What body type is best for taking martial arts?

Question

would you rather have slim and flexible body or strong and muscular body?

Answer 1

It's more a question of the mind than the body.

Answer 2

Note that traditionally, martial arts was practiced by slender, physically fit males between 5'6" and 5'8" (in the temples). However, there are different styles of martial arts suitable to all sorts of body types. A great example of this is T'ai Chi. It's practiced by people of all ages and all sizes. Of course, there are some martial arts that are generally suited towards the flexible and mobile due to the amount of jumping and flying around that goes on (like Chinese Wushu or Tae Kwon Do), but many will find advantage with one who is strong and muscular (most combination systems meant to be used in practical situations).

So, to answer your question, the arts were designed with the slim and flexible in mind, but can be practiced by anyone.

Answer 3

It depends who you are. It's like asking someone what 5+4 is and 3+6 is. They are different sums but they both equal the same amout: 9. It would probably be helpful to be slim and flexible as it means higher kicks but more strength is good for punches, kicks and blocks but not exactly high kicks in the right spot. It also depends what martial art you are doing. If it is taekwondo a majority is kicking in competions so probably flexibility to kick high.

Answer 4

For martial arts you would want both. Flexible but not lanky and not too skinny, just a healthy body. But if your a bit out of shape then Martial Arts is still a great place to start, you move every part of your body. You work your legs, arms, back,lungs everything. Point is Martial arts is for everybody, you just need confidence.

Answer 5

You can be either slim or muscular, but being flexible helps. As you progress through the ranks, you become more flexible through training. I would recommend martial arts to anyone. It teaches discipline, keeps you in shape, and helps build confidence. I took Tae Kwon Do to stay flexible for baseball and it really helped to stave off injuries. After stopping playing ball I stuck with it because I enjoyed it so much.

Just make sure to choose a dojo that promotes you because you deserve to be promoted and not because you pay them money. Also make sure your instructor(s) are on top of the game. Most importantly, stick with it. You will find it to be a very rewarding experience.

Also, make sure to choose the style you would most like to enjoy. Tae Kwon Do focuses on kicks with some punching but others such as Judo focus on close-up fighting.

On a side note, I am 6'3" and 220 pounds. My instructor is 5'9" and 160. He could knock me down in under a minute so size/strength doesn't matter.

Answer 6

Martial arts should cater for all ages and all body types. Chinese Martial arts have more than 100 different styles. One of them should suit you. However, you should be more concerned where to find a good teacher.

Answer 7

Any body can be trained in martial arts it depends on the person whom the body belongs. If they are dedicated enought o go to class faithfully and study and practice, and apply what they learn. Thats what matters.

Answer 8

All that's needed to start "taking" Martial Arts is to be in reasonable shape.
The body you wind up with,if you train hard, is normally lean,fit,toned,and low in body fat.
This is what they call the typical "Karate Body"
(I'm 50 and still have mine)

Answer 9

The type of body that is a body

Answer 10

I would say having all of that is good, I was slim and flexible though. It worked for me so, I don't think it really matters. You just have to be able to focus, and be able to balance.