As a person looking for grappling training or to learn more about it, you may wonder which are the best martial arts.
In this article, you will discover our expert opinion on the 5 best grappling-based martial arts you can train in. You will learn all about the pros and cons of each one, effectiveness, techniques, and overall, what makes these systems so popular.
Our ranking is based on the three key factors:
- Effectiveness in real-world combat
- Accessibility
- Realistic training approach
Let’s dive right into it.
5. Sambo (Sports Sambo)
Sambo is a Russian martial art developed in the 1920s as a military combat system. It later became available to the general public and it quickly evolved into a popular sport all across the former Soviet Union.
The two fighters who put Sambo on the map are MMA legends, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Fedor Emelianenko.
What makes Sambo one of the best grappling martial arts?
Though there are two variations, the core of Sambo is grappling. The concept is a mix of explosive Judo throws, folk wrestling, and Jujutsu. Many experts see it as one of the most powerful grappling martial arts as it covers all the elements of grappling.
In contrast to other styles, Sambo is both technical and hard style. It embraces an aggressive approach to grappling and quick finishes. This includes swift movements, explosive takedowns, and fast finishes on the ground. Thus, sheer physical strength and athleticism play a big factor.
Moreover, there are two main styles known as:
- Sports Sambo — is entirely based on grappling and there is no striking. It is similar to submission wrestling, Judo, and BJJ. The major difference is that Sambo doesn’t include chokeholds. But, it enables practitioners to use notorious leg locks, which are the main technique.
- Combat Sambo — is a more versatile military variation. It is a mix of grappling and striking, similar to modern MMA, and a popular sport in eastern Europe.
Pros of Sambo:
- Comprehensive grappling skill set (judo, wrestling and jujutsu)
- Suitable for freestyle combat (works well in MMA)
- Compatible with other grappling systems
Cons of Sports Sambo:
- Finding a reputable school may be challenging in some regions
4. Judo
Judo is a Japanese martial art, also known as a popular Olympic sport. Kani Jigoro developed it in the 19th century as a safer variation of jujutsu that quickly became a national sport in Japan.
What makes Judo the best grappling martial art?
The system primarily focuses on standup grappling and taking the opponent down using trips, throws, and sweeps. Apart from proper technique, executing judo moves requires strength and athleticism, balance, and coordination. And you must know how to fall to prevent injuries.
The main objective is to secure a strong grip on the opponent’s gi uniform or limb. Next, the key is to use technique, positioning, and weight distribution to unbalance the opponent and take them down. On the ground, judokas must subdue the opponent using pins, holds, joint locks, and chokeholds.
What makes judo practical in all forms of combat is its intense training regiment. Practitioners do a lot of grueling aerobic and anaerobic workouts and spar on a daily basis which makes them tough and durable. Each training class involves hard falls and pulling on the joints so the injury rate is also quite high.
Also, Judo is well-established in all parts of the world and accessible to people, far more than some of the other martial arts on this list.
Pros of Judo:
- Effective self-defense techniques.
- Improves physical fitness.
- Fosters discipline and respect.
Cons of Judo:
- Risk of injury.
- Requires a significant time commitment.
- Limited emphasis on striking techniques.
3. Freestyle Wrestling
Wrestling has been the leader in the grappling martial arts world since ancient times. Though there are dozens of styles and variations, freestyle stands out as the most popular one. It is even a part of the education programs in most parts of the world, and of course, included in the Olympics.
Why freestyle is considered the best wrestling style?
Freestyle wrestling is characterized by its focus on takedowns, throws, and ground control. Each exchange begins on the feet where wrestlers are allowed to grab the opponent both above and below the waist to take them down. Although it has no submissions or strikes, wrestling remains one of the best martial arts overall.
The athleticism of wrestlers is evident in their explosive takedowns and lightning-fast reactions. Quick footwork and agile maneuvers are essential as they navigate the mat, attempting to outmaneuver opponents. The sport demands not only physical strength but also cardiovascular endurance, as matches require sustained effort and resilience.
Lastly, wrestling is among the best grappling martial arts for self-defense and real combat. For instance, wrestling has produced the most UFC champions in history, which gives you a good insight into how practical these skills are in real combat.
Pros of Freestyle Wrestling:
- Effective for self-defense and control in close combat.
- Improves overall physical fitness, strength, and agility.
- Teaches mental toughness, discipline, and perseverance.
Cons of Freestyle Wrestling:
- High risk of injury, particularly to joints and soft tissues.
- Demanding training regimen requiring significant time and dedication.
- Limited emphasis on techniques beyond grappling and takedowns.
2. Submission Wrestling
Submission wrestling is a versatile grappling style. The system is a mix of different techniques from various arts put into one grappling fighting style. It is widely known for its emphasis on aggressive ground fighting, control, and submissions.
What makes it better than other grappling martial arts is its inclusive approach to techniques. The learning syllabus adopts techniques from arts like BJJ, Judo, and different wrestling styles, creating a comprehensive grappling skill set. This adaptable approach enables practitioners to develop their own unique style and adapt to different opponents and situations.
As one would assume, this makes wrestling one of the best grappling martial arts for MMA. In fact, many believe that submission wrestling is the key style in cage fighting because all grapplers must have all-around grappling skills. For instance, a freestyle wrestler must learn BJJ submissions and vice versa. And this mix is actually what submission wrestling represents.
Pros of submission wrestling:
- An all-around grappling system
- Highly practical in real life and MMA fighting
- One of the most technical styles
Cons of submission wrestling
- Not as accessible as other styles
- Hard to master
1. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
BJJ is the best grappling martial art a person passionate about grappling can learn. It is effective, well-spread all over the world, fun, dynamic, and above all, safe to train in. However, bear in mind that BJJ is hard and takes a lot of time to master. Between 10 and 15 years on average.
As a concept, BJJ is similar to judo, but a bit more advanced, especially when it comes to ground fighting. While judo emphasizes standup throws, jiu-jitsu is more about fighting on the ground using positioning, escapes, chokes and joint locks. It’s also known as a gentle martial art because it focuses more on technique rather than power.
In fact, BJJ is known as the only combat system that enables a physically small person to defeat a much bigger attacker. Even if the attacker takes you to the ground, you can catch them with submissions off your back. This is what often happens in MMA for instance.
Many MMA fighters incorporate BJJ techniques into their arsenal, showcasing its effectiveness in the diverse landscape of martial arts competition. The Gracie family’s success in early MMA competitions helped popularize BJJ globally.
What people also highlight is the training atmosphere. Each BJJ academy is one big family where people train in a respectful and judgment-free environment. There are no mistakes, just lessons to be learned.
What Is The Best Grappling Martial Art?
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is widely regarded as the best and most effective grappling martial art. However, other martial arts like wrestling, Judo, and Sambo are equally practical in all forms of combat. This means that it all comes down to personal preferences, genetic prepositions, and which style suits you the best.
Some people prefer methodical fighting on the ground using positioning, escapes, reversals, and neutralizing the opponent with chokes and joint locks. Others may favor intense wrestling exchanges on the feet or powerful judo slams. Or, there is a group that prefers to mix it all together in submission wrestling.
Before signing up for the classes, be sure to explore and test as much as you can to determine which style suits you to the best.
