What martial art is right for me?

[versatilefightR]

hi everyone, this is my first post so don't be too harsh :). I was wondering on which martial art is right for me. I am 6'0 190 pounds, good shape, not a lot of fat. My legs are extremely big and muscular from hockey, so I was thinking why not take Muay Thai since my legs are so strong? I've been doing a lot of reading and it seems like Muay Thai is very powerful in combat. I want to take martial arts for self-defense of myself/family/friends, and to maybe participate in tournaments. I do prefer technique over power, but it seems that in street situations and NHB fights technique doesn't stand a chance. I'm turning 21 in december, what martial art is right for me?

[Aravi]

Which martial art is right for you?

One you enjoy, and that fights how you'd like to fight.

[versatilefightR]

I enjoy punching and kicking, how powerful it is or what kind of technique does not matter to me, I just want to make sure that if someone on the street wants to harm me or my gf/family/friends and has some training in MA I want to be able to take care of him/her.

[Monty]

@versatilefightR:

You should simply try out a few different styels, and then go for the one that "feels right".
The fact that you have extremely big and muscular legs, doesn't mean that you'll be better off in a style like Muay Thai .... afterall, when's the last time you saw a native thai fighter with extremely big and muscular legs ? ;)
Check out schools in your neighbourhood, and if you like kicking, focus on those that do so too.

Happy hunting :)

[Slayer]

I am a yellow belt in Tae kwon do. and my teacher always comments on how much power i have, especially in my legs. i like it so far and plan on sticking with it for a long time. i suggest it.

[quartermaster]

at six feet tall bear in mind that some styles may have awkward strikes that simply wont work on many people. i speak from experience on this one. i am 6'3" and lucky that my style is notably well suited to the tall

[Disciple]

I am partially fond of tang soo do, and hap ki do. Mostly b/c I have been a practitioner of TSD since I was ... 7 or 8 and I am 17 now. I have to say, I think that any basic martial art is good. It can provide a good basis or body movement, balance, timing, etc.. Once you learn basic things, from there, it is al about philosophy, conditioning, and the mental additude of the practitioner. Wing Chun may be something to research if you wish to begin study of a martial art, It is fast, furious, practially applicable in almost all situations, and practicable on one's own, or with one partner very easily.

[Infesticon #1]

Hey, I used to play a lot of hockey, I now do TKD, it's good to have a long reach in sparring I've found, you can keep them off you with your legs.

[Ein]

If you like doing a lot of kicking go join a type of Tae Wan Do, they hyave mostly kicking. I'm not saying they only kick, but about 80% is kicking, if you wish to have more of a balance between kicking and punching you should join Karate. Those are the only types I know..well there are the obvious boxing..

[hafer34]

Try a whatever martial arts school is near you and go from there. That will help you further your search for the right martial art. Good luck buddy!