Beginner

[Mark]

Hi, now that schools out for summer I want to keep myself active by joining MA. I read your posts on how to pick a good school. I'd like your opinions on which arts would be good for me physically. For a short while I took Judo as a kid and loved it, but there are no schools where I live that teach judo. Tae kwon do, karate, Jujitsue, and Hapkido seem common. I'm 17 yo, 6'7", about 300lbs, not very flexible, good average strength. I have always appreciated the Martial Arts and i'm looking for all around self improvement. Any advice would be great. Thanks.

[STASH]

Well if you liked Judo then you could continue with the whole grappling, throwing thing. Unless you like striking more, I know I do. Thats all I can really tell you, I was actually in a similar situation a while ago. Could you specify a little more?

[Saz]

Hi Mark,

What type of karate is it thats near you? If you liked Judo, you'd probably like Hapikdo and jujitsu more than Karate or tae kwon do. Also, any idea what type of tae kwon do it is (ITF or WTF?)

Best thing to do is to pop along to a class and ask if you can watch a training session. If they won't let you do that, go somewhere else, because they're hiding something!

[Greyghost]

6'7" and 300 lbs...????!!!!

hi Mark....good to see you on the Site.....

wouldn't have thought at that size you would have much bother...however...go with what suits you...

sounds as if you would make a formidable grappler....so maybe jui jitsu or similar..and with a reach as long as you have, there hand and feet skills would put your opponent in reach long before you were in theres.

What ever MA you choose...just make sure you enjoy it.

and remember.....a MA is not just for christmas...you can change whenever you like.

best of luck

fraser

[waya]

I agree with most of the suggestions already posted. Hapkido is good because body size means absolutely nothing, anyone of any build can apply it. Given your size, grappling would also be a good choice. Some Karate systems have specific training for different types of body builds, Shotokan has this depending on the school you are at and how deeply you look at the technique. Basically try some classes and see what works, and like we've all said a million times, closely evaluate if whether or not the instructor really takes time to care about the students, and if they can help you.

Rob

[Thomas Vince]

Welcome!
I have trained some guys your size before. It is important the art be tailored to the individual, the other way around. Here is a link if you have any further questions please e-mail me.
Good Luck Mark!
http://www.edparkersikka.com/enter1.htm

[Mark]

When I took Judo as a kid it was all for fun. I might have been there for a year or so, but I never went past my white belt. Consequently i'm not too familiar with the terms grappling, ITF or WTF TKD. Judo is the only art I'm familiar with, but I think all the arts are great.

By physical ability I mean an art that takes advantage of my strengths and weaknesses. You say grappling would be good for me, that sounds great, I'd like to try something like that before an art requiring high flexibility or speed.

I believe the Hapkido school nearby also teaches Kung Fu - Shuia Chiao and Wing Chun.

Thanks!