Looking for the "right" style

[big_samp]

I am a 6'9 former college athlete looking for a style to compliment my body type. I weigh in at 280 lbs and I'll be the first to admit I'm not in the best shape. But what I'm looking for is a style with punches, kicks, and some grappling but without all of the jumping around. Any suggestions?

RLSampson

[jwinch2]

Most guys on here will probably tell you to find the best school and instructor in the area and train with them rather than getting too caught up in a style debate.

My own advice as a bigger guy who has gone through the search process is to do alot of reading about the styles availible in your area. After that, look at WHO is doing the teaching. Are they reputable?

After you go through that, hopefully you will have two or three places still on your list that are possibles for you. Go and watch a class or two. Don't participate in the first one you go to or you might miss things such as how people interact with each other while you are trying to figure out what the heck you are doing. After observing classes at each place, try them out and then just go with the place where you felt the most comfortable and at home.

There alot of people on here who are WAY more experienced than myself so they may have some differing advice. Feel free to take or disregard my advice as it works for you!

Good luck!

Jason

[mdamignani]

I would suggest going around to the different dojo's in your area. Judo would be a good start, I personally train in ninpo which has some grappling, strikes and also some weapons training. I find it to be very well rounded. The most important thing imo is to check out as many schools in your area that u can so you can make an informed decision. You need to find something that works for you. everyone has there own reasons for joining a martial art, so you also have to ask your self what do you expect to get out of training. Do you want to train for self defence, to stay in shape, to enter tournaments etc.
I hope this helps a little
sincerly Matthew Damignani
ps. good luck in your search

[s.henson]

I would reccomend a Japanese/Okinawan art, but I suppose I am a little prejudiced. You may not like the high kicks you find in TKD. Be careful, there are a lot of schools in Atlanta, and I'm sure a lot of McDojo's. I'm about 30 miles south (Jackson), if I think of anything else I'll try to let you know.

Well about 45 miles, something like that

[Bad Karma]

Ask yourself if you want to bang or not. I mean, do you like being physical (a lot of contact) and competition or are you more interested in learning something softer with less contact and/or less competition?

Peace

[lazancot]

For what you want to acheive there are many offshoot styles which may help you but I would do something along the lines of BJJ or JJ and cross train with a striking art not too focused on kicks. I am not sure how much high kicking Hapkido has but I know it is a very powerful form. Classical boxing wouldn't hurt either to get some different punches and develop power.