What Do Navy SEALs Have to Do with Martial Arts? Discover the Combat Techniques They Use

The Navy SEALs, the elite unit of the United States Navy, are globally known for their physical endurance, extreme discipline, and high-level combat training. But did you know that an essential part of their preparation involves martial arts?

More than brute strength, SEALs rely on proven fighting techniques — many of which are also practiced in civilian gyms, such as Jiu Jitsu and MMA.

In this article, we’ll reveal which martial arts are part of SEAL training, how they are applied, and what you can learn for your own physical and mental development.

👉 What Do Navy SEALs Use in Hand-to-Hand Combat?

SEALs don’t train a single martial art but rather a combination of styles that prioritize efficiency, practicality, and adaptability. Among the main ones are:

✅ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

Used to dominate and immobilize opponents in close combat.

✅ Krav Maga

Israeli self-defense system, effective against multiple attackers and armed threats.

✅ Boxing and Kickboxing

Develop quick reflexes and striking power.

✅ Wrestling

Provides a solid base for takedowns and ground control.

This mix of techniques is very similar to what we know as MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), which combines skills from multiple disciplines to create complete fighters.

💡 What MMA Do Navy SEALs Use?

Navy SEALs use an approach similar to MMA by blending the best of various martial arts to create an efficient fighting style for real-life situations.

In short, they use a kind of “military MMA”, where training focuses on survival and neutralizing threats — not on points or trophies.

👉 Navy SEALs and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

One of the strongest influences in SEAL training is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). That’s because BJJ teaches how to defeat an opponent even if they are physically stronger.

✅ On the ground, leverage and choke techniques allow control over the enemy.

✅ It teaches calm under pressure, essential in high-risk missions.

✅ It builds confidence to act in close quarters, where weapons may not be an option.

So yes: Navy SEALs train Jiu-Jitsu, and it’s a core part of their effectiveness.

👉 What Does This Have to Do with You?

You don’t have to be an elite soldier to benefit from these techniques. In fact, the same disciplines that are part of SEAL training are available at our academy:

🔥 Jiu Jitsu: practical self-defense for anyone, at any age.

🔥 MMA: a blend of techniques that build strength, conditioning, and confidence.

🔥 Kickboxing and Muay Thai: explosiveness, speed, and fitness conditioning.

Training these martial arts not only improves your physique but also develops discipline, focus, and confidence — essential qualities on and off the mat.

👉 What MMA Fighter Was a Navy SEAL?

A common curiosity is whether any professional MMA fighter has been a Navy SEAL. The answer is yes — some ex-military members made it into the cage, such as Mitch Aguiar, who was still in the military when he began amateur fighting.

👉 The Strength of the SEALs Is Within Your Reach

Navy SEALs are admired not only for their physical endurance but also for their refined martial arts techniques, which make them effective in any scenario. The good news? You can also train many of these same martial arts — without needing to be part of an elite unit.

💡 Book a free trial class at our academy!

FAQs About Navy SEALs and Martial Arts

➡️ What MMA do Navy SEALs use?

They use a combination of styles, including boxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, and Krav Maga — similar to MMA but adapted for real defense.

➡️ What martial arts do Navy SEALs use?

Mainly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, Boxing, Kickboxing, and Krav Maga.

➡️ What MMA fighter was a Navy SEAL?

Some ex-military members have competed in professional MMA, such as Mitch Aguiar.

➡️ Do Navy SEALs do Jiu-Jitsu?

Yes. BJJ is a fundamental part of SEAL training, offering effective control and submission techniques on the ground.