Which Martial Art is the Hardest to Learn?
Updated on June 11th, 2025 at 10:17 am
Nonviolence is the essence of martial arts. Martial artists train in any of the various disciplines to not have to use their defensive skills. Despite this commonality, one specific discipline within the martial arts is considered to be the most difficult to learn.
Understanding the Goal of Martial Arts
While the ultimate goal across all martial arts remains self-discipline and defense, students have a wide variety of paths to choose from. From fast-paced striking arts to slow, deliberate forms, there are at least a dozen major martial arts practiced worldwide. Each has its own philosophy, movement style, and learning curve, but some are significantly harder to master than others.
Why is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Hard to Learn?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is widely considered to be the most difficult martial art to learn. Even to athletic students, mastering this discipline is unlikely to come easy. But the difficulty of learning Jiu Jitsu is attractive to many students.
It is a combination of love for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a good work ethic that drives students to continue to progress through the ranks. Understanding the concepts involved in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu heavily impacts practical application, but this deeper understanding may not at first come readily to students.
How Long Does it Take to Learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Even despite students’ natural talents, gaining expertise in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu takes several years. A shortcut to mastery is nonexistent. The dedicated practitioner must commit to the mats. Sustaining consistent training is the single route to victory in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
The Physical Demands of BJJ
Perfecting each technique in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is time-consuming. Similar to the golfer or tennis player perfecting a shot, the martial arts practitioner must spend substantial time perfecting the movements of each technique. Varying intensity and resistance are expected.
Tournament or self-defense simulations are held. Students do rounds against resisting opponents at all levels, including white and black belts. The goal of the simulations is to bring precision to the practitioner’s movements. It is evident when students are not practicing.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is also very physical. Every day of training involves intense resistance, including pushing and pulling from the moving bodies of opponents. Students liken the experience to bench pressing with a moving bar that is attempting to push the individual back.
Despite the difficulties of gaining expertise in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, learning the discipline is addictive. Practicing the sport is enjoyable. Students overcome the initial discomfort by continuing to train. In fact, most students attest that learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is worth the early unease.
What Are the Other Martial Arts?
Karate is well known in the US and emphasizes kicks, punches, and open-handed chops. Joint locks and pushing movements are the backbone of Aikido. Pinning an opponent to the ground occurs most often in Judo. Kung fu is exciting to watch, with its acrobatic elements, like flips and jumps.
Numerous weapons, such as belts, ropes, and canes, are utilized in Hapkido. Tae Kwon Do is likely the world’s oldest martial art and emphasizes kicking. Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art and is now most often practiced as a choreographed form of physical exercise.
Attackers are fended off by practitioners of Krav Magra. Objects in the environment, like tree branches and trash can lids, are used as weapons by the Krav Magra practitioner. Jiu Jitsu was developed in China and Japan, and features a variant known as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu evolved more recently. Adapted in the twentieth century by two Brazilian brothers, this martial arts discipline focuses on grappling and ground fighting. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is becoming increasingly popular, despite being one of the hardest disciplines to master.
Once the interested martial arts students are presented with a range of various disciplines in which to participate, they have to decide which of the martial arts best meets their short- or long-term goals. Advancing through the ranks requires more than classes twice per week.
Comparing Martial Arts by Difficulty and Focus
| Martial Art | Focus | Average Time to Black Belt | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazilian Jiu Jitsu | Grappling, Ground Fighting | 8–10 years | Very Hard |
| Karate | Striking (punches, kicks) | 4–5 years | ⚡ Moderate |
| Taekwondo | Kicking, Speed | 5 years | ⚡ Moderate |
| Judo | Throws, Pins | 4–6 years | ⚡ Moderate |
| Aikido | Joint Locks, Redirection | 4–6 years | ❄️ Low to Medium |
| Krav Maga | Real-World Self-Defense | Varies | High |
| Tai Chi | Internal Energy, Flow | Varies | Gentle |
How Long Does it Take to Advance in Martial Arts?
A quick path to success is unheard of in the martial arts. It takes years for a practitioner to progress and attain an advanced status. Outside of class, the determined martial artist must contemplate what he or she has learned during training as well as modify his or her lifestyle.
In the martial arts, attaining a black belt is considered the highest level of achievement. In Karate, it takes on average four years to attain. A black belt in Tae Kwon Do can average five years, considering the student must develop a high degree of precision and flexibility.
Martial artists who train in Hapkido need five years to obtain a black belt. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu requires eight years of dedication and discipline to earn the coveted black belt. In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, it may take a student at least two years to earn even a blue belt.
Train with a Local Legend
But in order for interested students to make true progress, training with a master is key. Subpar instruction only holds students back from advancing to the highest levels they are capable of achieving. It takes a master to spot subtle inaccuracies of existing techniques and correct them.
When you aim to up your martial arts game, seek out an internationally recognized grand master from Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts. Sr. Grand Master Yu is a world-class Master Teacher who has practiced the martial arts for over half a century. Students receive a well-rounded martial arts education.
Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts offers training in a number of popular disciplines, including Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Hapkido, Karate and Kumdo. All martial arts classes are tailored to meet students’ ability levels, talents and special needs. Students are challenged and supported as they progress through the ranks.
Contact Us
Our martial arts programs focus on developing the whole student (through education, customs and history of the martial arts) rather than competing in tournaments. Youth and adult students living in the areas surrounding Oak Park, IL, are encouraged to contact Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts for classes.
FAQs About the Hardest Martial Arts:
What makes Brazilian Jiu Jitsu so difficult?
The combination of physical intensity, technical depth, and slow belt progression make BJJ particularly challenging.
Is there a “quick” martial art to learn?
Some martial arts, like Karate or Tae Kwon Do, offer faster paths to basic proficiency, but true mastery still takes years.
Can beginners start with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Yes! Many BJJ academies welcome beginners. Just be prepared for a steep but rewarding learning curve.
Does it matter which martial art I choose?
Yes. Your goals—fitness, self-defense, philosophy, or competition—should guide your choice of martial art.
