I have been pondering this for many many years. I finally made the decision that I would like to get involved with them. My reasons are for self-disipline, motivation, and fitness.

The problem is that I want to be 100% sure that I will be able to completely fit into the path of study I am looking at. Reason being is due to my size. I am 6'6" barefoot and currently weight 244 lbs. I have been an athlete all my life, but recently slacked off due to work demands.

I recently found out that the local YMCA that I am a member of is offering karate lessons. So I need to make sure that I am going to be able to progress through the study without being handicapped by my size.

Thoughts? I have had several tell me to go into Brazillian jujutsu due to my height, leg length, and size. But that is MMA stuff and I am not interested.

 

We started our 7 year old when she was 3. She has moved up through the belts and will hopefully earn her green belt soon. After that is brown then black. Our youngest will be 3 in December and we plan to start her then. We are taking them to Shotokan Karate. It has really helped our oldest with focus, balance and discipline. There are a couple of members that are quite a bit taller than me and I'm 6'1". One guy is at least 6'6" and has been a black belt for years. He doesn't seem to be held back by his size at all.

 

Excellent news. Thanks.

 

Tae Kwon Do is what I practice. It is great. Good excerise etc.

 

Not trying to be nosy or a jerk or anything, but why are you not interested in MMA? Is it just the focusing on one discipline aspect? I have been training MMA for a while now and it has helped me improve in all of the areas you mentioned. It is also a ton of fun.

 

I never know, I may venture out to different areas of martial arts. )

 

Well the teacher was a total loser. There were like 4 kids under 10 yrs old in the class. The instructor is about 26 yrs old and looked like a bum off the streets. Came in with jeans and a stained shirt on. Hair was messed up like he just woke up.

He recommended that I go to a jujitsu school about 3 miles away where he trains. So I am back to square one.

 

Your about my size bud, I practice both Krav maga and Haganah. Its a practice a little harder to find, but well worth it. IMO its much more practical and "real". Its a great source to learn self discipline and will help you shed a TON of weight ! (helped me for awhile... now I practice far less frequently, due to some other issues going on, but will be getting back into it full swing by September at the latest... due to some on going surgery)


A guy your size would also enjoy Muay Thai, something I have dabbled in, and had a blast. Its a tad bit more intense tho.

 

You could always start at a boxing gym. It will be a great workout until you're sure which direction you want to take. If there are any bigger guys or pros around you should be able to get into the sparring pretty quickly. Most clubs are inexpensive compared to martial arts.