Martial arts have captivated millions worldwide, offering not only self-defense skills but also a path to personal growth. This article delves into the estimated participation numbers of various traditional martial arts globally and in certain hotspot countries.
- I understand that some will deem some of the styles below as not being conventional martial arts, or not traditional martial arts. My effort in collecting this data was not to tell people what to believe, but simply to provide statistical data as best I can.
- While precise data is impossible to obtain, these best-estimate figures gathered from diverse sources provide an interesting look into the popularity of different martial arts. Sources include national and international organizations, news outlets, blogs, Wikipedia, and more. Where it was possible only to determine a range, that is what we've listed.
- There was a lot of extrapolation and estimation here. We're looking at numbers of schools, populations, organizational membership, and more. If you want exact numbers, this isn't it, because it doesn't currently exist. Note that everything listed here has very round numbers. I don't claim it's perfect, because it's not.
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Martial Arts Participation Breakdown
Last Updated August 28, 2024
#21: Sumo
Global: 10K-20K
Japan: 5K
USA: 1K
Sumo, a traditional Japanese wrestling sport, has deep cultural roots in Japan and is practiced in professional and amateur settings.
#20: Systema
Global: 20K-30K
Russia: 10K - 20K
USA: 1K
Systema, originating from Russia, is a martial art that emphasizes fluid movement, breathing techniques, and psychological training.
#19: Savate
Global: 150K - 200K
France: 50-100K
USA: 10K
Savate, also known as French kickboxing, is a combat sport from France that combines elements of boxing with graceful kicking techniques.
#18: HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts)
Global: 200K
Germany: 4.5K
USA: 50K
HEMA focuses on the martial traditions of Europe, reviving historical combat techniques using swords, daggers, and other weapons.
#17: Sambo
Global: 200K-300K
Russia: 120K
USA: 10K
Sambo is a Russian martial art and combat sport that blends judo and wrestling techniques, designed for self-defense and military use.
#16: Muay Thai
Global: 300K-500K
Thailand: 100K
USA: 50K
Muay Thai, Thailand's national sport, is a striking art known for its use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins in combat.
#14 (Tie): Aikido
Global: 1 Million
Japan: 200K - 300K
USA: 100K
Aikido, from Japan, focuses on using an opponent's energy against them through joint locks and throws, emphasizing harmony and control.
#14 (Tie): Krav Maga
Global: 1 Million
Israel: 500K
USA: 200K
Krav Maga, developed in Israel, is known for its practical self-defense techniques, focusing on real-world scenarios and efficiency.
#13: Hapkido
Global: 1.5 Million
South Korea: 1 Million
USA: 100K
Hapkido is a Korean martial art that incorporates joint locks, throws, and dynamic kicking techniques, focusing on self-defense.
#12: Silat
Global: 2 Million
Indonesia: 1 Million
USA: 20K
Silat is a martial art from Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, known for its striking and grappling techniques.
#11: Wrestling
Global: 3 Million
USA: 2 Million
Wrestling, one of the oldest combat sports, involves grappling techniques and is popular in both amateur and professional formats worldwide.
#10: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
Global: 4 Million
Brazil: 1.5 - 2.5 Million
USA: 750K-1 Million
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, developed in Brazil, focuses on ground fighting and submissions, emphasizing technique over strength.
#9: Filipino Martial Arts (FMA)
Global: 6 Million
Phillipines:4 Million
USA: 200K
Filipino Martial Arts, including Eskrima, Arnis, and Kali, emphasize weapon-based fighting with sticks, knives, and improvised weapons.
#8: Capoeira
Global: 8 Million
Brazil: 6 Million
USA: 100K
Capoeira, from Brazil, combines martial arts, dance, and acrobatics, characterized by its fluid and rhythmic movements.
#7: Kickboxing
Global: 9 Million
Japan: 500K - 1 Million
Netherlands: 300K - 600K
Russia: 300K - 500K
Australia: 100K - 200K
Brazil: 200K - 400K
USA: 1 - 1.5 Million
Kickboxing, with origins in Japan and the US, combines elements of traditional karate and boxing, popular as both a sport and fitness activity.
#6: Judo
Global: 15 Million
Japan: 200K
France: 600K
Brazil: 2 Million
Russia: 200K
South Korea: 500K
USA: 500K
Judo, originating from Japan, is an Olympic sport that emphasizes throws and groundwork, aiming to subdue opponents without striking.
#5: Boxing
Global: 20 Million
England: 750K
USA: 8 Million
Boxing, with ancient origins, is a globally popular sport that involves striking with fists, known for its rigorous training and competition.
#4: Chinese Martial Arts / Kung Fu
Global: 50 Million
China: 40 Million
USA: 1 - 2 Million
Chinese martial arts, commonly known as Kung Fu, encompass a variety of styles focusing on striking, grappling, and traditional weaponry.
#3: Taekwondo
Global: 80 Million
South Korea: 8 Million
USA: 3M
- WT (Formerly WTF): 70 Million
- ITF: 2-3 Million
- ATA: 300K-350K
Taekwondo, a Korean martial art, is known for its high, fast kicks and is practiced worldwide, particularly under the WT, ITF, and ATA organizations.
#2: Karate
Global:100-130 Million
Japan: 2 Million
USA: 3-4 Million
Global Totals by Style:
- Kyokushin: 12 Million
- Shotokan: 20 Million
- Shito-ryu: 8 Million
- Wado-ryu: 7 Million
- Goju-ryu: 10 Million
- Shorin-ryu: 5 Million
- Kempo/Kenpo: 1.5 Million
- Uechi-ryu: 3 Million
- Isshinryu: 2 Million
Karate, originating from Okinawa, Japan, is a widely practiced martial art focusing on striking techniques and kata, with numerous styles worldwide.
#1: Tai Chi
Global: 300 Million
China: 200 Million
USA: 500K
Tai Chi, also Tai Chi Chuan, originating in China, is practiced both as a martial art and for its health benefits, featuring slow, flowing movements.
Total Number of Martial Artists Globally
Approximately 500-650 Million Traditional Martial Artists
Martial arts continue to thrive worldwide, with millions of practitioners dedicated to various disciplines. Whether for fitness, self-defense, or cultural connection, these arts offer something for everyone. From the deeply traditional forms like Karate and Taekwondo to the emerging popularity of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, the martial arts community is diverse and ever-growing. No matter your style, you are part of a global movement that celebrates discipline, strength, and the pursuit of excellence.
You might also be interested in our newer research on the Most Popular Karate Styles Worldwide.
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