The Best Martial Art for You
People have endless discussions about what is the best martial art. But the simple truth is that there is ultimately no best martial art, only a best martial art for you. Explore the options and reflect on which approach best fits your disposition.
Note: our facility offers Aikido and Tai Chi with Kung Fu.
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Introducing the Martial Arts
The Best Martial Art
What is the best martial art for you?Martial Arts Examples Playlist
Aikido, Jiu Jitsu, Karate< Kung Fu- Attributes of the Martial Arts
Different Attributes and Examples
Spirit* Technique** Competition Solo Forms Weapons Aikido Control Throw No No Yes Judo Destructive Throw Yes No No Daito Ryu Jujitsu Destructive Throw No No Yes Brazilian Jujitsu Destructive Throw Yes No No Karate Destructive Strike Yes Yes Yes Kung Fu Destructive Strike Yes Yes Yes Tai Chi Control Strike Yes Yes Yes Taekwondo Destructive Strike Yes Yes Yes MMA Destructive Both Yes No Weapons Yes Yes Yes Krav Maga Destructive Both No No No *Spirit- Initial emphasis on controlling an attacker without harm vs destructive technique. Ultimate goal of all martial arts is control.
**Technique - Empasis on throws, grappling & wrist locks vs strikes
- Practical Examples
Examples: How to Evaluate
Aikido
Aikido as a martial art is unique in its character in many ways. The techniques emphasize throws and pins over strikes. The movements are quite circular in nature, well suited to defend against multiple attacks. Solo forms is limited to weapons training in sword and staff. There is no competition and resistance in partner practice builds gradually with control. Finally, in Aikido the objective from the outset is to control the attacker without unnecessary harm, whereas many other martial arts begin with destructive technique and teach control later on in training.
Tai Chi
Tai chi, is taught mainly through solo forms. While strikes are taught, the emphasis again is on controlling the attacker without harm. Tai chi also has the greatest emphasis on health benefits of any martial arts. The student should be well suited to a slow meditative exercise at home that improves well being. A partner practice of competitive push hands can be started later to check the student's understanding of the forms.
- The Benefits your Seek
Key Benefits
- Attributes of the Martial Arts
Explore the Options

While we only offer classes in Aikido & Tai Chi with Kung Fu, consider: There is no best martial art...only a best martial art for you. Which martial art best fits your disposition?

MMA - Widely popularized through TV, MMA is simply a vehicle to test any martial art in a restricted combat mode. The question is whether to study many styles loosely or one to two styles well.

Aikido - The martial art of peace. Discover how compassion is the source of strength as you use the opponent's force against them.

Tai Chi for health and self defense as well. Health benefits come through training as self defense.

Kung Fu - The original striking martial art. Sophisticated and diverse with many styles and an emphasis on striking.

Karate - Kung Fu migrated through the Okinawan Islands to mainland Japan as Karate. Emphasis on striking and sparring.

Taekwondo - the migration continued to Korea where Karate fused with indigenous Korean arts and is known for high kicks.

Judo was developed from many ancient styles of Jujitsu and turned into a sport. Emphasis is on throwing and submission grappling.

Jiu Jitsu - The original empty hand martial art of Japan was formed by the Samurai for self defense when unarmed. Over 1,000 years breeds many traditions.
1972-
Years in Martial Arts
2003-
Years in Westchester: Adults
2004-
Years in Westchester: Kids
1210+
People Served
