Going with or overcoming body type

[humble monk]

I'm a big guy with short legs, and alot of core and upper body strength. I would have probably been an excellent wrestler or judo guy.

But I loved kicking. The concept of a kicking art fascinated me, so I went Korean. I had to work twice as hard to develop flexibility, I had to master timing to make up for my lack of speed, and after all that, I could hang with the tall, lanky guys who just looked to be built to kick.

So my question is, would the greater wisdom have been to go with an art better suited to my physique, and therefore perhaps been a greater artist in that style, or to go against nature, and strive to function in an art where every technique was stacked against my build? Your thoughts?

[bushido_man96]

I would say that the choice is yours. If you were into kicking, then going with a kicking style is what you should have done. And the fact that you have done so well speaks to the fact that you can overcome a challenge like that.

It sounds like you and I are a bit alike. Although I don't have a lot of core strength, I am short, at 5'7", and also a bit heavy, too. However, TKD is what was available to me, so I went with it.

With all that said, it is not too late to take up something that you feel may compliment your body style better, like Judo. It would probably make you a better Martial Artist, as well, and give you another challenge to look forward to.

[DWx]

You obviously wanted to do it so much and have overcome your body so I think Korean was a good choice. You have to really enjoy it if you're ever going to get anywhere with it and it doesn't really matter that you're not the best. I myself am not built for jumping or flying kicks yet on a higher level in TKD I'm supposed to be able to do them with ease. WOuldn't change though because I really enjoy it and I think that is the most important part of deciding which MA is best for yourself.

[humble monk]

So hypothetically, you run a school, a kid comes in who you just know is the next Judo champ of the world, and you can tell will struggle with your art. Do you suggest Judo, or begin his training in yours?

[shujika]

"Do you suggest Judo, or begin his training in yours?"

I feel you leave it to them, Present your system, explain the differences (including your thoughts?) and let them decide. The choice is ultimately theirs anyhow. You don't necessarily know "what" the individual is looking for (and neither may they). If “they” don't make the choice initially, then they will most likely become dissatisfied and leave anyhow.

[humble monk]

I like that. Good point.

[tallgeese]

It's definatly up to them. And you.

If you like doing an art outside your body type for the sake of being fascinated with it, then you should persue what you want to do.

If, on the other hand, you want to become proficient as possible as quickly as possible for fighting, it would be better for you to try and find an art that is more suitible for your build. It will yield quicker results.

It really depends on what you want out of the arts. There is really no right or wrong answer here as long as you're honest with yourself for your reasons for studying.

[Karateka_latino]

At one point of my life, i had to do this question to myself and i choose "going with" instead of "overcoming". Im just 5' 4", stocky with short legs. I had a LOT of problems when i did Taekwondo.

When our instructor stopped to teach and i had to find a new school, instead of finding a new Taekwondo dojang, i went into look for a Karate school. That was MY choice. Not because of laziness but for effectiveness. I thought " why work 3 times harder to be an average TKD practitioner when In Karate i can work the same amount and i'll be great at it ??" lol "Going with.." doesn't make it easier, just more efective.

I guess its up to the individual.

[bushido_man96]

So hypothetically, you run a school, a kid comes in who you just know is the next Judo champ of the world, and you can tell will struggle with your art. Do you suggest Judo, or begin his training in yours?

Well, its hard to tell just by looking at them, but if I knew enough about them to tell this, I would tell him that I think he has an opportunity in Judo. However, I would not tell him that training in a different style would be a waste of time. I would just make sure he knew what his options were.

[humble monk]

I appreciate the comments. Now if I could just figure out how to throw the fireballs, I'd be okay with everything.