Martial Arts Styles: Self-Defense and Combat Fighting

What is the best martial art for women's self-defense, and which style matches your personality? Compare lethal combat systems like Krav Maga and Muay Thai, and explore the ancient training methods of the Japanese Samurai.

elevated view of a woman wearing karate clothing

What Is the Hardest Black Belt to Gain?

Published Aug,26 2013 | By Craig Straub

There are literally hundreds of martial arts, and for each the black belt is a standard of excellence. It typically signifies the student is now an instructor and performs at an expert level. Four martial arts stand out for their black belt demands, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu may be the most demanding.

Craig Straub is a registered patent attorney who has been practicing law and writing about his expertise since 2007. His writing skills were recognized in college when he earned a highly competitive federal grant. Straub holds a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from Texas A&M University and graduated magna cum laude with a J.D. in law from California Western School of Law.