I'm 6'2'' and have a lean build (I run track and X-Country, played soccer for a long time, so my speed/agility is pretty decent). My lower body is in very good shape and my upper body isn't bad. I'm wondering what martial art would be indeal for someone who would prefer a kicking-focused martial art that's face paced.
2007-08-13 05:44:31 · 15 answers · asked by Adam Mac 3 in Sports ➔ Martial Arts
Taekwondo would be perfect for you. The art in general emphasizes kicks thrown from a mobile stance, using the leg's greater reach and power to disable the opponent from a distance. I studied Taekwondo for many years and can tell you that a taller, leaner person advances very well at it. It uses 70% kicks which means longer legs are going to benefit you. I am also tall and study several arts but advanced to my black belt in taekwondo faster than anyone in my school. Every fighter needs a well rounded ground game as well but if you only want study one art, Taekwondo would be perfect.
2007-08-13 07:00:29 · answer #1 · answered by Tim 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Martial Arts are not about build, martial arts were designed from weak people in order to defend against bigger and stronger ones. Every martial art has its beauties and I dont think any has anything ugly but find what suits you best by checking out what each does.
Overall - Traditional Jujitsu
Kicks - Tae Kwon Do, Capoeira
Fists - Karate
Hard - Muay Thai
Soft - Kenpo
Show(less for street fight) - Wushu
Mind that soft doesnt mean weak... It means more fluent.
But all need a focused mind and a dedicated body :o)
Good Luck in becoming a martial artist..!!
2007-08-13 15:34:57 · answer #2 · answered by Aris B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As someone else said, a lot of it will depend on what is in your area. Off the bat I'd have to suggest a korean based art like tai kwon do or tang soo do. They do lots of kicking; so if they are in your locale, go ahead and ask to watch a class. The mma world would have kicking too. Traditional Japanese arts focus a lot on kicking.
I'd have to suggest that you not try brazilian jiu-jitzu or judo for now. These arts have a lot to with ground work and wrestling. Granted, I believe it is important to know how to fight on the ground, but for your purposes - if kicking is what you are after - why not do what you like to start off and then learn ground work later after you have some skill.
Also - be wary of an art that focuses on lots of high kicks. (Lots of kicks around the head area.) Some high kicks are useful at times and they should be learned, but they should not be the main way you defend your self. Having your legs up that high all the time will leave you vulnerable to attack.
2007-08-13 14:12:16 · answer #3 · answered by Think.for.your.self 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a practitioner I would be inclined to think it's more a matter of what is available to you. I took Karate in high school because it was all there was. After Basic I was stationed at Barstow and the only available was San-Soo Kung Fu. Why don't you do some looking and tell us what is available in your area. Why not look at the MMA world as they train in almost every style? There are options out there I bet you didn't even look at. Some of the better known in MMA are the SharkTank, Lion's Den, Roughnecks, Bas Ruten's, Militich fighting systems just to name a few. Sorry if anyone thinks I'm giving preferential publicity but these are just a few I could recall on short notice. Whatever you choose HAVE FUN!!!!!
2007-08-13 12:56:53 · answer #4 · answered by pappyld04 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gotta give Savate the plug here. It lends itself, obviously, to kicking, and having good cardiovascular health makes life much easier in general (although that may hold true for any art).
The downside is that Savate is difficult to find in most places (although there are studios/teachers in CA, IL, NC, MD, PA, TX, NH, and a couple of other states.
2007-08-13 15:35:34 · answer #5 · answered by aceoffreaks 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are all kinds of martial arts which may work for you, however, if you're seeking something which emphasizes kicking above any other types of strikes... I might recommend
tai kwon do, savate, or any of the variations on muy thai
2007-08-13 12:58:21 · answer #6 · answered by Eric C 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Easy answer.
1. Muay Thai
2. Tai Kwon Do
in that order, whichever is available to you the easiest.
2007-08-13 13:44:34 · answer #7 · answered by Agnostic Front 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i took kendo and i still do. kendo builds up your leg muscles and speed. also, if u go to upper class (where u have to where armor which is pretty light) it is a bit harder but u could feel your fat burning. it is fun if u have a friend come and fight each other. the armor may be pricey though but it is worth to learn.
2007-08-13 13:54:55 · answer #8 · answered by ananomous 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try Kickboxing, its uses alot of complicated kicks that all combo together, that are very powerfull. And it focuses on stamina and endurance and overall fitness as much as skill.
2007-08-13 14:17:23 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
takwondo, kickboxing, kenpo style karate, or Okinawa style karate, also hapkido is a good choice however that would involve a little grappling as well, which probably wouldn't be bad for your self description either.
2007-08-13 14:46:57 · answer #10 · answered by ARTY 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋