I want to take up martial arts but I am not sure what style. My goals and body type, I believe, should have an influence on what style you learn. My main goal is to get in good shape. I am 6' 3" and thin. I have longer legs so I would like to be able to use them to my advantage if needed.
2006-06-20 09:31:04 · 11 answers · asked by mts4life2000 2 in Sports ➔ Martial Arts
If you're main goal is to get in shape kickboxing is the best option for you. The training they'll put you through is awesome for physical conditioning. A good kickboxing gym, no matter what style, will have you do a lot of work shadowboxing, hitting bags, catch pads, and sparring. Most gyms won't require you to spar if you're not interested, but if it is an issue for you should check first. You should also check the reputation of the gym. Do they push their fighters into pro fights before they're ready to make a quick buck, or do they take the time to develop quality fighters that win fights for the gym?
You're long legs will also help you with kickboxing. They'll give the same advantage a boxer with a longer reach has in the ring.
2006-06-20 11:00:10 · answer #1 · answered by swingtrader912 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you should go to as many different schools to check out as many styles as possible. Look at them yourself to see what you are interested in.
More important than style is the school. You could love a particular style, but if the school is terrible then there's no point. Likewise, you may find a great school that teaches a style that you may not have thought you'd be interested in.
Check out as many locations as possible. Before you go, come up with a list of things that you want to check out (e.g. how clean is it? Do you want a professional location or a YMCA gym, etc? How often does the head instructor teach? Is this important to you? How intense are the workouts? Do you think you could take part in this style, benefit from it and enjoy it? And so on...). Make a short list of the schools you like, then go back and check them out again and again. This is a commitment that you will likely stick with for quite some time. You want to make sure you get it right.
2006-06-20 22:30:54 · answer #2 · answered by munkyspank 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can tell you from experience that tae kwon do is the least respected martial art among martial artists. It is all BS. Any martial art can get you into good shape. The trend today is going toward brazilian jiu jitsu and my style is similar. I recomend some similar grappling art. I can tell you that you should visit a few schools before deciding and if those schools don't give you hands-on experience hitting people or submitting them with armlocks and chokes and such then move on.
You wouldn't try to learn guitar without ever acually putting your hands on one would you? Why would you think you can learn to fight without actually getting physical with another person?
2006-06-21 12:07:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely Muy Thai. I'm taking some classes right now. You get the great work out of regular boxing plus the added element of using kicks. I started out only 5-6 months ago, and I'll be in my first fight in November if all goes well. It's easy to learn and gets you into shape.
I train at Jorge Gurgel's school in Middletown, Ohio, but he has other affiliate schools in other states. Not sure where you are, but check out their website. I think they have links to other schools.
www.middletownmma.com
2006-06-21 00:59:10 · answer #4 · answered by Fat Guy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Long legs and the desire to get in shape suggests you should take either Tae Kwon Do or Kickboxing. Both require the use of legs and both can get you in great shape.
2006-06-21 10:54:02 · answer #5 · answered by dmbfan598 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Brazilian Jui-Jitsu sounds good 4 u since u got long legs and ur tall. Submissions should be easier 4 u. But u should practice MMA so u can be well rounded.
2006-06-20 23:50:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on if you just want to learn how to fight and beat somebody's ***, or if you really want to learn a martial art to get a black belt in something. Find somebody who teaches MMA or anything out of the Fighter's Notebook. If you are looking to get a black belt in something, try aikido or jujitsu.
2006-06-28 16:39:47 · answer #7 · answered by Marcel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look into Muy Thai. Its combination of power and form works well for those with a longer kick reach and works the abdominal muscles as well.
2006-06-20 16:35:25 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well it depends if your really going to commit yourself to martial arts. i would choose choy li fut shaolin style gung fu because it is both northern and southern style's with five animals and weapons or because of your long legs maybe muay tai or ground fighting
hope this helps :)
2006-06-20 19:18:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
With your height and apparent leg length, I should ask how your balance is. Tae Kwon Do would most likely be best for you.
2006-06-20 17:28:20 · answer #10 · answered by icehoundxx 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋