I'm trying to find the right style for my body type. I'm a girl, 17, 5'1 and 94 lbs. I would like to learn how to defend myself effectively (and gain some weight)
Any ideas?

I am 12, 5'1 and 94 pounds!!
I use combonations of kickboxing TKD and Wing Chun.

I am bigger than both of you but still smal compared to most of the people I train with. I am just over 5ft 7, and weigh around 130 pounds.

If you fancy karate, wado ryu is a good style for small people (I am biased though, so check it out for yourself). Kung fu/jkd must be good for small people because Bruce Lee was tiny, juitsu or aikido would be good if you would prefer a grappling art, because you will use your opponents strength against them rather that your strength against theirs.

Really though, the best thing is to check out lots of clubs. The instructor is more important than the style. Find one you feel comfortable with and whose students impress you. Try out a few classes and see what you think.

Good luck finding an art/instructor right for you.
Sharon
P.S. welcome to the forums [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif[/IMG]

Thanks for welcoming me [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif[/IMG]
[QUOTE] juitsu or aikido would be good if you would prefer a grappling art, because you will use your opponents strength against them rather that your strength against theirs. [/QUOTE]

a grappling art sounds good because I am not very strong.

I used to take karate when I was younger but I only got to yellow belt and we moved, I haven't looked in to a new school since.
But just recently, I went to a martial arts school near me and met the teacher, he was really nice and there were only 3 people to his classes. The first thing he teaches you are self defence moves to get your opponent down long enough for you to run. Then he gets into the more complicated stuff later.

Aikido, Ju Jitsu, Kung Fu....

Karate can help with the size difference too..but it takes time to develope power...

Take up running in addition to whatever art.

Let's face it... For someone your size, pure grappling arts aren't the best idea. I'm refering to BJJ, wrestling, etc. mainly because these arts rely prodominantly on atleast having an average adult sized body to be applied to a real situation IMO. For example, it would be pretty hard for you to head and arm a 6' tall agressor.

I recommend a good striking art. Mauy thai sounds ideal for someone like you. Nothing fancy, just basic moves that will prepare you for the street.

Decide what you want out of Martial Arts and be honest with yourself.

Nearly every person I have ever met that says they do it to defend themselves, to keep fit etc. is really their way of covering up the fact that they want to look cool doing fancy kicks and/or breaking boards and playing with weapons. The others really want to get their hands dirty and kick some ass!! (You get the odd one that is genuinely training for Self defence, but they are few and far between and usually lacking in self confidence).

There is always a halfway house, BJJ and boxing will benefit you as will JKD (although JKD instructors tend to have a base art in which their JKD practice is based). But in all honesty BJJ, boxing and JKD to a lesser extent is a bit like a dry red wine, its not to everybodies taste although it sure will get you drunk!! (bad analogy I know!).

Any way to the point, I wouldn't worry about your weight, you might want to see a doctor to get checked out to make sure you don't have any problems.

As for choosing an art, it's easy to make mistakes early so shop around and see what you want; if it just self defence you will want a school with a reality feel, you will know when you get their (mainly because their will be little or no kicks above the waist). If you see fancy looking stuff like Wu shu, capoeira and TKD they are not as easy to apply to street defence (that was not an invitation to every Wu shu, capoeira and TKD exponent to come up with a 100 examples of how a jump spinning back kick knocked out 7 people at once).

In all honesty go find something you like the look of and then buy "Dog's don't know kung fu: a guide to female self proctection" by Jamie O'keefe http://www.newbreedbooks.co.uk/ that will pretty much sort you out.

hey littleone,

Im also 17, about 4'11 and coming in about 90 right now I have to agree with ninja-raiden in that grappling arts arent the best choice.

Does it have to be a martial art? Ask yourself what you want. If fitness and defence skills are what you are looking for, take self defence classes and aerobic classes. If you want an education and a more technical base, then a martial art
(preferably striking).

As for gaining weight, do you eat healthy i the right amounts? If so, dont worry about gaining weight. You are the weight intended for your frame. If you are an irregular eater who isnt eating the best and losing some pounds, stop it immediatly and eat healthy.

NEVER think that your size can stop you from doing a martial art.

welcome to the board little one, I myself am pretty short I'm only 5'4 and 155lbs.at 23 yrs. old, I don't think I'm gonna grow anymore): but my Sensei said that I'm built like a brick since I used to do some weight training alot before and I'm the shortest in our Karate class being the only asian in our Renbukai Karate dojo. Anyway here's some martial arts that I think yould like Arnis,Karate,wing chun,tkd....etc. In the end it's all up to you and how you apply your chosen art.

[This message has been edited by arnisguy@calgary (edited 12-01-2003).]