When people think about Martial Arts, the same disciplines usually dominate the conversation; Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, Karate, Judo and MMA. These styles have earned their reputation but, beneath the mainstream spotlight lies a world of lesser-known Martial Arts that are just as effective, fascinating and culturally rich.
Some of these disciplines shaped modern combat sports behind the scenes. Others remain hidden gems because they never received the marketing push of larger organisations or viral social media trends. Yet many fighters, coaches and hardcore Martial Arts fans know the truth. Some of the most dangerous and complete systems in the world are also the most underrated.
Here are five Martial Arts styles that deserve far more respect than they currently receive.
Sambo: Russia’s Combat Powerhouse
If you’ve watched modern MMA over the last decade, you’ve already seen Sambo in action whether you realised it or not.
Developed in the Soviet Union for military combat and self defence, Sambo combines elements of Judo, wrestling and submission grappling into one brutally effective system. Fighters are trained to control opponents through throws, takedowns, leg attacks and aggressive pressure.
What makes Sambo unique is its balance between explosiveness and technical efficiency. Unlike some grappling arts that rely heavily on pulling guard or slowing the pace down, sambo encourages relentless forward movement.
The Martial Art gained global attention through fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Fedor Emelianenko but, it still doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves outside hardcore fight circles.
Why It’s Underrated:
- Exceptional for MMA and self defence
- Develops both grappling and athleticism
- Highly practical under pressure
- Produces incredibly mentally tough athletes
Sambo may not have the global gym presence of BJJ but, its influence on combat sports is impossible to ignore.
Sanda: The Complete Striking System Nobody Talks About
Sanda, also known as Chinese kickboxing, might be one of the most complete stand up fighting systems in the world.
Originating from Chinese military training and traditional Kung Fu, Sanda blends powerful striking with wrestling style takedowns, sweeps and clinch work. Imagine Muay Thai mixed with freestyle wrestling at high speed.
What separates Sanda from many striking arts is its unpredictability. Fighters don’t just punch and kick, they throw opponents off platforms, chain takedowns into strikes and attack from unusual angles.
Despite producing elite level athletes, Sanda rarely receives the mainstream attention given to Muay Thai or Kickboxing.
Why It’s Underrated:
- Combines striking and grappling seamlessly
- Explosive, fast paced fighting style
- Extremely adaptable for MMA
- Teaches distance control and timing brilliantly
Many modern MMA fighters quietly borrow techniques from Sanda without fans even noticing.
Kyokushin Karate: The Toughest Karate Style on Earth
When many people hear the word ‘Karate’, they picture point fighting and light contact tournaments. Kyokushin destroys that stereotype completely.
Founded by Mas Oyama, Kyokushin Karate is famous for its brutal conditioning, full contact sparring and emphasis on mental toughness. Fighters train to absorb punishment while continuing to push forward. A philosophy that has produced some of the hardest strikers in combat sports history.
Unlike traditional point Karate systems, Kyokushin encourages real pressure and body conditioning. Leg kicks, body shots and relentless aggression are central to the style.
Its influence can be seen in fighters like Georges St-Pierre and many elite kickboxers who developed their striking foundations through Kyokushin.
Why It’s Underrated:
- Develops elite toughness and discipline
- Produces devastating body strikers
- Strong emphasis on conditioning
- Creates mentally resilient athletes
Kyokushin may not dominate social media trends but, its fighters are respected across the Martial Arts world for one reason… they are incredibly hard to break.
Lethwei: Bare-Knuckle Chaos With Ancient Roots
If Muay Thai is known as the ‘Art of Eight Limbs’, Lethwei is often described as its more savage cousin.
Originating in Myanmar, Lethwei is a bare knuckle striking art that allows punches, kicks, elbows, knees and headbutts. Traditional matches were famously fought without gloves and could only be won by knockout.
The style demands extraordinary durability, aggression and composure under pressure. Fighters are expected to continue attacking even when exhausted or hurt.
Because Lethwei exists outside major global promotions, it remains relatively unknown to mainstream audiences. But among combat sports enthusiasts, it has developed a reputation as one of the most intense striking arts on the planet.
Why It’s Underrated:
- One of the most realistic striking systems
- Incredible conditioning and toughness
- Emphasises aggression and survival instincts
- Rich cultural history and tradition
Lethwei isn’t for everyone however, there’s no denying its raw effectiveness and warrior mentality.
Catch Wrestling: The Lost Art Making a Comeback
Before Brazilian Jiu Jitsu exploded worldwide, catch wrestling was one of the most feared grappling systems in combat sports.
Originally popularised through travelling carnivals and professional wrestling circuits, catch wrestling focuses on submissions, pins, control and painful joint attacks, known as hooks.
Unlike some modern grappling styles that prioritise position and patience, catch wrestling is aggressive and relentless. The goal is simple. Dominate your opponent physically and mentally.
Although the style faded from the mainstream for years, it has recently seen renewed interest from MMA fighters and submission grapplers looking for something more brutal and unconventional.
Why It’s Underrated:
- Extremely aggressive submission system
- Strong focus on pressure and control
- Influenced modern wrestling and MMA
- Effective for both sport and self defence
Catch wrestling reminds people that old school Martial Arts still have serious value in modern combat.
Why These Styles Matter More Than Ever
In today’s Martial Arts culture, popularity often overshadows effectiveness. Social media clips and flashy branding can sometimes make people forget that many lesser-known styles have shaped modern fighting behind the scenes.
The truth is, underrated Martial Arts often produce some of the toughest, most adaptable athletes because they are built on pressure, resilience and practicality rather than hype.
Whether it’s the explosive grappling of Sambo, the versatility of Sanda, the brutality of Lethwei, the toughness of Kyokushin, or the relentless control of catch wrestling, these systems offer something many mainstream styles sometimes lose. Authenticity forged through hard training and real combat application.
And as combat sports continue evolving, don’t be surprised if the ‘underrated’ styles of today become the dominant influences of tomorrow.
