Um help?

[shinimegami412]

I'm an 18 year old female, 5'4" and 120 pounds. I have always wanted to take a form of martial arts. The philosophy has always interested me, and the ability to kick butt if I have to is always appealing, but not the focus. The problem is, I have absolutely no clue on which would be a good one. I'd preferably not take one that focused on defense, since that's too girly for me, but one focused on throwing people around wouldn't be too good for me either, since I'm so tiny. I've looked everywhere for sites or whatever that could help me, and going to martial arts places hasn't been much help, since they were mainly focused on getting me to sign up with them.

 

Can anyone give me advice on where to look and so forth? I'd be so appreciative.

[CheekyMusician]

Just because you're tiny doesn't mean that you can't participate in throwing arts. In fact, having a low centre of gravity will give you an advantage.

 

I'm only about 5 foot and I refuse to let that stand in the way of any martial art I want to participate in. I mean, height isn't a major issue. There's people that succeed in the martial arts who have bigger problems than their height, so don't let it get in your way.

 

You really haven't narrowed down what your looking for much, though.

 

If you want an art with a spiritual side, then Aikido could be good for you. Size isn't an issue in it, you use your opponent's momentum against them. Its a very defensive art, but not in a "girly" way.

[Ben]

i dont know too much, cause i myself havnt started lessons yet, but i'll just put a bit of positive/logical thought into it.

 

because of your size, and also the fact that you've said you dont really like the idea of throwing, that rules out judo, and other such similar arts.

 

you;re a small person so you should be quick on your feet, able to move fast, but wont be too strong initially. read through this site, and find definitions of each art name you find its what i did to see if what art i wanted to do - and it was taekwondo.

 

hopefully someone more experianced can answer you, but knowing someone has read your post and tried should atleast tide you over till someone can put a decent point of view on your situation

[Nikkolaiashimon]

Ok, so your looking for a martial art. Id give you a quick answer and tell you to take whatever i take... but youve gotten plenty of that already from visiting schools, so here ill try to help make you more informed.

 

If your interested in the philosophical aspect of martial arts then Aikido is great. But all martial arts will give you some sort of philosophical advancement. Other biggies would be Kung Fu or Quigong.

 

On to the more butt kicking part:

 

The most widespread forms of martial arts in the USA are Karate, Tae Kwon Doe, and more recently Kickboxing. I personally take Tae Kwon Doe, but all of these are a great arts to study. They will give you a well rounded disipline of forms(training patterns), sparring(real combat training), and self defense(all the throws and holds).

 

These arts are great because they are easy to start, and have tons of potential. However you have to be careful because in the USA some schools have in my opinion become rather soft, and no longer teach a useful MARTIAL art. I would personally avoid schools that have anyone under the age of 13 with a blackbelt.

 

The other martial art that i study is Kung Fu. Which is a great Martial art if your looking for more Form training and less sparring and self defense. Plus in Kung Fu you will be given the opportunity to study many of the weapons in the martial arts world(Staff, Sword, Chain).

 

I hope this helps a bit, if you want more info on any particular Martial Art im sure someone can give you a very detailed explanation. Its great that your doing research before you join though!!

 

And welcome to the KarateForums!!!!

[Kumite988]

Well...you're definitely not too tiny to throw people thats for sure. But its become very sport oriented which I believe is something that your not looking for. I would reccoment Jiu Jitsu, Aikido, or Wing Chun gung fu. With wing chun it doesn't matter how powerful the person is, because it focuses on using the opponents energy against them, and diverting it. It is a very involved art. Heres a site you might wanna check out.

 

http://www.allmartialarts.com/KIXCO/History/kungfu.htm

[battousai16]

i'd hate to sound like i'm just making a plug for my own style, but i believe that there's a hwa rang do school somewhere in chicago. a very nice, well rounded style that touches deep into the philosophical aspect of things. a lot of political controversy, but it dosen't affect the art in its self. i'd check it out if it's near by

[shinimegami412]

Thanks for all your suggestions. Talking to people who have taken martial arts has proved to be very helpful, moreso than on my own.

[Black Dragon]

I personally take Tae Kwon Doe

 

How do you take TKD, and dont even know how to spell it correctly?

[kchenault]

Try Krav Maga. I don' take it but everything I have read about states it is a nasty look at self-defense. Not girly in any way. It is also supposed to flow with natural human instinct. JMO. Good luck.

[Mr. Hall]

I am biased in my opinion, but I think you need to be in a striking art like tae kwon do. Remember, all martial arts are good. You have to decide on what you think you would like to do. Do you like grappling, joint locks, kicking, punching, using weapons, and etc. Once you find out what you think you would like doing, there is a martial art out there for you.