What physical shape do you need to be to learn a Martial Arts?

Question

I mean like can a fat guy/girl( no offence) learn and stuff? JW. Kinda bored here....

Answer 1

i think puppy zwolle said it best you can be in any shape, size, handicap, etc. it doesn't matter..

the more you train the better shape you'll start to be in.. most martial arts concentrate a lot on conditioning so that makes a big impact on a persons weight, health, and stamina once they begin martial arts.

it's a great physical activity, providing aerobic and anerobic workouts at the same time. a great stress reducers, allowing you an outlet to express your frustration and emotions turning them into positive energy. it also instills respect, dicipline, confidence, self defense and self control, which are traits that won't only benefit you in the martial art but in life as well...

i think everyone should learn martial arts, not only for the physical benefits, but the mental, and emotional benefits as well.

~*hope that answers your question*~

Answer 2

You do not need to be in any kind of shape to begin. It may be more difficult for a person with a physical drawback than it would be for an Olympic athlete. But that is not really the point of it.
The drive for learning a martial art should be three fold with importance in this order...
1) perfection of character
2)physical fitness
3) self defense
As you can see physical fitness is part of the training. Many people come into our school and say stuff like " Yeah, I am going to join as soon as I get back in shape..." I know there thought is that if they are in shape it will be less embarrassing to be a beginner. But this is the wrong attitude. this is like thinking " I am going to start lifting weights when I get bigger muscles." Well, at that rate it will never happen.
A journey of a thousand steps begins with the first step.
Do not delay starting a martial art because you feel you need to be in better shape. On the path of martial arts the only competition you have is yourself....good luck!

Answer 3

99% of martial arts are performed in the mind first and with the soul force called chi (which knows no weight). Fat or thin has nothing to do with it... it is about overcoming the physical. Sumo is a form of fighting, therefore a martial art and they are HUGE!

As with everything you do physically, it just looks better when you're thin aesthetically. looks has nothing to do with the art.

Answer 4

There are different arts that are more sutiable for various body types. For Jujitsu you need to be in prety good shape, they use alot of upper body strength and leg strength.
One of the best arts for big guys is Aikido. Since you use the opponents weight and momentum against them and you stand there and use big circular motions to throw, guide and lock the opponenet into submission, it's great. It is a very effective art for real life sittuations and a heavier guy would actualy be better at it.
Go and watch a class at your local club and see what I mean.
Check out these sites.
http://www.aikiweb.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-581.html

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3200145913123453079&q=aikido&hl=en

Answer 5

Really, you don't need to be in any particular shape to learn. It just may take more time and be a little more difficult at the beginning, but once the effects of the exercise start kicking in...well, that's the payoff, isn't it?

Answer 6

You can be in any kind of shape to START to learn - if you get really involved and continue to a higher level you will of course get into much better shape as a matter of course if you train hard enough or take it seriously.

Answer 7

You must be motivated to acctually go to the class. I've see some big boys go, and then after a while you get use to the workout it may even get you back into shape if you want that.
wingchunassociation.com

Answer 8

Anyone can...but requires a bit of physical excercise...
The type of art also makes a differance as some arts require less physical abilities than others.

Answer 9

you have to have the mental state to begin. your body shape has nothing to do with anything. a willingness to learn and to be taught is all a person, any person, needs to learn martial arts.

Answer 10

Easier to learn 12 gauge Winchester pump shotgun.