What are the big 4 martial arts?
The Big 4 Martial Arts
The term "Big 4 martial arts" commonly refers to four widely practiced and internationally recognized combat sports that have influenced modern martial arts culture and competition. These are:
- Boxing: A striking art focusing on punches, footwork, and head movement, popular in both sport and self-defense contexts.
- Wrestling: One of the oldest combat sports, emphasizing grappling, takedowns, and ground control.
- Judo: Originating from Japan, judo centers on throws, joint locks, and pins, and is an Olympic sport.
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): Developed from traditional Japanese jiu-jitsu and judo, BJJ focuses on ground fighting, submissions, and positional control.
These four disciplines are foundational in mixed martial arts (MMA) and are frequently practiced by both recreational and professional martial artists worldwide.