New to MA

[Edward]

Hi, I'm Edward and I'm completely new to MA. I decided I wanted to start MA for a variety of reasons, just to name a few, 1. it looks like fun 2. im a pretty small guy 3. i'm out of shape But I have no clue what I should take up!

So here is the deal, I'm 14 turning 15 in about 4 and a half months, pretty little (around 5'3 100-105 pounds) and in the 9th grade. I'm also pretty out of shape. I'm definitely not overweight or tubby or anything, I just haven't really been doing anything lately. I'm not muscular or anything and not particularly strong and pretty sure more than 75% of the people at my high school could beat me up. So I want to learn martial arts for a few reasons 1. get in shape 2. be able to kick some ... (and no I don't want to just run around picking fights everywhere, I just want them to know it probably wouldn't be a good idea to pick a fight with me) 3. and the coolness and fun factor of learning.

Also I'm very into anything and everything having to do with China, so preferably a chinese martial art would be great (plus it seems like everyone i know that does MA takes Karate or TKD)

So could anyone help me choose a martial art? Thanks in advance!

[Menjo]

You sound like you have a promising look on MA, thats a really good start already. Now you have to find the right instructor to apply your attitude. Since you are focused on the more traditional martial arts, I'd suggest looking firstly in your area and make a list of all the dojos in it. Then go them, talk to the instructor and you should get a good sense of what is a good and bad dojo. If you're not confident in yourself with reling on instinct to choose, there are many topics here that can provide the answers you want.

Best of luck.

[Mr. Mike]

I would lead you to check out the IKCA. We do Chinese Kenpo, and it is highly effective for getting you in shape(I've lost 100 lbs. in 2 yrs), learning how to defend yourself through effective dirty-fighting strategies, as well as being traditional enough to maintain a link to Chinese Martial arts.

[Jiffy]

You sound like a really keen student. I would recommend Chinese Kenpo or Kung Fu. Both work on a close quater stand-up basis fighting. Both have fast sequences of multiple attacks and both could help you with fitness. I personally would say go for Kenpo, but that's only because I haven't tried Kung Fu and am biased. In all seriousness though, both are very effective.

[Jay]

Personally I would pick Wing Chun Gung Fu. Most of the masters of the style have a small build and im sure it would suit you. It helps the little guys sort out the bigger guys. It may not be the best for overall fitness but your going to get a toned back and triceps. The chi sao (pushing hands) is also quite a work out if done properly.

[srv]

Picking a dojo is not only about the style but also the instructors. Different instructors have different styles and methods of teaching. Some dojos are very formal and traditional especially with regards to etiquette in the dojo and during taining while some are more laid back. One type of method is not necessarily better than the other, it just depends on your personality and the type of dojo and instructor you wish attend and learn from. Any decent dojo should give you some free introductory trial lessons or let you sit at the back and watch a training. From that you'll get an idea of what the dojo and thye instructors are like. Also if you know a lot of people who do MA of some kind, why not go and check out some of your friends MA schools and see what you think of them. Basically look around and see whats available, go visit the dojos, don't commit to anything too early until you have seen what's around and find a place that fits your personality and what you want to get out of MA.

And good luck. MArtial Arts are an incredible thing to get involved in, you will work hard, you will get stronger and into shape, but you will achieve more than you would have ever imagined you could if you put your heart and soul into it.

[Bushido58266]

i gotta tell ya, i have just started muay thai training and if u want to learn a real good fighting system along with one of the best physical training in any martial art try checking into it. if thats not what u want a couple other really kool arts are judo and jujutsu (jujitsu) but sorry i dont know many chinese arts, cause they are not to popular where i live

[ravenzoom]

For self-defense Wing Chun could be good. However it's not very strong on the cardio thing. However it's good to tone up your muscles, especially your back and your legs. I don't know about Chinese Kenpo, but if they do retain that chinese heritage you seek and they do work hard in getting into shape, it might be a better choice. Anyways good luck in your choice!!

[jaymac]

Edward, I wish you the best in your journey. My advice would be to try different schools and see what fits you best. However, I can give you some advice. I have ranked black belt in both Kung Fu and Karate styles. I love Karate. But, if you really like the tradition and the teaching of Chinese MA, you should go with a Kung Fu. It is primarily Chinese and the usually the instructors stick only to the teachings of the Chinese tradition. You will not advance in rank quickly in a Kung Fu school. There are not several belts in their system. You may be a white belt for years. If that is ok with you and you are not focused on ranking but only on learning a very effective, beautiful MA, then go with a Kung Fu system. And that is coming from a Karate practitioner