Can an overweight person do well in TKD? What's TKD like?

[krunchyfrogg]

I've been out of MA for a while now, and put on a decent amount of unwanted weight.

When I get back into the dojo, I expect to start losing, but I know the beginning will be difficult. There is a reputable Tae Kwon Do school near me, and I can get a significant discount on the classes through an ad in my church bulletin.

What's TKD like? I've got experience in Shorin-Ryu, Goju, and Shotokan. Tell me some of the differences and similarities I can expect.

TIA

[danbong]

TKD is kind of like shotokan with the hips always facing front in the kata. You will probably use front leg kicks a whole lot more in free sparring. Free sparring often starts at a much lower rank. Kata bunkai is typically not requirement for promotion. Step sparring is not an exercize to prepare you for free sparring - instead they are self defense techniques.

And most importantly - can an overweight person do well in TKD? Heck yes! It will be harder than if you were "normal" weight and all muscles, but you CAN do well.

[scottnshelly]

Depending on the instructor, this may even be a great way to lose the unwanted pounds.

Do you know if this school is with an association? WTF, USTU, ATA, ITF, NBL, etc. This could make a difference in seeing comparisons from your previous experience.

[krunchyfrogg]

Depending on the instructor, this may even be a great way to lose the unwanted pounds.

Do you know if this school is with an association? WTF, USTU, ATA, ITF, NBL, etc. This could make a difference in seeing comparisons from your previous experience.

Hmmm, not sure. Here is a link to the dojo's website:

http://wcma.cmasdirect.com/

[bushido_man96]

TKD will depend on the teacher, but you will most likely do a lot of kicking. If it is a fairly traditional school, you should see some similarities from your previous studies. I think that you will enjoy it. Good luck!

[scottnshelly]

Depending on the instructor, this may even be a great way to lose the unwanted pounds.

Do you know if this school is with an association? WTF, USTU, ATA, ITF, NBL, etc. This could make a difference in seeing comparisons from your previous experience.

Hmmm, not sure. Here is a link to the dojo's website:

http://wcma.cmasdirect.com/

According to their About Us page, they are WTF and USTU. This generally means you will be doing a lot of kicking. Most USTU schools, seminars and tournaments that I've been to focus almost exclusively on kicking, with the most popular of the kicks being roundhouse.

This is the style of fighting that you see in the Olympics. The classes are typically fast-paced with lots of two-person drills.

Disclaimer: this is true based on my own previous experience. Experiences may vary by school, instructor, location and student. My general assumptions about this school, instructor and association should be in no way be used as a deciding factor on whether or not you like this school.

[Zorbasan]

Shotokan is a lot like ITF TKD. in fact, i can give you similarities for pretty much each of the heian katas.

i dont think there is any issue with being overweight. im not exactly a bean pole and i do ok.

[bushido_man96]

Shotokan is a lot like ITF TKD. in fact, i can give you similarities for pretty much each of the heian katas.

i dont think there is any issue with being overweight. im not exactly a bean pole and i do ok.

Hey, this I would be interested in. If you can drop me some info, that would be great!

By the way, to the original post: I am 5' 7", and 245 lbs. If I can do it, then you can too!

[Jiffy]

Just like anything else, you can do well. You will do better if you loose some weight, but the weight most likely won't stop you completely.

[Zorbasan]

if anything, you will lose weight doing MA. over the last year i have been on and off with my MA, and i have found my weight to go up and done too.