Kung fu quiz

Men's Fitness, Feb, 1999 by P. Myatt Murphy

Which martial art is right for you? Read ahead, and you will learn grasshopper.

Are you prepared to dedicate yourself to the martial arts?

We're not talking about sitting down to an afternoon of Steven Segal flicks (although that does take courage and a stomach for unpalatable acting). No, if you want the steely confidence that comes from knowing you can dish out a little kung fu justice whenever you damn well please, it may be time to apply that $2.99 rental fee toward some personal training instead.

With thousands of different styles to choose from, it's easy to pick the wrong one and walk away with nothing but a bruised ego and a white-belted bathrobe to hang in your closet. To spare you frustration and financial despair, we asked Jennifer Lawler, author of The Martial Arts Encyclopedia (Masters Press, $20), how to narrow down your combat decisions. "Your personality, health and physique all play a part in deciding which martial art is right for you," says Lawler. "The key is putting your pride aside and being honest about what you can and cannot handle from the start."

To find the path you were meant to follow, take the short quiz on page 105 and then proceed to the appropriate section. Next, within that section, pick the style that matches your body type. If you're naturally thin and lean, choose the ectomorph art. Muscular, athletic types should pick a mesomorph style. Finally, if you're big-boned, stocky or overweight, go with an endomorph choice.

Remember, though, that these styles are only recommendations. Study any martial art long and faithfully enough and your body will eventually adapt and become proficient at it. Just look at film stars Samtoo Hung and Jackie Chan - they both received the same training, despite their disparate body types.

The quiz

1. Does a one-mile jog leave you short of breath? (If so, go to the first-degree section; if not, move on to the next question.)

2. Do you consider yourself inflexible? (If so, go to the second-degree section; if not, move on to the next question.)

3. Are you afraid of being knocked out, breaking a bone or seeing your own blood? (If so, go to the third-degree section; if not, go to the fourth-degree section.)

First degree

Lacking stamina isn't an obstacle - it's your motivation to start. The following styles don't require much lung power initially, but they can help develop the endurance you'll need as you advance.

Ectomorph: Tai chi chuan ("grand ultimate fist")

This graceful, non-offensive Chinese art emphasizes stability and balance, which makes it perfect for slimmer guys. A series of controlled, flowing movements teaches all your muscles to work together.

Don't mistake tai chi chuan for tai chi, the version offered in health clubs. True schools are far more challenging, and they allow their pupils to train with a variety of weapons, including double-edged swords.

Mesomorph: Aikido ("way of universal power")

Aikido doesn't focus on exhaustive punches or kicks. The object is to use your opponent's own energy to either disable him (using wrist locks and arm holds) or toss him aside like yesterday's news. This style is much easier for the well-built athlete, since most of the offensive moves are more effective with some extra muscle.

The form comes with a few side benefits. Unlike most martial arts, which require you to pass through 10 ranks before earning a black belt, this Japanese form has only six. After that, you'll be able to sport your very own hakama, the skirt-like pants traditionally worn by samurai warriors.

Endomorph: Judo ("gentle way")

The object of this Japanese-based art isn't to break boards but your opponent's sense of balance, so having some heft doesn't hurt. Stockier builds also have an advantage executing defensive maneuvers, where extra weight helps anchor the body to the floor.

Being short of breath isn't a problem during the early stages of training, which are spent perfecting handholds, grappling maneuvers and learning how to fall properly. By the time you begin the advanced moves, you should have the endurance you'll need to advance further.

Second degree

An inability to do full splits may keep you off the strip-club circuit, but it doesn't have to end your dreams of enforcing martial law. In fact, some of the most popularized names in martial arts don't demand as much agility as you may think.

Ectomorph: Wushu ("arts of war")

If the name isn't familiar, it's because you've been calling this Chinese style by the wrong name: kung fu (which actually means "to master a particular skill"). With more than 300 wushu styles to choose from, wing chun is a solid choice for the guy who lacks body weight and size. Created by a woman, this style enables smaller, lighter people to defeat larger opponents by going after the soft spots that no amount of muscle can protect (eyes, throat, groin, knees and specific nerve points).

Flexibility isn't an issue, since most of the kicks tend to be low (kneecap or shin strikes). Plus, a set of lean, quick arms makes learning the style's armtrapping technique (chi sao, or "sticky hands") a breeze. If this doesn't sound masculine and virile enough for you, feel content knowing that it's the only style Bruce Lee ever studied formally, and no one ever questioned his manhood.