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What is the highest ranked martial art in the world today?

Joycelyn Schneider

Well, as a martial arts enthusiast and practitioner, I can confidently say that the answer to that question isn't as straightforward as one might expect. To begin with, the concept of "ranked" martial arts is somewhat controversial, as the criteria used to establish rankings vary considerably depending on who you ask.

For instance, some organizations and competitions base their rankings on the number of members a particular martial art has, while others take into account the frequency with which it's practiced and the caliber of its participants. Furthermore, some people argue that the efficacy of a martial art in real-life situations should be the primary factor considered when ranking different styles, while others prioritize the aesthetic or philosophical elements of a given art.

That being said, there are a few martial arts that tend to be regarded as among the most effective and popular worldwide. One of these is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a grappling-based style that has become increasingly prominent in recent decades thanks to the success of athletes such as Royce Gracie and Demian Maia in various combat sports. BJJ focuses heavily on ground fighting and submission techniques, making it a particularly useful art for those who find themselves in confrontations that end up on the ground.

Another martial art that's frequently cited as highly ranked is Muay Thai, sometimes referred to as "the art of eight limbs." Muay Thai is a striking-based style that utilizes punches, kicks, and knee and elbow strikes to devastating effect, and is known for its aggressive, high-paced fighting style. It has been incorporated into many mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters' gameplans, and is seen as essential for practitioners of MMA and kickboxing.

Other martial arts that often receive high rankings include boxing (especially in the Western world), Karate (which originated in Okinawa, Japan), and Taekwondo (which gained popularity in South Korea and is known for its explosive high kicks). These arts each have their own unique approaches, techniques, philosophies, and benefits, and it's difficult to say definitively which one is the "highest ranked."

In the end, rankings aside, the most important thing when choosing a martial art is finding one that resonates with you personally, challenges you physically and mentally, and provides you with skills that can help you defend yourself and stay healthy. Different martial arts will appeal to different people for a variety of reasons, whether it's the cultural elements, the self-defense benefits, the competition potential, or simply the fun and camaraderie of training with others.

As for myself, I have trained in a variety of martial arts over the years, from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to Krav Maga to Wing Chun. Each has taught me valuable lessons and helped me grow as a martial artist and person, and I'm grateful for the experiences and friendships I've gained along the way. So, to sum up my answer to the question, the highest ranked martial art in the world today is ultimately a matter of subjective interpretation, and what matters most is finding a martial art that speaks to you personally and enriches your life in meaningful ways.