Let's face it, when wanting advice on which is the best martial art we're probably only going to listen to two types of people: those who love a bit of MMA, and Navy SEALs.
Anyone inside their own specific martial art will, of course, be bias, and so the advice of those trained as a special operations force are likely to be more trusted.
The United States Navy SEALs (standing for: sea, air and land) are those who are primed for combat in the most extraordinary of circumstances.
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Formed SEAL Jocko Willink has now revealed which self-defence art is best to protect yourself, should you ever need it.
Naturally, his actual top recommendation isn't a martial art. He says that a gun and concealed carry (i.e. hidden weapons) are the best way forward.
"If you are in a situation where you need to protect yourself, that is how you protect yourself," he said. This is due to his stance that potential attackers will likely have weapons themselves, be on drugs or have some form of psychotic condition.
But, if you live in some US states, or in the UK, then carrying a weapon is illegal, so what do you do then?
Willink then recommends Brazilian jiu-jitsu, followed by Western boxing, Muay Thai, and wresting as ways to save yourself if threatened. Oh, and by wrestling he means the sort you see in the Olympics, NOT the WWE version.
Willink highlights the proof of jiu-jitsu being an effective method by recalling how he beat a fellow SEAL, who had 20 years of experience in a different martial art, in a sparring match.
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But he warned there'll never be a Mr Miyagi-styled character who can help you fend off multiple attackers.
The ex-SEAL also noted that you have more time than you think. He said your future attack isn't likely to happen next week, it could be longer, and that you can learn a lot by training in a martial art two or three times a week for six months.
Plus, according to Willick, martial arts have a purpose beyond self-defence. They can teach discipline and humility. He said the reason for only a small proportion who take up jiu-jitsu getting a black belt is because of the discipline it takes to repeatedly get out on the mat, particularly when you're a beginner.
Although, please be careful when learning the sport, or challenging someone to a bout in jiu-jitsu. Recently, a Brazilian fighter snapped his arm after refusing to tap out.
Ethan Crelinsten had his opponent in what's called a 'kimura armlock' which puts extreme pressure on the shoulder. Ethan held the position for some time, before the arm snapped.
If you're brave enough, you can watch (or hear) the snap here...
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Martial Arts