harnesses strikes using fists, elbows, knees, and shins, maximizing the body’s potential as a weapon.

Originating in Thailand, this martial art emphasizes power, precision, and fluidity. Its devastating clinch techniques and powerful leg kicks can incapacitate opponents swiftly, making Muay Thai a formidable and deadly stand-up combat discipline.

3. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu

BJJ was developed on the mean streets of Belém, Brazil by Hélio Gracie. Back then it wasn’t for sport or competition; it was about survival!

Gracie himself was a small man who stood just 5’9″ and weighed 143 pounds. He originally learned Judo but was frustrated that many of the techniques didn’t work well for a man his size.

Today, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu dominates the UFC and continues to be a very deadly martial art.

Reasons why it’s deadly – 

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) specializes in ground combat, allowing a smaller individual to subdue larger adversaries using leverage and technique.

Focusing on joint locks and chokeholds, BJJ neutralizes threats by targeting an opponent’s vulnerabilities. Its strategic approach to combat emphasizes control and submission, making BJJ a potent martial art even against stronger, more aggressive opponents.

4. Systema

A Russian military system not unlike Krav Maga. However, it differs greatly from Krav Maga in that it does not have choreographed techniques to learn and practice.

Instead, it focuses heavily on the breath and using the breath to rid the body of excess tension and learning how to spot and target excess tension in an opponent. It also is trained with bare hands and doesn’t use any training gear.

Because the moves are a lot more subtle and harder to describe, it sometimes gets a bad rap from people like the McDojo YouTube channel. But anyone who thinks Systema isn’t deadly has never been punched by someone who knows it (I have).

Reasons why it’s deadly – 

Systema, a Russian martial art, emphasizes fluidity, adaptability, and efficiency.

It trains practitioners to respond instinctively to threats, using natural body movements. Focusing on strikes, joint breaks, and grappling, Systema prioritizes disabling opponents quickly. Its holistic approach, integrating breath control and psychological tactics, makes it a formidable and unpredictable combat system.

5. Boxing

Of course, boxing is a sport and not a martial art.

But it has one goal; to knock an opponent unconscious. Not as “anything goes” as Krav Maga, and built more on muscle, learning the skills of speed, timing, and distance are crucial to beating an opponent.

Boxing gives you those skills.

Reasons why it’s deadly – 

Boxing, often dubbed the “Sweet Science,” hones powerful punches, swift footwork, and strategic defense.

Trained boxers can deliver devastating blows with precision, targeting an opponent’s most vulnerable areas. Their rigorous conditioning and focus on real-time sparring prepare them for intense combat situations, making boxing a potent and lethal martial art when used effectively.

6. Combat Sambo

Sambo is another Russian martial art. But unlike Systema, it focuses heavily on grappling.

It has 2 distinct versions, a sport version, and a combat version. So of course, if you want to train a deadly martial art, look for the combat version.

The combat version is used by the Russian military and includes both striking and grappling.

Reasons why it’s deadly – 

Combat Sambo is a Russian martial art that blends striking, grappling, and submissions. Developed for military application, it emphasizes real-world effectiveness.

Practitioners are trained to neutralize threats swiftly, using a diverse arsenal of techniques. Its adaptability in various combat scenarios, from stand-up to ground fighting, makes Combat Sambo a formidable and deadly martial discipline.

7. Ninjutsu

Ever want to be a Ninja? Fantasize about Bruce Wayne’s training scenes in Batman Begins? Well, Ninjutsu offers you that.

Of course, it’s not just about fighting. You also learn the skills of evasion as well as techniques and weapons to distract or disorient an opponent.

But the fighting skills are also just as deadly and effective.

Reasons why it’s deadly – 

Ninjutsu, rooted in the covert tactics of ancient Japanese ninja, prioritizes stealth, espionage, and surprise attacks. It encompasses a wide range of skills, from weapon proficiency to evasion techniques.

Rather than confronting opponents head-on, practitioners exploit vulnerabilities using strategic strikes. This emphasis on adaptability, deception, and precision makes Ninjutsu a uniquely effective and deadly martial art.

8. Silat

Like the term Kung Fu is used to describe all forms of Chinese martial arts, the term Silat is used to describe many different forms of indigenous martial arts in Southeast Asia (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Southern Thailand, Southern Philippines, and Southern Vietnam).

It features the extensive use of weapons, although typically not until a practitioner has mastered unarmed combat skills.

Reasons why it’s deadly – 

Silat, originating from Southeast Asia, is a martial art emphasizing fluidity, deception, and lethal strikes.

Practitioners master the art of using an opponent’s energy against them, often redirecting attacks and exploiting openings. With a rich arsenal of strikes, joint manipulations, and weapon techniques, Silat’s comprehensive approach to combat makes it a formidable and deadly martial discipline.

9. Tang Soo Do

Basically Korean Karate, this is what Chuck Norris practices. And if it’s good enough for Chuck, it’s good enough for you and you know it’s deadly!

Reasons why it’s deadly – 

Tang Soo Do, a Korean martial art, seamlessly blends striking techniques with graceful, high-flying kicks. Rooted in both traditional Korean and Chinese martial disciplines, its practitioners focus on precise, powerful strikes aimed at vital points.

The art emphasizes discipline, respect, and continuous improvement, but its effectiveness in real combat scenarios underscores its deadly potential when wielded by a skilled practitioner.

10. Eskrima

The national martial art of the Philippians, also known as Arnis or Kali.

As with Silat, it focuses on a combination of both unarmed combat techniques as well as the use of weapons such as sticks, knives, or improvised weapons from whatever materials happen to be nearby.

It features strikes and kicks with a significant focus on the best angle for attack.

Reasons why it’s deadly – 

Eskrima, originating from the Philippines, is a weapons-based martial art primarily focusing on sticks, knives, and other bladed instruments. Its practitioners are trained to disarm opponents swiftly and use their weapons against them.

he fluid movements, combined with rapid strikes targeting vital areas, make Eskrima exceptionally lethal in close combat situations. Its adaptability to various weapons and real-world scenarios underscores its deadly efficiency.

11. MMA

Everyone knows MMA (mixed martial arts) as it’s hugely popular in the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship).

The idea was to take the best aspects of multiple martial arts to make something superior any of the individual parts.

But in its infancy, it was known as Vale Tudo and literally had almost no rules. Anything goes was the motto in those days. It began in Brazil in the 1920s in traveling circuses. Matches would often end in broken bones.

Eventually, the Gracie family became associated with it (as the Gracie Challenge), eventually morphing into modern-day MMA/UFC. And the rest is history.

Reasons why it’s deadly – 

MMA, or Mixed Martial Arts, combines striking, grappling, and submission techniques from various martial arts disciplines. This comprehensive approach allows fighters to be versatile and unpredictable.

MMA practitioners train rigorously to master multiple combat styles, making them formidable in both stand-up and ground combat. The blend of techniques and the full-contact nature of the sport accentuate its deadly potential in real-world confrontations.

12. LINE

Another military combat system like Systema or Krav Maga.

This one, however, is a Marine Corps martial arts program which was also later the US Army Special Forces. The idea behind the system was that soldiers could still kill opponents even with:

• Fatigue
• Low lighting or total darkness
• Wearing full combat gear
• Works for and against any gender

And make no mistake. With the LINE system, the goal was always to kill the opponent. Talk about deadly!

Reasons why it’s deadly – 

LINE (Linear Infighting Neural-override Engagement) is a combat system developed for the U.S. Marine Corps.

Designed for close-quarters combat, it emphasizes aggressive techniques to neutralize threats swiftly. LINE integrates strikes, holds, and lethal force methods, prioritizing survival in life-threatening situations. Its practical, no-nonsense approach makes it particularly deadly in real-world confrontations.

13. Jeet Kune Do

A martial art created by famed (and sadly deceased martial artist) Bruce Lee.

He began by learning Wing Chun Kung Fu (also on my list). But he became frustrated with its choreographed nature and felt it lacked practical real-life purposes where a would-be attacked wasn’t following a rule playbook.

He took the best aspects of Wing Chun, boxing, and other martial arts technically creating the first version of MMA. Fast, deadly, realistic, and adaptable.

Reasons why it’s deadly – 

Jeet Kune Do, founded by Bruce Lee, is a martial art emphasizing fluidity and adaptability.

It blends techniques from various fighting styles, prioritizing efficiency and directness in combat. By advocating for minimal movement with maximum effect, Jeet Kune Do practitioners can swiftly neutralize opponents, making it a formidable and deadly martial art in real-world confrontations.

14. Judo

Another grappling art like it’s offshoot BJJ, despite it’s name loosely translating into “gentle way”, Judo can be quite deadly.

Training it in the late 90s, I once fractured a rib and was knocked unconscious by a 70-year-old woman who was under 5′ tall (granted she was a 3rd-degree black belt).

The primary goal is to throw an opponent to the ground and either choke them unconscious or break an arm. Of course in modern-day classes, you would tap before either of those happened.

But it can be very deadly.

Reasons why it’s deadly – 

Judo, originating in Japan, focuses on throws and ground combat.

Its techniques allow practitioners to use an opponent’s energy against them, effectively neutralizing larger adversaries. With its emphasis on joint locks and chokeholds, a skilled judoka can incapacitate or even render an opponent unconscious, showcasing Judo’s potential lethality in hand-to-hand confrontations.

15. Wrestling

Wrestling is a sport, make no mistake. And while in the sport, the goal is to pin an opponent and not incapacitate them, the techniques could easily do that in a no-holds-barred match.

Taking the fight to the ground is a great way to leverage energy against a potentially bigger or stronger opponent. So wrestling, as with the other top grappling arts, deserves to be on this list.

Reasons why it’s deadly – 

Wrestling, one of the oldest combat forms, emphasizes takedowns, pins, and control.

Its practitioners master the art of manipulating opponents’ bodies, often overpowering them with superior leverage and positioning. This ground dominance can neutralize threats, making it a potent martial art. In real-world confrontations, a skilled wrestler can swiftly take an adversary down, controlling or incapacitating them, highlighting its deadly efficacy.

16. Kajukenbo 

A relatively new mixed martial art from Hawaii, Kajukenbo mixes the following martial arts to form a truly deadly mix:

• Karate
• Judo
• Jiujitsu
• Kenpo
• Boxing

Trust me. Taking the best and most effective techniques from those systems would make you unstoppable.

Reasons why it’s deadly – 

Kajukenbo, a hybrid martial art, combines techniques from Karate, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, Kenpo, and Boxing.

This eclectic mix ensures practitioners are equipped for various combat scenarios. Its emphasis on practical self-defense, combined with powerful strikes and effective grappling, makes Kajukenbo a formidable martial art. Its adaptability and comprehensive approach to combat situations underscore its deadly potential in real-world confrontations.

17. Praying Mantis Kung Fu

Kung Fu, as we’ve discussed is just an umbrella term for virtually all martial arts that come from China. So some are quite benign (like Tai Chi) while others can be quite deadly.

And often, there’s very little in common between the different styles.

Praying Mantis was literally built on the aggressive tendencies and movements of the insect the praying mantis. It makes extensive use of a three-fingered hook which can both block or attack.

Reasons why it’s deadly – 

Praying Mantis Kung Fu is renowned for its rapid hand movements and deceptive strikes.

Mimicking the predatory tactics of the praying mantis insect, practitioners employ precise wrist locks, finger strikes, and grappling techniques. This martial art emphasizes agility, pinpoint accuracy, and the element of surprise, making it a lethal system for neutralizing adversaries swiftly and effectively in close-quarters combat.

18. Lethwei

Also known as Burmese boxing, Lethwei is not unlike Muay Thai. Fast and furious kicks, elbow strikes and punches, and it also includes the use of headbutts!

It is considered one of the bloodiest martial arts.

Reasons why it’s deadly – 

Lethwei, often termed the “Art of Nine Limbs,” originates from Myanmar and stands out for its brutal efficiency.

Unlike traditional boxing, Lethwei fighters utilize fists, elbows, knees, and headbutts, allowing for a broader range of striking techniques. The absence of gloves, combined with minimal protective gear, amplifies the damage potential. Its raw intensity and comprehensive striking arsenal make Lethwei one of the most formidable martial arts in combat scenarios.

19. Xing Yi Kung Fu

A close-range fighting system that focuses explosive movements designed to generate extreme power quickly to confuse and overwhelm an attacker.

Most techniques can be seen as offensive and defensive at the same time. It features both bare-handed training as well as the use of weapons such as spears and swords.

Reasons why it’s deadly – 

Xing Yi Kung Fu, rooted in Chinese martial traditions, emphasizes aggressive, linear movements and explosive power.

The style’s core philosophy revolves around mimicking the characteristics of five animals and five elements, translating to direct and efficient combat techniques. Its practitioners focus on close-range strikes, using coordinated movements to generate force, making it highly effective in neutralizing opponents swiftly and decisively.

20. Shaolin Kung Fu

One of the oldest of the many forms of Kung Fu, Shaolin Kung Fu focuses heavily on:

• Balance
• Flexibility
• Speed
• Stamina
• The use of Qigong to focus the mind
• Combat skills (both bare-handed and with weapons)

Reasons why it’s deadly –