Im 5'8" 130lbs and wanted to know which style of martial arts would be good for my height and size. Im new to the sport and very interested in self defense and competition.
ie I was going to take kickboxing but one of my friends said due to my height and size try for judo or kung fu.
2007-03-20 08:16:35 · 18 answers · asked by Go Vol 2 in Sports ➔ Martial Arts
If you are interested in competition then your weight and size shouldn't be a factor as competitive MMA matches up people with weight classes.
What are you primarily interested in Sportative MA for the sake of competition or learning an MA to learn to fight for self-defence.
If your answer is "self-defence" then you need to examine the reality of weapons as well. The best unarmed fighter is in deadly danger when facing even an untrained person with a deadly weapon such as a firearm or bladed weapon.
If your answer is competition, you need to ask yourself what kind of competition and why. If that answer is money, then I suggest boxing as that is now and at least for a few decades to go the big money martial art.
If you are looking to learn to fight and think it would be fun to compete then choose by the type of art you want to compete in, like muai thai, sambo, san da, bjj or judo competitions.
If you want to do MMA then pick any combination of arts that you think would work well. Make sure you go to a gym that trains realistically and with fully resisting opponents (eventually).
Ideally you should cover striking and grappling arts.
2007-03-20 09:13:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't let size be the determinant. In competition, there are weight classes.
There are successful people of all sizes in all styles, just find a good school. Here is a brief summary of styles:
Striking: Tae Kwon Do. Karate, Shaolin boxing
Good: Can handle multiple attackers, can engage at long range, enables you to be pro active when necessary.
Not so good: Ground, hard to control an attacker without inflicting serious injury.
Grappling: Hapkido, Judo, etc.
Good: effective in close, good on the ground, can control an attacker without inflicting serious injury.
Not so Good: Not good at long range, you must wait for the attacker to make the 1st move. Not effective against multiple attackers.
2007-03-20 10:00:07 · answer #2 · answered by yupchagee 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do anything you like. But I would recommend finding a place that trains like real athletes vs. self-defense oriented stuff. You can always go back and pick up some self defense training later but that does not work both ways. A combat sport and the attributes you develope can easily be adapted to more severe needs. TKD doesn't count either, sorry TKD people.
2007-03-20 11:25:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You neglected to mention your age, so it's kinda hard to know, but kickboxing might not be a bad idea as people on your weight class will be shorter, so you'll have a reach advantage, and if you work out and eat well you can put on more weight as you develop muscle.
Try any martial art that you think you'll enjoy, and don't pay attention to what people tell you, people won't have the knowledge, you will.
2007-03-20 08:57:32 · answer #4 · answered by Frank the tank 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In muay thai the people are your size if not smaller.All competitions have weight classes, honestly its just a matter of which one strikes you the most. So go and watch some classes, take a free class to see what its like and join in.
2007-03-20 11:21:28 · answer #5 · answered by David K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would do kung fu - that's what I do & have found it very effective. But it is basically the same as chinese kick boxing, so if you are mostly interested in kick boxing go for it. All sizes work for all sports - everything is about adapting.
2007-03-20 10:25:49 · answer #6 · answered by stepss1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't listen to your friend. You are actually tall for your weight. Choose whichever style of Martial Art appeals to you. If you want to kickbox then kickbox. There is absolutely no reason you can't.
2007-03-20 08:32:43 · answer #7 · answered by JV 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No offense but you're kind of small. The best for you would be Brazilian or Gracie ju-jitzu (not sure of spelling). It would be perfect for someone of your size. If you like go to youtube or a video store and look for Joyce Gracie videos. He was about your size and dominated much larger opponents.
2007-03-20 08:22:14 · answer #8 · answered by KEVIN 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i am 94 lbs and 5'2
I take Jujit-su
I like it because it is easy to do
You don't have to be really big or really strong
To do jujit-su
In Jujit-su you use Close Range fighting
Arm Locks Head Locks Pressure Points Throws etc
I would recommend Jujit-su For you
Hope this helps
Sarah
2007-03-20 08:51:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don"t listen to anyone but me, and those who agree with me! Kickboxing is great and you should do that no matter what your size is. Most importantly, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the most effective style for anyone to use and I highly recommend it.
2007-03-20 08:51:05 · answer #10 · answered by cook c 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋