What is best style of martial arts?

This is a commonly asked question. Although very valid, there nevertheless isn’t a definitive answer that the enquirer is looking for because the truth is that there is no best martial art style. “Best” depends on many factors such as:-

• what you are looking for
• what are the parameters and criteria for judgement
• what the conditions it is used in, and against what martial art styles and weapons
• your physique, conditioning, mentality and reaction
• how hard you train
• how suitable the art is for you and how suitable you are for the art
• how effective your training program is
• how effective your teacher is at training you

Many try to use parameters such as street combat, classroom sparring, competition, grappling, power, technique, etc. as their criteria. However, these criteria are very limited and also are subject to their own conditions that they work best in. Different arts work best in different conditions. Just because a style doesn't do well in what you want out of it does not mean it is a bad style -  it is simply not the right style for you at this stage of your development.

Perhaps the best style for you is the style that you get the most out of what you want from martial arts training – for the moment. When the art that you are currently practising has outlived its usefulness, it is time to look for another that “best” suits your new set of goals.

Written by John Chow,  a practitioner of Chinese medicine, acupuncturist, masseur, healer and teacher of Tai Chi, Chi kung, martial arts and spiritual paths in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Copyright:-  No part of this article can be used, quoted, copied in any form without the permission from the author.  For further information on this article, please contact John Chow  of Tao of Tai Chi Chuan Institute  at  vajra_master@yahoo.com.     http://www.yellowbamboohk.com

Legal caveat:-

The information provided above is for general reference only. Although the author(s) has attempted to be as thorough as possible in compiling the information in this article(s), no legal responsibility nor liability is accepted for any errors or omissions. The information is presented for educational purposes only. Please refer any medical matter to your doctor before acting on any health-related information.