Newbie needs help choosing style

[rch427]

I'm interested in learning some form of martial art and I'd like to hear your advice about what style would be best for me. I'm in my 30s and am in OK condition. I'm 6'3" and 160 lbs.--an ectomorph, with long arms and legs but without a lot of muscle mass. No other physical problems.

I'm looking for a practical form that will improve my self-defensive capability. I'm not willing to spend years memorizing hundreds of katas or learning esoteric philosophy (I hope that doesn't sound crass; I respect anyone who has such long-term discipline). Since striking, blocking and trapping seems like more appropriate for my build, I was thinking of Jeet Kune Do. No doubt there are other choices. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance --

Robert

[doubleouch]

Your size is somewhat of a non-issue since most everone needs to learn the same basics. You should look at schools that specialize in training in all ranges of combat from standing to ground. If you want to learn weapons look at their weapons program. Some good places to look would be any Paul Vunak PFS school, any Burt Richardson JKD unlimited, or a straight blast gym school. If you want some good background info go to straightblastgym.com and check out some articles and Q and A with matt thornton. It will answer all your questions.

[rch427]

Hey Doubleouch --

Thanks for the advice. I spent a couple of hours reading most of Matt’s SBG website and found it pretty interesting. I can see what he means about the necessity of training realistically and avoiding dead ends of style. However, I’m not going to move to Portland to be able to learn from him, so my question remains about what style to study. Within 20 miles of where I live (San Francisco) there are probably 75 dojos teaching 15 or 20 styles, so it’s hardly practical to try ‘em all. No, I don’t think weapons programs would be useful, as I don't plan on walking around with a quarter-staff or nunchuks.

As for my size—well, being tall, thin and light with relatively low muscle mass, I don’t think that Greco-Roman or BJJ is going to give me much of an advantage in self-defense, and sumo is right out ;-) I think it makes sense to me to focus on techniques that utilize any physical advantages that I may have. In the same respect, a woman built like an amazon shouldn’t waste her time trying to become a jockey or a prima ballerina.

Still, thanks for the info.

[rooke]

http://www.stillnessinmotion.com/

Bernie Langan is the teacher there. He specializes in "internal arts". These are notorious for using body physics to overcome a larger opponent. He teaches open-hand arts, escrima, and Pentjak Silat Serak (a very close-quarters and devastating style). I've met Sifu Langan many times, and he's a great and humble guy. One of the few whom I highly respect. At the very least, the breadth of arts he teaches might give you insight into what you like and dislike and help narrow down what you want...

Rooke

[Bushido]

Go with JKD

-Bushido

[jun fan man]

go with jkd

im 17 small for my age an a skinny sod but that doesnt matter in jkd i found quite abit of what ive learnt doesnt need much strengh
like if some 1 came running at me with there arms swinging an f-in an blindin side kick to there knee cap they'll go down an not get back up if you connect the kick properly

not much strengh is needed in that!
trust me

the idea of jkd is to finish the fight quickly as possible not to last 4 rounds in a ring with a big heavy weight boxer

but its up to you

good luck in your quest to find the right martial arts for you

[doubleouch]

you are right that your physical attributes will make some techniques better and some not so good for you, I still maintain that the basics are the basics and everyone needs to learn to defend a punch, to execute a takedown, to throw a proper kick etc. By the way Matt Thornton is very tall and skinny and his bjj is not of this earth! It sounds like you are looking for a JKD school or a school that teaches NHB.