The 5 Best Martial Arts to Learn at Home – List


Boxing gloves

Today, there’s a variety of martial arts. Therefore, you may get confused when choosing one. If you want to train at home, you may find it challenging. Because of that, this article will review the best ones you can learn at home and begin seeing results with.

The best martial arts to learn at home are Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Tai chi, and Kung fu. Because learning their techniques doesn’t require a partner, it’s possible to train them at home. For instance, you can participate in Boxing if you own a punching bag. 

I’ve seen success learning these at home. As a result, I write this article with complete confidence. You’ll become capable of progressing outside your martial arts gym. Thus you won’t have to pay as much. Instead, you’ll buy the essential equipment, such as protective gloves and a punching bag

Before jumping in, I wrote a complete guide on training martial arts at home. If you don’t want to waste money on unnecessary gear or courses, I recommend giving it a look. 

The following list is the best martial arts you can learn at home by order. (#1 = Best)

  1. Boxing
  2. Kickboxing
  3. Muay-Thai
  4. Tai chi
  5. Kung fu
Martial artCost to train at homePrimary benefits
Boxing$150Simple
Makes solid fighters
Kickboxing$150Utilizes punching and kicking
Suitable for fitness pursuits
Muay Thai$150Dynamic
Suitable for self-defense
Tai chi$0Reduces stress
Betters mental health
Kung fu$0-150Reduces stress
Applicable for self-defense
Martial arts and their characteristics

5. Kung fu

Many believe traditional martial arts aren’t suitable for self-defense. Such a claim is the opposite of the truth. When I tell you to picture Karate, what do you have in mind? What you likely don’t have in mind is a jacked fighter knocking out a person in a street fight

Kung fu is a martial art that utilizes relevant fighting techniques, including kicking, punching, and grappling, to beat an opponent. As a result, one will become a solid fighter if he learns it. For instance, you’ll be capable of knocking out an attacker quickly and safely. 

Although that’s the case, many people believe it’s not as relevant as other fighting styles, such as Krav Maga. Yet, that cannot be further away from the truth. Don’t get me wrong; I’m a big fan of Krav Maga. However, Kung fu will provide different things. 

You can learn Kung fu at home without spending a single dime. As a result, if you’re incapable of making martial arts an expense, consider it. For instance, Boxing will require you to buy a punching bag and gloves. As a result, you would have to spend some cash to begin training. 

I began doing Kung fu by following a YouTube channel that belongs to the Shaolin monks. If you’re unfamiliar with them, you must be living under a rock. These individuals dedicate their lives to the monks’ lifestyle. Moreover, they invest most of their time in learning Kung fu. 

Because of that, they’re solid fighters. I began training at home by following the basic movements video of Kung fu movements. Thus I became capable of training every day until I became proficient.

What’s the cost of learning Kung fu?

You can begin doing Kung fu by following the video I listed. As a result, the cost of learning Kung fu is nothing. Because of that, it fits more people interested in learning to fight appropriately. 

However, you can complement your training with some spending. For instance, buying a punching bag will be a wise choice. You’ll become capable of correcting your form with genuine feedback. Such a trait is the primary lack of training at home. To summarize, you can spend on Kung fu anywhere from $0-150.

If you’re interested in buying one, I recommend you buy this punching bag by Everlast. Many people have seen success using it. 

Should you learn Kung fu?

Learning Kung fu can change your life. The Shaolin monks use it for many purposes, including reducing stress and violence levels. Because of that, you can apply the same to your life. I wrote an article on whether you should learn Kung fu. I highly encourage reading it. 

Learning Kung fu is beneficial and valuable. You’ll gain physical and mental benefits, such as increased confidence and using physical force appropriately. As a result, learning Kung fu will make you a solid fighter. Thus I recommend learning it. 

Additionally, training in Kung fu at home is effortless. All you have to follow is the video of the basic movement. Later, buying an online course is a viable option. 

4. Tai Chi

Today, being less stressed is desirable. Many people try to do so, however, to no avail. Picture gaining all these benefits while practicing a martial art. It sounds unrealistic. Right? Well, not precisely. 

Tai chi is a martial art that utilizes slow movements to develop your inner Qi (soul). Thus it won’t teach you any practical fighting skills. However, learning it at home requires no effort. Additionally, you’ll gain many benefits from doing it, such as increased confidence. 

I ranked Tai Chi in this list since it’s incredibly straightforward to train at home. If you have an internet connection, you can do Tai Chi. 

I used Tai chi to gain many benefits, such as being less stressed and more peaceful. I managed to experience them quickly because I stayed consistent with training. 

Tai chi is a form of meditation. Thus you’ll develop your inner self while doing it. Consequently, it’s one of the most valuable martial arts you can learn. However, don’t expect to learn to use physical force appropriately since it emphasizes slow movements. 

The following video demonstrates a basic Tai Chi daily routine you can begin doing now. As a result, you’ll start noticing the benefits of it. Hence you’ll become less stressed and more peaceful. If you want, you can combine it with another fighting style. Thus you’ll become a solid fighter and become proficient in Tai chi. 

What’s the cost of learning Tai Chi?

Tai chi costs $0 to train at home. As a result, everyone can enjoy the benefits of it. By participating in it, you’ll become less stressed and improve your well-being. Thus doing Tai Chi is inexpensive and highly valuable. 

While some fighting styles require you to buy some equipment, Tai Chi doesn’t require any. As a result, doing it fits everyone. If you want to become a solid fighter, you can still benefit from it. However, I recommend combining it with another martial art, such as Kickboxing

Should you learn Tai Chi?

Everyone can enjoy the benefits of Tai chi. Even if you’re a beginner or an advanced trainee you’ll benefit from it. Today, becoming more peaceful is incredibly challenging. Thus participating in a martial art, such as Tai chi can solve that problem.

Learning Tai Chi is valuable for everyone because it’s free. The only step you need to take is to stay consistent with training. Thus you’ll notice the benefits quickly. Many YouTube videos explain the basics of Tai chi incredibly well. Hence watching them will teach you what you need to know. 

3. Muay-Thai

Muay Thai, or Thai Boxing, is a martial art that utilizes kicking, punching, and grappling. Because of that, it’s a lethal martial art. For instance, if you know grappling combined with punching to a high degree, you can knock out larger opponents than yourself. 

Muay Thai is a dynamic martial art. Because of that, people who learn it are solid fighters. You’ll learn to punch, kick, and grapple appropriately. Thus you’ll become capable of beating opponents who know to fight. 

best martial arts for fitness
Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

Learning Muay Thai at home isn’t as challenging as you may think. All you need is a punching bag and gloves. Then, you’ll become capable of progressing at home. 

Attending Muay Thai classes will get expensive over time. As a result, I recommend buying the essential equipment for your home with a one-time payment. Later, if you enjoy the training, begin attending lessons if you have the funds. 

Overall, learning Muay Thai is valuable because of its dynamic nature. You’ll become a solid fighter capable of overcoming any dangerous situation. As a result, I recommend learning it. 

“Since not taking care of your body is bad for your health, people should involve themselves in Martial Arts such as Muay Thai, which is beneficial for maintaining good health, instilling discipline, as well as teaching self-defense skills.” 

Source

What’s the cost of learning Muay Thai?

Training Muay Thai at home is more manageable than you may think. Unlike Tai chi, you would have to buy some essential equipment. First, you would have to get a punching bag and gloves. Consequently, you would have to spend some money on it. 

Buying the essential equipment for Muay Thai varies from $30-$500. However, you would get the most value if you were to pay $150 for this punching bag and these MMA gloves. Thus you’ll become capable of progressing at home and becoming a solid fighter. 

You can combine your training with an online course. On average, it costs $18 to buy one of these. As a result, you’ll learn advanced techniques from qualified instructors. However, you can find all the basic movements for free on YouTube. 

Should you learn Muay Thai?

Today, learning martial art will provide many benefits. As a result, one who does it will develop both his inner and outer selves. With Muay Thai it’s a similar case. You may be hesitant to begin learning it. However, I assure you you won’t regret it. 

The following video is the most famous MuayT hai fighter named Rodtang. If you haven’t heard of him, I highly encourage watching the video. 

Muay Thai will make you a solid fighter. You’ll become capable of sending and receiving hits. As a result, you’ll get hit without moving an inch. Thus winning in a real fight becomes more manageable than ever. I recommend training in Muay Thai if you’re interested in dynamic martial arts. 

2. Kickboxing

One of the most widespread martial arts in today’s world is Kickboxing. If you’re reading this post, you’re most likely familiar with it. I’ve seen significant success using the techniques I learned when I trained it. As a result, I write this section with complete confidence. 

Kickboxing is a martial art that utilizes striking and kicking to knock an opponent. As a result, it’s applicable for self-defense and fitness purposes. Moreover, training at home is straightforward. You would be required to buy a punching bag and gloves. Then you would be solid. 

Overall, it’s the best martial art for fitness pursuits because it uses many muscle groups. Thus you’ll burn more calories than the average workout. As a result, managing your body weight becomes effortless. In an hour session of Kickboxing, you can burn up to 900 calories.

Kickboxing is a martial art I would recommend to my friends because it fits anyone. If you want to enjoy the benefits of it I recommend beginning to learn at home. I’ll include a video with the basic movements of it. 

“The findings of the present study revealed that 5-weeks of kickboxing training involved significant improvements in aerobic power (i.e., MAP and VO2MAX), anaerobic fitness…” 

Source

As you can see, training in it is beneficial. You’ll manage your body weight with ease while learning to use physical force appropriately. Additionally, learning it at home is uncomplicated. 

What’s the cost of learning Kickboxing?

To do Kickboxing, one must own a punching bag. Although you can use shadowboxing to learn the basic techniques, you’ll need to feel the hits. As a result, you would have to buy a punching bag and combine it with gloves. 

Doing Kickboxing at home will cost $150 for the essential equipment, including a punching bag and gloves. However, you can complement it with an online course, which averages $18. Yet, you can practice without equipment at first. 

fighting
Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

Consequently, people who are incapable of spending money on martial arts can learn without it. However, you would miss many learning experiences that a punching bag provides. I do recommend attending martial arts classes for a complete learning experience. 

Should you learn Kickboxing?

Whether you want to better your physical or mental state, Kickboxing is for you. Today, the most widespread martial art for managing your body weight is Kickboxing. As a result, doing it will be beneficial and valuable.

Learning Kickboxing is for you if you want to develop yourself in any way imaginable. Because of that, it’s one of the most valuable martial arts one can learn. You’ll learn to fight while participating in a self-development activity. As a result, it’s practical and effective. 

In it, you’ll release plenty of stress and aggression. Most Kickboxing practices are intense. Because of that, doing them will immediately affect your life. You’ll be sore the day after. Thus your physical condition will become better. Additionally, you’ll become less aggressive and violent. 

1. Boxing

Today, people aren’t looking for complicated martial art. Instead, they’re seeking to learn one where they can study the basics quickly. Because of that, Boxing has become widely popular these days. In fact, it’s the most widespread fighting style worldwide. 

Boxing is a martial art that utilizes various forms of punching to knock out an opponent. As a result, it’s an incredibly uncomplicated fighting style. Learning it at home is straightforward. You’ll need a punching bag and gloves and plenty of willpower.

Like other fighting styles, Boxing has many benefits. You’ll gain both physical and mental positive experiences. For instance, you can expect to improve your confidence and self-esteem while getting into shape. Thus many people use it for self-development purposes.

I have been practicing Boxing for a few years now. Thus I write this section with complete confidence. I experienced all the following benefits. Consequently, my life has changed for the better. If you begin training as well, it’ll change yours too.

  • Improves balance
  • Helps posture
  • Strengthens upper body and core.
  • Boosts endurance
  • May increase alertness
  • Enhances mood
  • Improves hand-eye coordination (Source)

As you can see, you can highly benefit from Boxing. If you experience one of these, you’ll become a better fighter. 

Additionally, Boxing will make you a solid fighter. You’ll get hit plenty of times in training. As a result, you won’t move an inch the next time you’re in a dangerous situation. For that reason, I ranked Boxing as the #1 martial art to learn at home. Everyone can begin their training starting today! 

What’s the cost of learning to box?

When I began training, I had no extra money to spend. However, I desired knowing to fight appropriately. Thus I began following shadowboxing workouts, which cost $0. 

Learning Boxing at home will cost anywhere from $0-$500. If you don’t have money to spend, begin shadowboxing training. Such an action will be free. However, buying a punching bag, gloves, and an online course will assist you to progress faster and cost $180. 

If you’re hesitant in starting to train, do shadowboxing. If you fancy it, move on to a punching bag. However, I recommend buying one if you haven’t already. You’ll feel the hits, which is a whole different fighting experience. That way, your form will advance better. 

Should you learn boxing?

Eventually, there isn’t a single part of my body that’ll tell you not to begin training in Boxing. I’ve seen significant success with it. Therefore, I know it works. I became a solid fighter capable of getting and sending powerful punches

Learning Boxing is for everyone. If you’re unwilling to spend a dollar on martial arts, you can shadowbox. However, buying a punching bag and gloves will help you progress faster. Consequently, you would be feeling the hits you’re sending. Thus you’ll become a better fighter. 

I ranked it #1 for a reason. There’s no going wrong with it. Because of that, everyone can enjoy the skills you’ll learn in it hence sending and receiving powerful punches. 

What makes a martial art suitable for learning at home?

Some fighting styles require you to train with another person. As a result, they won’t be fit to do it at home. Thus Boxing and Kickboxing are at the top of my list. An example of one that doesn’t suit training at home is Jiu-Jitsu

A martial art that doesn’t require you to train with a partner is suitable for learning at home. As a result, you would be capable of training whenever you want and alone. For instance, Boxing, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai are fantastic martial arts to participate in at home. 

Which equipment should I buy to learn martial arts at home?

While some martial arts require you to buy some equipment, some don’t. For instance, Tai chi and Qigong are styles you don’t have to have any gear. However, if you want to become a solid fighter, you should do Boxing. Consequently, buying a punching bag and gloves will be ideal. 

I’ve seen success using these two products. I encourage you to buy this punching bag by Everlast and these MMA gloves. That way, you’ll become capable of practicing in any fighting style you desire. 

Should you do martial arts at home or in a gym?

Overall, there are pros and cons for each one. Therefore, training at home may be more suitable for you. However, for me, I’ve found martial arts gyms to be more beneficial. 

Training in a martial arts gym is more valuable because you’ll have physical instruction. As a result, the instructor will correct your mistakes. Therefore you’ll progress faster. However, training at home is cheaper and thus suitable for more people. 

Conclusion

Some may be unwilling to spend more than a one-time payment on martial arts. Because of that, training at home is a primary option. You’ll need a punching bag and gloves and you’re capable of training in any martial art

However, there’s a sense you’ll miss that exists in martial arts classes. That physical instruction will be lacking. Thus following an online course will assist you in replacing what’s missing. 

Yet, I made plenty of progress at home. I never attended a Boxing class. Still, I became a solid fighter by training twice a week at home. Thus writing this article had another meaning for me. I want you to succeed as much as I did and even more. Therefore if you follow my advice, I’m sure you’ll progress quickly. 

I wrote an article on ways to progress faster in your martial arts training. I recommend viewing it, as it correlates closely with this piece of research. 

Levi

I've served in the military as a special forces operator for 4-years. In that period, I've trained in many martial arts, including karate, MMA, BJJ, boxing, and even Krav Maga. I want to share my passion with you, so here it is!

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