The 5 Best Online Martial Arts Training to Hone Your Skills at Home 2024

1. Best Overall: Flips & Kicks! A Beginner’s Guide to Martial Arts Acrobatics

2h $39.99 Our rating
Course Highlights
Combines acrobatics with martial arts
Fighting Style: MMA
Skill: Beginner

Why we like it

We love this course because it combines acrobatics and martial arts in a fun way. It gives you a great workout, and the moves are easy to pick up.

Flips & Kicks! A Beginner's Guide to Martial Arts Acrobatics is a beginner-friendly course that welcomes students into the world of martial arts. The course teaches students about basic kicks, punches, and unique acrobatics that increase flexibility.

While this course teaches many martial art moves, it also ensures students practice safely. Before getting started, some lessons speak about safety to prevent injuries. Overall, this course helps students build a foundation in martial arts to take with them later on and into further courses.

Instructor

Thomas Inauen is a successful personal trainer and fitness instructor. While he offers run-of-the-mill personal training, Inauen has always loved acrobatics and martial arts. This led him to create Tomtricks, which he founded back in 2008.

Tomtricks started small, but it's grown into one of the best online martial arts and acrobatics classes on the market. Inauen is also well-versed in various cultures, which makes it easy for him to connect with clients around the world.

Things to Consider

While Inauen's class is one of the best, it doesn't teach unique martial arts. There are many moves and skills taught, but they're nothing special. This works well for beginners or people looking to get started, but it's not an excellent fit for people looking to train for months or years in martial arts.

With that said, SkillShare instructor Jason Grundy's classes are more affordable and teach more moves. For example, Grundy's Martial Arts Workout Routines: Daily Training & Exercise is a similar course that offers more martial arts and less acrobatics.

Who It's For

Inauen's class is an excellent fit for people interested in casual martial arts. The skills that he teaches will give you a good workout, and you'll learn a few moves, but it's more of a workout course than anything. Still, compared to more expensive options, it's a great budget-friendly martial arts course to start training with.

Pros

Incorporates martial arts and acrobatics
Stresses the importance of body control and safety
One of the best workouts for calorie burning

Cons

Acrobatics are challenging to start learning, especially if that's not what you're looking for

2. Best Premium: Karate Academy Online – Accelerated Black Belt Course

10-12 months $67/month Our rating
Course Highlights
Fast-tracks you towards a black belt
Fighting Style: Karate
Skill: Beginner, intermediate, advanced

Why we like it

Karate Academy is one of the best online Karate courses on the market. We love how students can earn their Black Belt within 10-12 months.

Karate Academy Online –Accelerated Black Belt Course is one of the best online Karate courses available. While it's an online course, there is also an in-person dojo that students can train at. The program lasts between 10 and 12 months and gives students plenty of time to go from white belt to black belt.

Karate Academy is also part of several Karate organizations like the Shoken Karate Association and the Martial Arts Teachers Association. This means that the Black belt is recognized by other dojos, making it one of the few online courses that offer this. Plus, you get a free martial arts outfit to train in, which is awesome.

Instructor

This course is taught by Sensei Mark Roscoe, who is an accomplished Karate instructor. He began his training in 1982, which gives him almost 40 years of experience under his belt. In the 1990s, Roscoe opened up his own Karate business and became a world champion. Compared to other online course instructors, Sensei Mark Roscoe is one of the most accomplished you can find.

Things to Consider

While Sensei Roscoe runs a great online course, Karate isn't for everyone. Getting started takes a long time, and it's slow. The first few classes are more about standing correctly than throwing punches or kicks. While this helps students hone their minds and body, it can be a bit slow for some.

Furthermore, Karate isn't the best for self-defense, as it’s categorized as an offensive martial art. While it works against average opponents, Karate doesn't always help in street fights, where self-defense is the most important.

If you're looking for a course, that's more fast-tracked and effective, Self-Paced 1 Year Authentic Krav Maga is a better option. It's similar in length, but you'll learn better skills that translate to real-life scenarios.

Who It's For

Karate Academy is an excellent choice for people that are looking to take martial arts slow. If you're not itching to fight anyone and care more about personal development, Karate is a great martial art. Furthermore, Karate is excellent for meditation and stress relief. It also teaches valuable skills, like patience and discipline.

Pros

Allows you to get a black belt that's awarded after displaying fighting moves and techniques
The black belt is recognized at in-person dojos
The online program is similar to the in-person program, and based on it

Cons

Slow to start, feels boring during the first few classes
Not the best cardio workout

3. Best for a Workout: Martial Arts Workout Routines: Daily Training & Exercise

2 hours, 5 minutes $19/month or $99/year (with first 14 days free) Our rating
Course Highlights
Simple enough for anyone to get started
Fighting Style: MMA
Skill: Beginner

Why we like it

This is one of our favorite classes because it’s easy enough for everyone to try. It also incorporates martial arts moves from different disciplines.

Martial Arts Workout Routines: Daily Training & Exercise is a simple martial arts course that's designed to help you work out and burn calories. The course teaches you moves from many disciplines like Karate, Muay Thai, Aikido, Boxing, and even Kung Fu.

While the class is over two hours long, every session is broken down into 10-minute intervals. There are warm-ups, stretches, martial arts, and body toning exercises. Overall, it's a simple course that teaches you a few MMA moves and lets you have fun along the way. In fact, there is even music for you to rock out to during the training.

Instructor

Martial Arts Workout Routines: Daily Training & Exercise is taught by Jason Grundy, one of Skillshare's Quantum instructors. Over 500 students have taken the course already, and Grundy is a likable instructor that makes it easy to learn martial arts.

Things to Consider

While this course is well-rounded and incorporates styles from multiple martial arts, it's not the best for self-defense. This course is designed for working out and losing weight. Sure, you'll learn some punches and kicks, but it's not the same as taking a self-defense focused course like Self-Paced 1 Year Authentic Krav Maga.

Who It's For

If you're looking to burn some calories and learn a few moves, this course is a great choice. While it won't teach you anything fancy, it's something you can use daily. Plus, you don't have to worry about grabbing a partner or hurting yourself. Everything is designed for one person, and none of the moves are harmful to the body.

Pros

Teaches a wide variety of MMA moves
Broken down into simple workout sessions
Incorporates punches, kicks, and stretches

Cons

Lacks depth, compared to longer courses
No focus on specific MMA moves

4. Best for Self-Defense: Self-Paced 1 Year Authentic Krav Maga

1 year $400/year Our rating
Course Highlights
Applies martial arts to real-life combat situations
Fighting Style: Krav Maga
Skill: Beginner

Why we like it

This is one of our favorite courses for self-defense. If you want to apply fighting styles to real-life situations, Krav Maga is the best choice.

Self-Paced 1 Year Authentic Krav Maga is a massive course that gives students many opportunities to learn Krav Maga. There are between 200-250 video clips that the instructor sends over one year, which provides students with plenty of time to develop. Furthermore, the program is personalized, and there are no time limits. To participate in this course and learn Krav Maga, all you need is a computer and a partner. Students can also earn a yellow belt through this course if passed, which is certified by IKI.

Instructor

This course is taught by Moshe, who is a native of Israel and knows Krav Maga well. He spent many years working for the Israeli Board of Education as a Krav Maga instructor. Furthermore, Moshe spent two years training elite Jerusalem Security Guards. He's also certified by Wingate and was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2010.

Based on Moshe's track record and history, it's clear that he's the best teacher for online Krav Maga around. Plus, if a student is struggling, Moshe has no problem speaking on the phone for personal support and motivation.

Things to Consider

Moshe runs a great course, but it's challenging. Krav Maga is not an easy martial art because it requires you to learn unconventional moves. These moves include throat punches, disarming people, and other dangerous activities.

For some students, this becomes overwhelming and more of a hindrance than a benefit. Moshe's course also requires a partner, which doesn't work for people that are looking to learn martial arts on their own.

Who It's For

Self-Paced 1 Year Authentic Krav Maga is an excellent fit for anyone that wants to learn martial arts that work in real-life situations. Krav Maga is a serious martial art, which means students need to take the classes seriously and work hard.

If you're looking to train with a partner, this course is also a great choice because a partner is required to pass and earn a yellow belt. Still, if you're looking for a mild or care-free experience, this is not the course for you.

Pros

Teaches moves that work in real-life situations
Authentic Israeli instructor that landed in the Martial Arts Hall of Fame
Turns beginners into professionals and gives students a chance to earn a yellow belt

Cons

Krav Maga is dangerous and intense
A partner is required to participate

5. Best Budget: Intro to Boxing (Beginner’s Guide)

46 minutes $19/month or $99/year (with first 14 days free) Our rating
Course Highlights
Makes boxing accessible for all
Fighting Style: Boxing
Skill: Beginner

Why we like it

Boxing is far from easy because it requires endurance and agility. We love this martial arts course because it turns Boxing into a martial art that everyone can learn.

Intro to Boxing is like boxing 101. Twelve classes teach students about each punch one-by-one. This means that one lesson will show you how to perform an uppercut, while another lesson will teach you to use a right hook. While Intro to Boxing is a straightforward class, it teaches students everything needed to get started.

Aside from learning every punch, students learn about footwork, balance, technique, and more. Plus, this course has a few lessons designed to improve cardio and arm strength. Keeping your hands up at first might seem easy, but after a few rounds, your arms will feel like bricks.

Instructor

Intro to Boxing is taught by Michael Triana, who has been boxing for years. While Boxing is challenging, reviews suggest that Michael keeps things straightforward. He teaches in a way that's personable and makes techniques and footwork easy to understand. Overall, he does a solid job covering the basics and getting people conditioned for boxing in the ring.

Things to Consider

Intro to Boxing is a solid course, but there are a few problems. First and foremost, the instructor doesn't teach you about counters. In Boxing, this is problematic because opponents will be blocking, countering, or dodging your punches. In fact, if you miss with a hook, there is a good chance you're about to take a jab to the nose. Still, it's only a beginner course, so it makes sense that the instructor only covers the basics.

Who It's For

If you're looking to punch harder and faster, this course is a good fit. It's also an excellent choice for people that want to lose weight or stay in shape because of the endurance requirements of Boxing. Unfortunately, it's not a good fit for anyone with intermediate or advanced skills in martial arts. While these punches are handy to learn, most martial arts courses will show you how to throw a hook and turn your hips.

Pros

Improves endurance and reflexes
Teaches the basic punches, along with footwork and balance
Budget-friendly and easy to pick up, regardless of skill level

Cons

It doesn't teach counters
It doesn't incorporates kicking or acrobatics

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no martial art that tops them all. While some are more viable than others in real-life situations, most forms of martial arts are effective. Furthermore, you need to ask yourself what the criteria for “effective is.” For example, Karate is practical for learning kicks, while Krav Maga is useful for fighting on the streets or against larger opponents.

With the right discipline and mindset, most people can learn whichever martial art they want. Still, some martial arts are more comfortable than others in that they require less effort. If you’re looking for an classic martial art to begin with, then Karate or Boxing are the best places to start. Both martial arts will improve your endurance, and the moves are more intuitive to learn. Martial Arts like Krav Maga requires a level of lethality not found in other martial arts. Most martial arts are about winning within the rules or guidelines, while Krav Maga teaches students to win by any means necessary.

Many people wonder whether or not an online course is an effective way to learn martial arts. Certainly, being part of a like-minded group at a Dojo will be a more holistic experience, but there is nothing fundamental to the practice of martial arts that requires physical presence except the need to spar, grapple or practice moves on an actual person rather than the air. However, you can always take a course with a partner to open up this possibility.

While some martial arts require a young body, there is no age limit for martial arts. As long as you can walk and swing your arms, you can practice martial arts. Still, we recommend starting slow if you’re not in the best shape.

Everything You Need to Know About Learning Martial Arts Online

Kicking a punching bag

Learning martial arts online is easier said than done. There are many courses to choose from, most of which claim to be the best. Luckily, we’ve gathered some great options to help you narrow down your choices. Still, choosing a martial arts course is personal. It’s essential to consider your needs. Even if a course works for someone else, it might not be the best fit for you. So, to help you make the right choice, we’re going to take you through a few needs.

Looking for Self-Defense?

Self-defense will always be necessary. There is nothing like feeling calm, relaxed and collected in dangerous situations. In harmful conflicts with others, self-defense can literally save your life. While most martial arts will teach you to protect yourself, some are better than others.

For self-defense, if you’re looking for the best, Krav Maga is what you want to learn. Krav Maga teaches you how to defend yourself in real-life situations. It’s a martial art that teaches you about fighting multiple opponents, where to strike an opponent, how to disengage, and how to disarm people with knives or firearms.

If you need to learn Krav Maga, the best course is Self-Paced 1 Year Authentic Krav Maga. It’s one of the best martial arts for street fighting, which is the most dangerous type of combat. While Karate and MMA teach you how to fight in a controlled setting, Krav Maga gives you the skills needed to survive a bar-room-brawl.

Looking for the Best Workout?

If you’re turning to martial arts for a workout, you have options. Every martial art will train your body and help you burn calories. Plus, most martial arts are more effective for weight loss than traditional calisthenics. For example, boxing burns more calories in 15 minutes than running burns in 30 minutes. Keep in mind; this is only one style of martial art.

If you’re looking to lose weight or stay in shape, one of the best courses is Martial Arts Workout Routines: Daily Training & Exercise. It’s an MMA course that uses a blend of styles to keep your heart-rate up. Furthermore, this course can be used daily, and you’ll keep getting better! While it’s a short course, it’s rewarding and perfect for burning some calories.

Aiming to Hone Your Mind and Body?

While martial arts are designed for fighting, anyone who’s been practicing martial arts for years knows that it’s more than that. For some, martial arts is a way to connect your mind and body in a way that you can’t do with traditional training. Furthermore, some martial arts enthusiasts, like Joe Rogan, view martial arts as a way to meditate and release stress. While all martial arts can be used this way, some styles work better than others.

To hone your mind and body, a martial art like Karate is your best bet. These fighting styles focus on discipline and teach students to feel their entire body.

An excellent course to hone your mind and body is Karate Academy Online – Accelerated Black Belt Course. The course lasts months and takes you from white belt to black belt from the comfort of your home.

People training in a gym

Getting the Most out of Your Class

Martial arts are challenging to learn and take time to master. While most online martial arts courses do an excellent job teaching you moves and fighting styles, there are ways you can maximize your knowledge of the art.

Working With a Partner

First and foremost, working with a partner is a great way to get more out of your course. Working alongside a partner can help you practice and become precise with the knowledge you’re taught. With martial arts, there is only so much you can do by yourself, so bringing a partner into the mix is a great idea.

Practice Daily

Martial arts aren’t something you can learn in a single day. While some forms have simple moves, even mastering things like a right hook or jab will take time and practice. Learning how to turn your hips and finish a punch is easier said than done, especially if you’ve never tried it. If you’re struggling at first, don’t give up.

To make the most out of a martial arts course, practice every day. You don’t need to spend three hours per day, but between 20-40 minutes of training with 1-2 days off each week is a great way to train your body. Giving yourself time will help you grow as a student and turn frustrating moves into easy combinations.

Final Fight

Martial arts are a valuable tool. You stay in shape, build muscle, lose weight, and learn to defend yourself. While learning martial arts in-person is traditional, learning martial arts online is a viable and cheap alternative that sacrifices little, especially if you have an equally skilled partner. By signing up for one of these great martial arts courses, you can learn from the masters in the comfort of your own home.

Evaluating Courses

Fighting Style

Krav Maga

Karate

Boxing and Kickboxing

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

Skill Level

Length

Course Review List