A typical question....which martial art?...?

Question

When it comes to the various martial art styles, I'm fairly clueless, I'm 5'10, 16 years old , 270 pounds, and look like I'm in the 25-30 BMI "overweight" range which indicates high bone density. I'm thinking of picking up martial arts for both self defense and fitness, and I'd rather learn a style that best accommodates my large frame (most likely something along the lines of wrestling or Judo) over ones that require abnormally high joint strength, ones that favor small size and agility, or height/limb reach

Answer 1

Before you do anything get your self in top shape, then decide, as I advised in my last post to someone, they will absolutely almost kill you with exercise, be ready. Do heavy intensity training , choose a low kicking art such as Okinawan karate or American kenpo, you will be so much better off.  By the way cut out the junk food, if you don't your workouts will not get easier, TRUST ME ON THIS!

Answer 2

Try Keichu Do, if you can find a dojo near where you live. I've done that and people of all sizes can do it, the main focus of the art is self-defense. However, if you join, you will have to do some fighting (sparring and wrestling), so if you have a problem with that you will want to find a different sport.

Answer 3

From what you describe Judo or Sambo would be excellent choices for you, but I give you a word of caution about getting hung up on style.

A style will not defend you on the street. There is no style that will make you superman. How it works for you is up to you.

More important then the style you take is finding the one in your area that has the best instructor, that trains realisticly with progressive resistance, that you can afford, and that suits you. There are many answers on here about finding a good instructor/school and what to watch out for.

People on here will generally tell you the style they take or the style of their favorite UFC fighter, without regards to the fact that maybe that style is not offered in your area. My advice is to find the best training you can, rather then worry about style so much. Maybe you will find that there is a MMA gym in your area that puts the other schools to shame. If that's the case that would be what I recomend for you.

Good luck, and choose wisely. I applaud you for wanting to start.

Answer 4

I'd say try jujitsu,Brazilian jujitsu or judo and maybe Chinese sanda wrestling.

Answer 5

try out boxing, kickboxing, or muay thai. all of them have great cardio emphasis which would help you get fit and lose weight.  wrestling is great too but mix it up with some striking.

Answer 6

you are lookin for jujitsu cause you will be able to use your weight for an atvantage....its a a very cool art

Answer 7

Normally I would not recommend a style, but rather I'd recommend looking for the best instructor you can find.

In your case because of the info you provided it does sound like you are looking for Judo. Especially if the class you join does plenty of exercise.

Best of Luck!