Which Martial Art should I study?
That's a question that only you can answer, maybe with a little help of
your physician (in determining whether you should practice martial arts at
all).
While some people advocate that "my style fits any individual", it is
very debatable if any single individual would adapt to *any* style.
It depends heavily on your objectives, but remember, these may change with
time. Many people who begin martial arts training strictly to learn
self-defense become quite interested in other aspects as their training
progresses.
(a) What are you looking for?
For instance, if you are looking for on the street self-defense
training Taiji or Kendo might not be your first choice.
Some choices: Jujutsu, Hapkido, some Gongfus, Karate, Ken(m)po,
Baguazhang, Tang Soo Do, Muay Thai, Tae-Kwon-Do, Ninjutsu,
Kali/Escrima/Arnis, Silat, or Xingyiquan.
If you are looking for meditation and philosophy Western Boxing
is probably a poor choice as well.
Some choices: most Gongfus, Aikido, Taiji, Kendo, Kenjutsu, or Iaido.
If you are looking for a sport and competition, Shao-Lin Long Fist
would probably be a bad choice.
Some choices: Fencing, some Karates/Gongfus, Judo, Boxing, Kendo,
Tae-Kwon-Do, Savate, or Shuaijiao.
If you are looking for intense body conditioning and muscle
development, Aikido is probably not the style for you.
Some choices: some Okinawan Karates, Judo, some Gongfus, Muay Thai,
Tae-Kwon-Do, Capoeira.
Now these are general guides- in truth any art can be taught in a manner
which promotes any of these things- Taiji masters have competed, some
Aikido schools have rigorous workouts associated with the class, etc. The
way to find out is to look at three things, only one of which is directly
linked to the style.
-The basics of the style (what does it teach, what is it used for)
-The skill and the teaching style of the teacher
-The purpose and the logistics of the school.
See Section (5) "How do I choose a school" for the answers
to the last two questions.
Also remember that more "complete" arts (ones with more techniques)
naturally require longer periods of time for a practitioner to achieve a
given level of proficiency. This is neither good nor bad; there are good
points on both sides of the debate. This is simply another facet to
account for in your decision.
(b) Advice of many experienced Martial Artists agree on the point of "go, read, look around, ask---then decide".
As above the teacher and the school have as much to do with what you will
learn as the style. Check out the styles in your area. Go see some classes
of the different styles and see what interests you and what you think you
would stick with.
(c) Many people change from one style to another.
While this is a common
practice, accepted as a means of development, it is known that the first
style is normally the one that leaves the base, the more profound "marks".
Try to choose a style that suits your needs and at the same time offers you
a kind of "challenge" to go on learning.