Big Sensei :P

[informer]

My tallest students 6' 4" one is 250lbs and the other 200 they both fit into Kamikaze size 6 with no problems at all.

[vertigo]

Well, I figure I'll throw my opinion in here too...

 

Who cares how big someone is? If they can pull it off, then they can. Are they a bad example to the class? Not necessarily.. if they still have every ounce of knowledge and skill that a skinnier counterpart would have, what difference does that make in the dojo?

 

Just my opinion

[Jussi Häkkinen]

I'm 6'2", 187 lbs and I wear size 6.5 Shureido. My belt is size 7 (130"). Well, I think I'll just skip training in Informer's dojo.

[Shorin Ryuu]

I think all martial artists have a duty to maintain their health (something my current instructor is big on, but something I've always been big on for about 6 years now). They don't have to look like the cover of Fitness Magazine, but I think it is just good for them to be healthy mentally and physically.

 

Again, there have been many examples of a bit overweight instructors that are still phenomenal, and as others have mentioned, it's because good martial arts do not rely on physical strength. Physical strength is good for young whippersnappers like myself, but it is efficiency that is always the ultimate goal. I'm not saying to neglect the training of the body, far from it.

 

That being said, I still think it is a martial artist's duty to stay healthy. But then again, I'm the guy who gave completely gave up junk food six years ago and is very strict on his health standards. I just think everyone should be healthy regardless of whether you do martial arts or not. I've met some individuals that are still great when it comes to martial arts and have such a wealth of knowledge to share, but their health is very poor. Some of this is due to massive overtraining that had long-term health effects. As a consequence, their individual growth is lessened because they simply aren't healthy enough to train regularly or with focus. I think they would be better off taking a break from martial arts, getting in shape if possible, and then returning. These, of course, are more extreme cases.

 

Regardless, to discount a martial artist that is overweight is just foolish, in my opinion.

[Chito]

If you can not fit into a size 6 belt/gi you aint training at my dojo!

 

So, you'd turn away someone coming to learn and get in shape because they're overweight?

[Chito]

OK... remember when I said Jerry Lewis as the Nutty Professor?

 

http://www.chitoryu.ca/shihan/shihan_report4.cgi?act=display&lname=Delaney&fname=Michael

 

LOL

[informer]

I'm 6'2", 187 lbs and I wear size 6.5 Shureido. My belt is size 7 (130"). Well, I think I'll just skip training in Informer's dojo.

 

at 6.2 and 187 the size 6 kamikaze would be big on you.

 

remember I said you have to fit into a size 6 I did not say you had to wear it. If you are a size 6 but want to look like a goof in a size 7 go a head

[Dark Shogun]

The goal of martial arts is not to get fit (except in taibo or 'boxercise'). However, getting fit can be a side effect of martial arts training. Some people experience this side effect to a high degree than others. Most people will experience it less as they get older.

 

Sensei have spent years training, therefor they are older, therefore they experience the fitness side effect less than most and therefore they may hae a bit of a gut.

 

Big deal! I says, a chubby experienced martial artist will still teach you more than a chiseled supermodel.

 

If it's fitness you want you've chosen the wrong art.

[pineapple]

I've known many overweight Senseis who were outstanding instructors.

 

I know that since I started teaching, I've had far less time to train like I used to. Remember that many of these older overweight Senseis were in fantastic condition in their prime and what is important is how much knowledge that they have to pass on to you.

 

Don't judge a book by it's cover. I know of one high ranking and very overweight instructor who was provoked into a fight by a much younger, extremely muscular, small waisted criminal who said that no way that the "fat" guy could take him on. Well....to make the story short...the man with the small waist was proved wrong.

 

As far as overweight people who want to train in martial arts. I accept anyone who has a real desire to learn. I once trained a guy who was so overweight that no belt could fit him but he could do the splits and never gave up no matter how hard the training got.

[Jussi Häkkinen]

at 6.2 and 187 the size 6 kamikaze would be big on you.

 

remember I said you have to fit into a size 6 I did not say you had to wear it. If you are a size 6 but want to look like a goof in a size 7 go a head

 

Actually, size 6 or 6.5 kamikaze (at least Europa and America) fit me pretty much perfectly. Long limbs and wide shoulders - that's the thing. Jacket is just enough roomy in size 6 - anything smaller and it'll be tight around shoulders.

 

Trust me, I know my size.