Which martial art is should I choose and why?

Question

I'm a rather tall individual (6' 2") and I do prefer hard striking styles over passive softer styles, but to be honest I'm open to anything so long as it's practical and can be used in real situations). I'm moving for college and have done some research to find schools around the area, and so far it seems as though my only choices will be Tae Kwon-do, Aikido, Karate, Wing Chun, and maybe Hapkido. Any suggestions as to which style I should choose would be awesome. Oh, and I'm very aware of having to search for a school that puts teaching in front of profit. I've been in that situation before.

Answer 1

It's all personal choice.  When you get to the new area, check out the studios/dojos.  

If you are tall and in good physical shape, you could be very dangerous with Taekwondo.  But sometimes, taller people have trouble with the various kicks.  But when they start to pull it off, they are hard to stop.  In real situations, one 360 jumping hook kick usually will quiet everybody around you.

As far as real situations, I am partial to Krav Maga.  It don't get much more real than that.

As far as profits; remember you get what you pay for.  If you take somebody that dedicates their life to an art and they choose to share their knowledge for a living - why shouldn't they get paid.  I know their are pleny of McDojos out there but again... you get what you pay for.

Answer 2

I've been doing Karate for 5 years and it has a lot of focus on striking.  Taekwondo is also very strike oriented but is often more point sparring (start, stop, start, stop...) than full on sparring.  The Taekwondo schools in my area are very much focused on the business part of the school (just something to be aware of).  If you could find a boxing, kickboxing, or MMA school in your area you may like those styles as well.  Just so long as you don't mind getting hit back!

Maybe you could go into the individual schools and see if they will let you participate in a class to see what you think of it once you are out on the floor.

Whatever you choose, I hope you have an awesome time!  Martial Arts are awesome!

Answer 3

Okay first of all let me get rid of the martial arts that don't focus on hard striking styles.

-Aikido

-Wing Chun

-Hapkido

While hapkido is hard style compared to aikido(they are very simmillar) it is not a striking style.

Tae Kwon Do is very much based on striking.

Karate depends on which style you use but it is also a striking style.

As for which is better in the streets based on striking(TKD and Karate) it depends on the person, not the art.

If you're going to college i would advise Tae Kwon Do because most Universities have Tae Kwon Do clubs where they form teams and compete against other Universities(it's actually quite cool)

Answer 4

wing chun,  very practical

Answer 5

you sound likie you would like tae kwon do or karate more because they are more strikeing arts.

i sugest going to all the different styles classes and trying them all out the decide which one youlike most. i suggest trying wing chun i really love it but the closest place to where i live is kinda out of the way and it is way to expensive.

Answer 6

Don't waste your time on any of those. Boxing would be better. Live sparring, not point fighting.

Answer 7

Where do you live first of all, if near or in Orange County I can show you good schools.

EDIT: Irvine, Perfect. I go to 1 of the 2 best Wing Chun Schools in CA and it's in Lake Forest, if you ever wanna call or stop by that'd be cool. There's also a place called OCKB in Irvine that teach Muay Thai, BJJ, Kali, JKD, etc.

There's many TKD places and Karate places around you can go to also, OC is a good place for Martial Arts, if you ever plan in going to Wing Chun Email me.

Answer 8

If you are looking for hard striking, I suggest muay thai kick boxing.

I live in Orange County, and am not far from Irvine.  There are plenty of places.

http://www.socalmartialarts.com has a complete list of southern california martial arts schools.  You will find what you need there.  If you don't email me through the contact and i will help you.