Role of physique in martial arts (?)

[BlackMaskX]

Does anyone think that physique should be a major consideration when deciding what art(s) to study? I have heard that people with certain physiques will naturally be better at certain martial arts. For example, people who are tall and thin will have an advantage in some striking arts like TKD because of their longer reach, and shorter, stockier people will have an advantage in judo and BJJ because they are usually stronger and have a lower center of gravity. Or, do you think that physique doesn't really make much difference when choosing an art, and you should focus more on what you want to do than what you think you will be good at?

As for me, I am fairly tall and very light--about 5'9"-5'10" but only about 130-135 lbs. When I was in TKD, tall, thin people seemed to have an advantage over short, stocky people. But, this was in light-contact point sparring; in a real fight or full-contact match, I wonder, would the advantage be reversed?

[Xtreme J]

Natural ( physical ) attributes will always contribute ( at least ) or ( slightly ) inhibit your progress in martial arts. For example, I'm 6'1, built, and ( at the moment ) around 270 pounds ( working on getting down to 220-230 ). Because of my size and strength, I had to fight the natural urge to use mass and strength to make the techniques work, and focus more on body mechanics and proper angles of movement ( American Kenpo is built on anatomical physics more than anything else ). However, if you train smart, train diligently, you'll overcome this with ease. Find a martial art you feel comfortable with, something that works for both your body, mind, and ability; don't pick something solely based on your body type.