should your body type correlate to what martial art is best for you?

[bremner]

hey, im 22, 6'4 190 lbs, and just wondering if there are certain martial arts that someone with a particular body type would benefit from. now i know many would say alot of its in the mind but because of my height i find certain stances and ready positions awkward,(especially low ones). someone told me because of my reach with my legs that TKD would be suitable for me but then i think of my heightened centre of gravity and extended leg attacks that would really leave me vulnerable. ( as they did when i first attempted to spar with a friend. if any one has any advice or suggestion i would be more than greatful to hear them, thanks. sorry kinda just realized i posted in the wrong topic section, still new to the site

[Wolfeye589]

I would think certain body types compliment certain martial arts better than others.

That said, there are ways around things. I'm willing to bet a good part of your trouble with low stances would be due to lack of conditioning. Like any technique, the more you do them, the easier they become. If you want to be as time efficient as possible, you could only go for techniques that your body type compliments, but for the most part you can train yourself to do the other stuff effectively.

I'm 5'10 with a longer torso and shorter legs. I can kick as high as my 6'3" buddy, I just gotta jump first.

[Hammerhead]

hey, im 22, 6'4 190 lbs, and just wondering if there are certain martial arts that someone with a particular body type would benefit from. now i know many would say alot of its in the mind but because of my height i find certain stances and ready positions awkward,(especially low ones). someone told me because of my reach with my legs that TKD would be suitable for me but then i think of my heightened centre of gravity and extended leg attacks that would really leave me vulnerable. ( as they did when i first attempted to spar with a friend. if any one has any advice or suggestion i would be more than greatful to hear them, thanks. sorry kinda just realized i posted in the wrong topic section, still new to the site

Bruce Lee thought that body types were important to one's repertoire. He told Kareem Abdul Jaabar, "imagine trying to get your hips under someone to throw them!"

Larry Hartsell was a built like a wrestler (in his younger days), and went on to specialize & further develop JKD grappling.

[Nicodemus]

I think the most important thing is that the person training you takes your body type into consideration. An experienced instructor, no matter the art or style, should have the ability to modify according to your attributes whether size, speed, strength, power, mentality etc.

For example, like mentioned above.....a good instructor will teach you how to get an opponents hips above yours rather than making you struggle to get yours under your opponents.

[sikal]

I think, overall, certain types of material will suit your body type better than others ... but in most well-rounded systems this means some sections of the curriculum won't suit you well but that doesn't mean the entire system needs to go out the window

Another aspect to consider, along with physical attributes, is your mindset. This will have as much or more bearing on what material suits you as your physical attributes.

[fire cobra]

Your build and temperament should certainly play a big part in how you fight(rather than just what style) ie tall flexible guys can make good kick and knee fighters,small stocky guys with heavy hands can make good punchers,smaller stocky guys without heavy hands can make good wrestlers,cautious patient people can make good counter fighters and so on,after all the eagle cant fight like the bear

[WildWest.]

Find out your strengths and develop your training around them and what is natural for you.....if it doesn't work for you, throw it out.