Top Free Online Courses for Self-Defense and Martial Arts in English
Top Free Online Courses for Self-Defense and Martial Arts in English
Learning martial arts or self-defense is a journey that requires both mental and physical dedication. Reading about these disciplines may make you visually acquainted with the concepts, but true mastery can only come through consistent practice and hands-on experience. In the absence of traditional martial arts classes, online courses can be a great way to supplement your training. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best free online courses that can help you get started in martial arts or self-defense.
Learning Martial Arts: A Physical and Mental Discipline
Understanding martial arts goes beyond textbooks and videos. Simply viewing techniques on a screen may not provide the full picture of their effectiveness. To know if a technique works, you need to practice it in a real-life scenario with a partner. Without live, guided practice, it can be challenging to gain the confidence and proficiency needed to execute moves effectively.
While online courses can be a valuable supplement, they are not a substitute for actual coaching and in-person training. They offer the flexibility to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule, but it’s important to understand their limitations. Online courses can provide a solid foundation, but only through dedicated practice and feedback from a trainer can you truly master a martial art or self-defense technique.
Favorite Online Channels for Martial Arts Training
During the pandemic, many individuals turned to online resources to continue their training. Here are some of my favorite online channels that I recommend for supplementing your martial arts training.
Jeff Chan MMA Shredded
Jeff Chan’s channel is an excellent resource for striking forms of martial arts, including Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and BJJ. What sets his content apart is the inclusion of sparring and fight footage, which demonstrates technique application in real-life situations. Additionally, he has his own online course page, making it easy to dive deeper into specific areas of interest.
Gabriel Varga
Gabriel Varga is a hidden gem among YouTube channels. With extensive experience in kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Karate, his channel offers a variety of workouts and training sessions. Early videos include solo workouts on punches and kicks, as well as cardio and shadowboxing exercises. These workouts are great for those who want to train from home.
Jordan Teaches Jiu Jitsu
A newer addition to the online training community, Jordan Teaches Jiu Jitsu focuses on BJJ. His approach is similar to Jeff Chan’s, where he demonstrates techniques using live footage of him rolling with students. By showing the mistakes and corrections, he helps viewers improve their understanding and execution of BJJ techniques.
Free Online Courses for Beginner to Advanced Practitioners
In addition to the YouTube channels, there are several free online courses that can help you develop your knowledge and skills in martial arts and self-defense. Here are some of the best options:
Krav Maga
Krav Maga is a practical and effective self-defense system. Udemy offers a beginner to intermediate course that covers the essentials of Krav Maga techniques. Although the course is free, it may require payment for certification or additional content.
Free Online Self-Defense Course
The Krav Maga Experts website offers a comprehensive free online course in self-defense techniques. This course is hosted on YouTube and covers various techniques and strategies, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in self-defense.
Martial Arts for Beginners
Udemy also offers a course titled “Martial Arts for Beginners” which is entirely free. This course covers the basics of various martial arts styles, providing a solid foundation for those new to the world of martial arts.
Gracie Combatives
Gracie University offers Gracie Combatives, which is a comprehensive and practical approach to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. While the course itself is free, certification and additional content may require payment.
Karate Lessons Online
The Karate Academy Online provides free karate lessons from beginner to black belt. With a variety of video tutorials and detailed explanations, this course is an excellent way to learn karate techniques and strategies.
Conclusion
While these free online courses can be a valuable resource for learning martial arts or self-defense, they should not replace in-person training entirely. Practicing with a partner and receiving coaching from a qualified instructor is crucial for developing true skill and confidence. With the right resources and consistent practice, you can take your martial arts journey to the next level.