View Full Version : 5"3, 105 lbs looking for the best type of MA.
aminalcwakerz
04-25-2006, 17:46
Hi, I'm Jessi, 20 yrs old in college. Being a small asian 5"3 and I'm really interested in taking Martial Arts, but I don't know which type to take. Since I'm really small, I don't think I'll be able to take down guys that are 6 ft tall by strike alone. I need a martial art that will use their energy against them, or something of that nature. Which is the best type of MA for me?
Webmaster
04-25-2006, 17:50
Jessica:
Welcome aboard. Before we get to the subject of your thread, let's clear up some administrative matters first.
Our rules require that members enter their first and LAST name in the name field in their user profile. You should have noted throughout the registration process that it warns that failure to do so will result in account suspension. I am allowing you time to make the change prior to enforcing this rule. So if you would please go to the User CP and update your profile, we can get started with your inquiry.
aminalcwakerz
04-25-2006, 17:59
Oops! I'm really sorry about that. I've just changed it.
Webmaster
04-25-2006, 18:00
Thanks Jessica!
I have to run and teach class, but will check on your responses once I get back.
Welcome aboard!
Hi, I'm Jessi, 20 yrs old in college. Being a small asian 5"3 and I'm really interested in taking Martial Arts, but I don't know which type to take. Since I'm really small, I don't think I'll be able to take down guys that are 6 ft tall by strike alone. I need a martial art that will use their energy against them, or something of that nature. Which is the best type of MA for me?
You, yourself, is the only one who can decide on what you would consider the best for you. But one you might want to look into is Aikido.
It isn't geared towards defeating someone using brute strength but rather, as you mentioned, using their strength against them. When used correctly, size is not even an issue; a small woman can "defeat" a 300 pound man.
But unlike many other styles it can take a long time to master.
If possible check out some classes and see if it's what you're looking for.
aminalcwakerz
04-25-2006, 18:32
Thx =) I know that ultimately, it's more of a preference, but I heard that karate and tae kwon do mostly use brute strength. I don't know much about martial arts, thought I've done research on the different types. They aren't very thorough in their explanations. hard, soft, internal, external, etc. I'm somewhat confused. I've looked at videos of them training. It all looks too simple to be true! Seems like the opponent is just willingly falling onto the ground. I'm not sure if I will be able to use it in an actual attack. My main reason for wanting to learn MA is self defense, but I also want a hobby and a work out where I feel good about myself and gain self esteem as well.
Eliz Seuferling
04-25-2006, 18:55
Kara's recommendation is right on. I would also recommend Hapkido for the same reasons.
As for TKD, my Master Instructor is 5'3" and MAYBE weighs 110. She is very capable and petite stature is not a handicap to her at all. As I have posted in other threads, the Asian men who were the original practitioners were not exactly an overly tall group of people either. Your physical size should not be a deterant.
AllanJGAnderson
04-25-2006, 18:59
Kara's recommendation is right on. I would also recommend Hapkido for the same reasons.
my sentiments exactly :bow:
aminalcwakerz
04-25-2006, 19:04
Great, thx for the suggestions! Whats the difference between aikido and hapkido? excuse my complete ignorance to martial arts.
Jessica, you might want to take a look at various jujitsu styles too. Hapkido is an aikido derivative, and aikido is a jujitsu derivative. It can't hurt to check out the systems that spawned those two arts.
Good luck!
Jeff Cook
You are one inch taller than Sokaku Takeda from whom many Jujutsu schools proudly trace their lineage.
And as far as TKD goes, unless you are competing in Olympic sparring, there is no particular call for kicking to the head. In so doing your foot passes by many and many a worthy target...starting with the shins, knees, groin, bladder...and working on up. Its like driving past a dozen banks just to go to one very particular bank. You get the idea.
Gan Uesli Starling
Kalamazoo Chapter
http://wmtkd.us
Western Michigan Tae Kwon Do
DragonMind
04-25-2006, 20:54
Now, I'm going to buck the trend and suggest you seek out realistic self-protection training first and FMA (Filipino Martial Arts) second. FMA start by teaching you weapons (stick and blade) before empty-hand. A woman your size needs to be thinking about the realities of assault and not a romantic notion of overcoming big guys with your bare hands. That's for Hollywood.
All of the arts the others have mentioned are fun, effective in their world, and great exercise. You'll be a part of a very small community that can bond tightly and also eat their own young at times. Any of them would be excellent choices for studying a martial art. However, self-protection is a whole other subject and martial arts styles are NOT the answer. Please take a look at Rory Miller's articles and the recent thread on real self-protection.
bvermillion
04-25-2006, 23:16
Jessica, you might want to take a look at various jujitsu styles too. Hapkido is an aikido derivative, and aikido is a jujitsu derivative. It can't hurt to check out the systems that spawned those two arts.
Good luck!
Jeff Cook
I intend no disrespect in correcting you but hapkido is in no way a derivative of aikido. Some of the techniques may look similar but that is because they both come from jujitsu. Hapkido is a derivative of aikijujitsu.
bvermillion
04-25-2006, 23:23
Jessica, you might want to take a look at various jujitsu styles too. Hapkido is an aikido derivative, and aikido is a jujitsu derivative. It can't hurt to check out the systems that spawned those two arts.
Good luck!
Jeff Cook
I intend no disrespect in correcting you but hapkido is in no way a derivative of aikido. Some of the techniques may look similar but that is because they both come from jujitsu. Hapkido is a derivative of aikijujitsu.
To answer your question Jessica I would agree with Barry, but a lot of times schools that claim realistic self defense training aren't that realistic. So I would recommend a fma. If someone is going to attack you they are either going to be bigger than you or have a weapon most of the time. The only way to even the odds is to produce a weapon of your own that you know how to use.
bvermillion
04-25-2006, 23:31
Sorry for the double post. It was too laate to edit by the time I noticed it.
aminalcwakerz
04-25-2006, 23:51
I've never heard of FMA. I live in a small town in North cali.. I'm not sure they'll have FMA...they do have aikido though. Does anyone know any good schools by sacramento?
Brandon, you are absolutely right; my apologies. That's what I get for writing prior to thinking! Thank you for the correction. Jessica, you have my apologies too.
Barry, you need to come to my class, Robert's class, Mark's class, and a few others before you lock your opinion in stone regarding the efficacy of jujitsu for realistic real-world self-defense. Some martial arts schools ARE the answer, although it would definitely be very difficult, if not impossible, for a person new to this stuff (like Jessica) to make that determination.
Jessica, that brings up another recommendation. Find someone you trust who has some knowledge of martial arts, and take them along to observe a class at a prospective school to help you make a decision on where you want to train.
Jeff Cook
Hi Jessica,
I might also reccomend a Poekoelan School if you can find one in your area. A lot of the Poekoelan techniques focus on leverage and are pretty much made for smaller people. Your best bet however is to go observe some classes at various schools and see what you like the best.
Tony Dismukes
04-26-2006, 12:37
I've never heard of FMA.
Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) would include Arnis, Escrima, and Kali, among others.Here (LINK) (http://www.docepares.net/) is a school in Sacramento which looks legit. I found other FMA schools in the area through Google, but this is the only one I found with a good website.
People may think I'm crazy but I'd say brazilian jiu jitsu is good too. One of my main instructors just got her purple belt (Machado) and is pretty much the same size as, maybe and inch shorter than, you are. She's like a friggin spider and can choke guys out in less than 10 seconds. Of course, you would have to study for a while to gain proficiency, but as hands-on as the art is, and due to the possibility of getting in very close situations, I'd say it's a good choice. I'm absolutely sure they have bjj schools in/near sac. I'd at least check out a class if I were you. More than likely there are schools that teach a combination of standup and ground self-defense (the latter of which would include alot of bjj).
DragonMind
04-26-2006, 13:09
Barry, you need to come to my class, Robert's class, Mark's class, and a few others before you lock your opinion in stone regarding the efficacy of jujitsu for realistic real-world self-defense. Some martial arts schools ARE the answer, although it would definitely be very difficult, if not impossible, for a person new to this stuff (like Jessica) to make that determination.
With all due respect to you and the folks you named, it isn't the art that makes y'all effective, it is the people. You are a 1%-er. A fit, strong male of decent size who trains VERY hard at combat skills. Contrast that with a 5'3" 105 lb woman with no training. How long will it take her to achieve your level of skill, or even a decent level of skill, that will enable her to survive an assault by a man twice her size intent on doing her physical harm? Please don't miss my key point, MA training is not a practical means to self-protection because it takes too long, is not based in real violence - at least not the kind she is likely to encounter -, does not neutralize size and strength near as much as is often claimed, doesn't equip her with tools, and still has rules that don't apply.
As for coming to your class, I'd love it. Your ground game is worlds above mine and I'd learn a lot. I'd also like to share the FMA I do with you and compare notes on your weapons experience. I had a great time at the BudoSeek camp rolling with Rory, Rob and all the others. Please don't think I'm bashing any styles, it is not my intention. I'm just calling into question how realistic it is to tell a small woman that she'll learn self-protection from them in any kind of practical time-frame and training effort.
DragonMind
04-26-2006, 13:11
Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) would include Arnis, Escrima, and Kali, among others.Here (LINK) (http://www.docepares.net/) is a school in Sacramento which looks legit. I found other FMA schools in the area through Google, but this is the only one I found with a good website.
Those are some serious and real-deal folks. That would be a great place to check out.
Barry, I too am looking forward to FINALLY getting together with you again!
Now, back to the argument. ;) You are speaking in absolutes. I am speaking in matters of degree. Any training is better than no training. As long as an instructor does not give her, or anyone, unreasonable expectations, and provides good realistic training, avoidance and survivability increases tremendously.
ANY system is as good as the instructors who teach it. If she finds a good instructor, it is a good system. Conversely, if she finds a bad instructor, it doesn't mean it is not a good system.
Jeff Cook
Also one must remember that a "survival attitude or instinct" is needed for a woman who is in a position that actually requires violence -
e.g, mugging, robbery
aminalcwakerz
04-27-2006, 01:21
I live in Davis, and the most practical place I can find is Davis Aikido Institute. I've decided on going there tomorrow and checking it out. Are there any specific questions I would need to ask them? For example, I don't want them to hand out belts like candy, if you know what I mean. I want to actually earn my belt, not just have the title. What do I need to look out for?
Hi, I'm Jessi, 20 yrs old in college. Being a small asian 5"3 and I'm really interested in taking Martial Arts, but I don't know which type to take. Since I'm really small, I don't think I'll be able to take down guys that are 6 ft tall by strike alone. I need a martial art that will use their energy against them, or something of that nature. Which is the best type of MA for me?
Hello Jessi,
The Martial Art of your choice is determine by the availablity of such courses at your locality. I once heard, driving one hour to and fro the dojo/dojang/kwoon quickly diminishes once's enthusiam.
So what are the MA available in your vicinity? Then we can continue the discussion from there.
If Self Defense is your choice, take up a proper self defense course. SD is not limited to your hands and legs. Technology (the legal type like Tazer, Pepper spray or guns if it is allowed in your area plus proper tutorlage) will be most helpful. SD specific courses or something like Krav Maga which are Reality Based program would be some of my best bet.
Do MA as a form of hobby or a sport or a social activity unless you want to go professional, something that you will enjoy a lifetime. MA as a means of Self Defense has a slower return rate compared to a proper SD course per se.
My two penny worth.
David killed Goliath with a stone. Seek wisdom and pursue it. Never underestimate your inner strength.
david killed the giant with a stone. not his hands and feet no efence i thought id just throw that out there?
regardless of the person, every style has its own advantage and weakness. if you should say that you want an energy martial art, then try some of the kung fu styles. one in mind could be Baguazhang another Tai Chi, just search and read. :bow:
Eliz Seuferling
04-27-2006, 10:54
I live in Davis, and the most practical place I can find is Davis Aikido Institute. I've decided on going there tomorrow and checking it out. Are there any specific questions I would need to ask them? For example, I don't want them to hand out belts like candy, if you know what I mean. I want to actually earn my belt, not just have the title. What do I need to look out for?
Good luck. I think you will like Aikido. :)
Just go and observe a few of the classes first and see if this is something you will like, and the people seem like the kind of people you would work well with. Sometimes one look is worth a thousand words. Speak to some of the other students or parents to get their opinion, and so forth.
If you like what you see and hear, than approach the owner for more information.
DragonMind
04-27-2006, 11:16
Barry, I too am looking forward to FINALLY getting together with you again!
Now, back to the argument. ;) You are speaking in absolutes. I am speaking in matters of degree. Any training is better than no training. As long as an instructor does not give her, or anyone, unreasonable expectations, and provides good realistic training, avoidance and survivability increases tremendously.
ANY system is as good as the instructors who teach it. If she finds a good instructor, it is a good system. Conversely, if she finds a bad instructor, it doesn't mean it is not a good system.
Jeff Cook
Methinks there is the making of a new thread in this... :D
i agree, if you watch the first class, and how they train, that might give you a little better understanding then asking how is the training? you know?
Absolutely...look...watch. Personally, when I was looking into trying out a martial art I didn't have a clue what I wanted...only things I didn't want. Over time, you may clarify the reasons you want to study a martial art and change your mind...and even the style.
Good luck. I think you will like Aikido. :)
Just go and observe a few of the classes first and see if this is something you will like, and the people seem like the kind of people you would work well with. Sometimes one look is worth a thousand words. Speak to some of the other students or parents to get their opinion, and so forth.
If you like what you see and hear, than approach the owner for more information.
plus after watching, the only thing you can do, is just do it. then you can find out if its somthing for you or not. how do you do that? well try out an art, and if it feels good, then go for it. but if you feel like there is somthing missing, then you might not want to go about learning that style. for the most part use your judgment
aminalcwakerz
04-27-2006, 12:12
Thx so much everyone! I'm going to check out all the schools in my area this afternoon. Mainly Aikido and Krav Maga. Either of the two. How much are fees usually? this one is 80 a month, unlimited classes. Is that a good deal? registration fee and gi included. They (Aikido Davis Insitute) teach in classes of 12 or so. When you first join, they teach you individually, or in small groups unti you're comfortable joining the larger group. They also have a specific goal ranking system you have to master before you can move on. I'm thinkin this one's it, but I'll make my final decision after I check out the other ones. I just read this one up online.
Tony Dismukes
04-27-2006, 12:39
Jessica, in case you haven't spotted it yet, Pallen's Martial Arts (LINK) (http://www.pallensdavis.com/) in Davis has a FMA (Arnis) program (look in the menus for "Senkotiros"). That program is separate from the Karate program, so if you're going to check it out, you should go on a night when the Arnis teacher is there.
aminalcwakerz
04-27-2006, 12:43
Great Link Tony! Thx so much. I will definately check it out today!
Thx so much everyone! I'm going to check out all the schools in my area this afternoon. Mainly Aikido and Krav Maga. Either of the two. How much are fees usually? this one is 80 a month, unlimited classes. Is that a good deal? registration fee and gi included. They (Aikido Davis Insitute) teach in classes of 12 or so. When you first join, they teach you individually, or in small groups unti you're comfortable joining the larger group. They also have a specific goal ranking system you have to master before you can move on. I'm thinkin this one's it, but I'll make my final decision after I check out the other ones. I just read this one up online.
Sounds like a plan. Good luck on it! :)
littlecelt
04-27-2006, 21:24
Jessica, in case you haven't spotted it yet, Pallen's Martial Arts (LINK) (http://www.pallensdavis.com/) in Davis has a FMA (Arnis) program (look in the menus for "Senkotiros"). That program is separate from the Karate program, so if you're going to check it out, you should go on a night when the Arnis teacher is there.
I'll second Tony's recommendation to check out the FMA program. Barry has also mentioned it as a primary art to study if self protection is your goal. Arnis starts you off with weapons, sticks and knives actually. Economy of motion is one of the key principles, awareness another. Here’s why I’m such a fan: you learn realistic attacks and blocks to those attacks, then counters to those, etc…
When I first started in MA, my objectives were 80% self-defense and 20% learn a long-term art. I had attended several seminars and spoken with many people in different arts, but was still a bit confused. The deciding factors for me were simply that I felt comfortable with the instructors and several senior students at the school I decided to join.
My recommendations for self-protection are:
- Find the right ‘tool’ that’s legal in your area and receive training for it (asp, knife, pepper spray, I would say gun but I know CA … etc) You’re not limited to one.
- Look into Arnis, it doesn’t compete with other MA; in fact it will compliment any other MA you choose.
- Start grappling classes. If you’re concerned with safety, know that chances are high that you’re going to end up on the ground. That 300 lb man you were asking about? Now he’s got you pinned. Me? I want a knife with me at all times, but grappling is also a skill that’s needed.
My recommendations for a MA:
Now that is purely your choice. Some love the tradition and culture, some love competition, some see the holistic aspects in their arts, others are only interested in how much of a bad @&& they can become.
Find one that fits you. It may take a little bit of time and may not be the first art you try.
Good luck and welcome to the addiction.
DragonMind
04-28-2006, 09:24
That 300-lb'er gets off you pretty quick when a Bobbit-ectomy becomes a real possibility! Blade also comes in real handy to get that big oaf to move when you're grappling... :D
i heard once that even a blade of grass can be used as a deadly weapon. of course i hope that is an analogy, because anyone who kills somone with a blade of grass, must be pretty crazy:)
Jessica,
As to the prices you mentioned, they're not bad.
You are a student, right?
They may have student prices.
As to which art, you've gotten a lot of good advice above. Myself, doing aikido, I think it's great. You will learn comportment, composure, distance, movement, fighting spirit, and some technique.
But I would encourage you to do something at some point involving stubborn resistance like judo or Brazilian/Gracie jujutsu.
Good luck. Let us know what you go with and how it goes with you!
aminalcwakerz
04-29-2006, 12:38
i checked out most of the places in Davis. The Aikido Davis Institute looks the most legit. The Pallens one was very childish. More of a "fun" place for social activity rather than real training. There was another one: Roddness something. I walked in, and it was stuffy. Kids that were only 5 years old had on blue, orange belts, and they were being taught by a teenager purple belt. I walked outta there. Anyways, I'm pretty set on Aikido. (yes i'm a student) I'm also probably going to take a 1 unit self defense course on campus at the gym. I'm thinking of starting in a week or so. I gotta hire some more people at my work place first =)
....I'm pretty set on Aikido. (yes i'm a student) I'm also probably going to take a 1 unit self defense course on campus at the gym. I'm thinking of starting in a week or so. I gotta hire some more people at my work place first =)
Good stuff.
Aikido, and/or other MAs, will help with some aspects of self-defense. There are some excellent books to take up the slack. Look for Gavin DeBecker (https://www.gavindebecker.com/home.cfm, see esp. his The Gift of Fear) and Peyton Quinn (http://www.rmcat.com/index.html?fresh=1 and his books).
Best of luck to you.
zatojoshi
04-29-2006, 18:16
Hey there-
Aiki is a lot of fun, and it kinda morphs itself to lend to your personal strengths. Your small size might make certain moves harder to do than for someone who's 6'5", but the good thing is you'll find moves that are easy for you and hard for him/her. That's why I like aiki.
i am in Capoeira, you should look into that maybe. i was into Kung Fu and loved it, but i went with a friend to his competition. and the music, and everytihng was really electrifying, and the movements were really graceful. so i joined and its been so fun since.
David Craik
05-04-2006, 04:22
David killed Goliath with a stone. Seek wisdom and pursue it. Never underestimate your inner strength.
Unless you go by 1SA 17:51, in which case he killed him with a sword, after he had already killed him with a stone in the previous verse. Tough guy, that Goliath.
DragonMind
05-04-2006, 09:07
Unless you go by 1SA 17:51, in which case he killed him with a sword, after he had already killed him with a stone in the previous verse. Tough guy, that Goliath.
Must have been a mis-smote... :D
If you are set on Aikido then cool...enjoy your training. I would suggest that if you are still looking, Id look into learning brazilian jiu jitsu and boxing or muay thai. If you want to do some weapon training Id suggest Kali/Arnis/Eskrima. My jiu jitsu training partner (one of the few women bjj black belt in the country) is about 5'7 and 125lbs. She always tears guys up twice her size. One of our other female students is about 5'4 and 120lbs as well and she hangs quite well. My girlfriend is about 5'2 and 105lbs. Shes now getting into brazilian jiu jitsu and she loves it. Just my two cents.
Robert Soliz
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