10 Most Popular Martial Arts Seen in Movies
It’s fun to note the 10 most popular martial arts in movies from decades past to now. Some aren’t quite as effective, but they’re fun to watch.
Capoeira
This art is flashy and very energetic. Unfortunately, for all that, it’s not quite as solid as other forms, though it is a lot of fun to watch.
Kung Fu
This longstanding form has been the focus of countless action movies. To date, it’s not as effective in real life, but it’s hard to beat in the cinema.
Karate
Several parts of this style have been taken for granted as one of the well-established cinematic martial arts. But with movies such as The Karate Kid to go by, people are happy with the memories that have been created.
Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a tough to master style based mostly on kicks and few punches. But in the movies, it tends to be downplayed.
Aikido
Thank Steven Seagal for making this style popular throughout the years. Unfortunately, its practical application leaves something to be desired off-camera.
Jeet Kune Do
Bruce Lee is still a legend, no matter how much shade has been thrown at his exploits. But he did develop a new style that many people credit with giving rise to MMA.
Muay Thai
Also known as ‘dirty boxing’, Muay Thai is a brutal martial art that utilizes just about every part of the body imaginable. On screen, it’s definitely formidable, and in real life, it’s devastating.
Judo
Ronda Rousey made good use of this style in her rise since she’s a genuine badass on the mat. But while it’s an excellent style to practice, it does help to bolster it with other styles.
Wing Chun
Made famous in several movies, such as the Ip Man series, this style is still one that many people don’t see as practical. In the film, it’s impressive, but in real life, it falls flat.
Silat
The Raid movies were impressive in a big way, and this style helped make that happen. It’s still questionable how effective this is in real life, but as it goes with many martial arts, it’s not always the style; it’s the individual who practices it.
