What's a good martial art for a complete begginner at 26?

Question

I am looking to start studying a martial art, but I have NO background.

If it matters, I am 26, 6'4 and 210 lbs. Balance and coordination have always been an issue with me, but that's part of the reason that I'm thinking about this course of action. Regardless, a martial art that requires strong coordination to start would be a bad fit for me.

My two goals:

1. Improve balance/coordination and focus

2. Be able to use my size to defend myself (or beat up) anybody that I need to.

About #2: I'm not violent, but it's important for my confidence that I feel able to take care of myself.

Thanks :)

Answer 1

Don't worry about balance and coordination, that will come by practicing the art. You also need to understand if you want to learn striking, grappling, or both...  If you want to learn to fight in a short amount of time, go to a kickboxing or Krav Maga school. In about a year, you'll be good to go. Also, you may want to take a self defense course.

There is no art that is based on using size as its basis, except for sumo or serum. Usually, in martial arts, size is a huge disadvantage.

I would visit a few schools and see what they have to offer and if you have good chemistry with the instructors. Remember, learning an art takes years of hard work and dedication, but the rewards are well worth it.

Answer 2

so true like all these other awnsers.. its what fits your scedule and determination the best. the only thing I am going to suggest is the style I learned. if its in your area check it out. Okinawaiian Isshin-Ryu Karate.. its a take from Gojo and Shorin-Ryu A hard and a soft style. Its alot of infighting techniques. Dont care about distance, grappling or them fancy high kicks that you'll never use unless demonstrating in a tournoment. But good luck. Train well and what your heart is in to..

Answer 3

Learn wu shu this will sure help you in balance

Answer 4

wrestling totally but its not martial arts but it is a combat sports and wrestling is the second best style in the ufc under jiu jitsu but wrestling would be a good start

Answer 5

Try Tae-Kwon-Do it is a sport for all ages. I've been taking since I was 3 1/2 and am  now 13 and a 2nd degree blk belt. both my parents take and are over 35. The Grand Master at out Dojong is 70 some years old. My point being any age group can do it.

About balance, it is a key factor that is stressed in TKD. if you don't have it right now don't sweat it most all martial artists aren't born with the balance of a crane or what ever.

And self defense is the main goal of most all Martial Arts, especially TKD, but the thing is, you have to be strong willed, determined to finish what you start, be able to show respect to elders, and higher belt ranks (even if the 2nd Dan belongs to a 13 year old LOL), and be able to control your self not lashing out at people just to seem "cool". TKD is to be used only for self defense and not for "Beating People Up"

Answer 6

anyone that is suitable for YOU.but i would aloso suggest freestyle karate as it will teach you stand up,ground/grapplind,weapons and practicle street wise self defence.zen do kai,bushi kai or kempo are good styles depending on what country you are in.

all beginers are uncoordinated and lack focus so dont let that deter you from having a go.

almost any style of ma will help you with self confidence.

Answer 7

Ninjutsu - it is good for any age.  You can still do it when you are 100.  Most other martial arts you will have to eventually retire from.

Ninjutsu is more interesting too.  It is actually 9 martial arts.  Something for everyone.

Answer 8

Try Aikido or Karate or if you want to become super tough and dangerous then try Tae kwon d. all of these will help you

P.s Ninjitsu is not bad

Answer 9

I would suggest Jiu Jitsu/Boxing/Kempo

Answer 10

Dancing and Aikido.

And focus can only be achieved by oneself. That is gaining instinct and not thinking.

Answer 11

Wow...that's weird, I'm 26 6'4 and 210lbs as well...I will give you a star cause martial arts sounds like something I'd like to get into as well.  I'll keep checking back to see what others answer

Answer 12

I would definitely recomend Aikido: its the best self-defence based martial art out there, and can also be used to attack if neccesary. It also teaches you to defend from weapon attacks (something that martial arts like Karate do not). Emphasis is placed on controling and neutralising your attacker, rather that beating the living daylights out of him! It doesn't rely on brute strength, but using your attacker's momentum against him.