what style should i decide to practice?

[trevalan2000]

Hello, I am a short stocky (5'4 172lbs) person who has been an athlete in the past. Now that I am older and in college and cant dedicate myself to a sport like football as I did in high school i want a new hobby. I weight lift regularly, so i hope that goes well with karate (im sure it does). I spend a lot of time practicing my hobbies too btw so lack of time/dedication isnt a problem unless it takes like 20 years to master. I would like advice on what styles are good for short people? im interested in learning strikes and take downs/grappling. I am open to one style that includes both or different styles that cover each one separately such as judo combined with kyokushin or something. Any advice is greatly appreciated because I know next to nothing about karate but am very interested. Also I enjoy brutal training and want these styles to have full contact training.

Secondly, after what amount of training can you begin to enter local tournaments? I would like to compete on some small level someday possibly.

Thank you!

[MasterPain]

MMA could be the way to go. It will give you a good skill base if you change your mind later. Kyokushin tends to encourage crosstraining, but doen't include much grappling. Judo is perfect for short stocky guys, but doesn't include striking typically.

As far as competition, you'd want to train hard and consistantly for a couple years before doing an MMA fight, just because, frankly, it hurts. In karate or judo, you could compete with others of similar skill in a few months.

The best advice, though, is to visit local schools, ask to watch a class, and get a feel of the general vibe.

[DWx]

Welcome to the forums trevalan2000

Have you checked out what styles are being taught in your local area?

Since you've said you'd like grappling and full contact striking, I'd agree with MasterPain that something MMA focused might suit you. Or maybe a knockdown Karate style with some grappling thrown in as well.

I wouldn't be overly concerned about your build when looking what style to start, be more mindful of the instructor and how the class feels and what they do. Things can be adapted to suit you.

[trevalan2000]

I am going to go around and look at all the different schools when I have the time in a day or two and talk to the instructors maybe get some free courses. ill post back later thanks for the responses!

[sensei8]

Secondly, after what amount of training can you begin to enter local tournaments? I would like to compete on some small level someday possibly.

Thank you!

You can enter any local tournament without any training. Will you win? Maybe, maybe not. Tournaments have white belt/beginner divisions.

Good luck, and please keep us informed how things go.