| It is a big misconception that because one is short | | | | mechanics for everything because it is designed |
| and small that they will always be weak, and will | | | | directly for small people. |
| always remain unable to defend themselves from | | | | Many of the world's greatest martial artists are |
| much larger opponents. Without training, yes, this | | | | not very big or tall at all. Bruce Lee was just over |
| could be true. But generally: this is a blatant LIE. | | | | five feet tall and only weighed around 130 pounds, |
| Yes, it's a HUGE lie. Small people absolutely CAN | | | | yet he could throw around large, six foot |
| defend themselves against an opponent that is | | | | Karatemen. Many, many great Okinawan Karate |
| potentially twice their size. | | | | masters were barely five feet tall. They |
| For one, true martial arts don't require much | | | | themselves claim that size has nothing to do with |
| physical strength to be used efficiently. None. In | | | | one's study and skill in Karate. And southern Kung |
| fact, a common theme in virtually any martial art | | | | fu, renowned around the world, was designed for |
| is to use an opponent's weight against them. This | | | | shorter people. |
| IS very possible, and a very useful skill to smaller | | | | If you are dedicated, train hard and practice on |
| martial artists. Internal martial arts such as Taiji | | | | larger sparring partners often, you will be able to |
| quan and Aikido even go as far as completely | | | | use your size as an advantage, rather than seeing |
| yielding and blending with an attack before using it | | | | it as handicap. Soon you will see being short does |
| against them. | | | | nothing to your skill; you just have to learn what |
| Some martial arts styles were invented FOR | | | | techniques work for you. It's all about how big |
| smaller people. Wing Chun kung fu was created | | | | your knowledge is, not your body! |
| by a woman, and relies on excellent body | | | | |