I was wondering which type of martial arts I should take?

Question

I am looking into taking a martial arts class, but I'm not sure which one I should take. I am small, only like 5' 2'' but I lift weights, run and keep in shape. Also, I'm 15 by the way. I was watching a tv show and they mentioned ninjutsu? I don't know if they even teach that or if it's approprite, I just heard of it.

Also, I don't want to take something common like karate. But, then again, I'll settle for anything. Thanks!

Answer 1

Do you have a wrestling team at your highschool?  It is free and will probably start in October.  If it was like my old team, they are ALWAYS looking for smaller guys who weigh 100-130 because they are usually hard to find.  

Answer 2

because wrestlers compete in weight classes, it is still possible for you to compete in if your high school allows it.  I would also look into boxing/ kickboxing, judo, or brazilian jiu jitsu.  Depending on where you are, you may even find a sambo or catch wrestling club/gym.

Answer 3

I would take Tae Kwan Do, hapkido or judo. And maybe Muay Thai but your too small for it I think.

Answer 4

since you're kinda short, i wouldnt recommend martial arts that uses legs alot. i do recommend either hand striking(boxing, kung fu), grappling(ninjutsu), or throwing(judo, jujitsu) martial arts.

right now i personally take Sanda if u want a martial art with all arm and leg strikes, grappling, and throws combined. Sanda is very effective

if Sanda is not available at your area, try MMA(Mixed Martial Arts)

Answer 5

I would recommend Judo for someone of your stature. It's a fantastic art to learn that will give you a firm grounding in the principles of leverage.

However, you first need to check out what is available in your area. There's no point becoming really set on a particular style, only to find out that there are no schools teaching it nearby. Make a list of the possibilites then go and visit each school. Most places will have no problem with you observing a class, and many will give you a free trial lesson. Try them out, see what suits you and what the instructor is like. Go with whatever you enjoy and will stick at.

P.S. Karate may be very popular, but it's a formidible art. Don't write it off just yet- you might be missing out on something that you could potentially enjoy very much.

Answer 6

Wrestling is a co-ed sport. (I'm a girl, 21 now).

As for styles to take, judo is a strong source. It works on body mechanics. With your short stature, your center of gravity is lower and that will make you a prime candidate for the art.

A traditional, okinawan style martial art is called Isshinryu. It is designed to be street effective and though it encompasses blocks and strikes, it uses natural stances, submissions, and takedowns. Considering the founder was from okinawa, I believe he was about 4'10". Many marines trained in this art while stationed in Japan.