This is a question which I have seen asked so many times over the years.
I have also seen many different outlets try to tackle the question, from magazines to books to online videos. I have seen some sources use it as an opportunity to merely promote their own styles while bashing others, while I have seen some articles which try to tackle the question in a more scientific manner breaking down your physical structure and what best suits you that way. However, I feel it really comes down to what your ultimate goal is.
Some people will say, "Well if you don't want to learn how to fight then why do you want to do martial arts?" Or, "If you can't use it in the street than it is useless." Or "traditional martial arts are useless, only MMA is worth your time." I believe these are all false and misleading statements.
Now I myself am one who started training in traditional martial arts and transitioned to real competitive kickboxing, but that is my personal journey, my vision quest you could say. Does that mean it has to be the same for you? Absolutely not. I still love and appreciate the traditional art forms and always jump at the chance to learn and absorb new techniques from masters and practitioners of the older styles. Just like I don't do a whole lot of weapons training at the moment, but there are some people who stick solely to arts such as Kali and Kendo and I think that is great.
At the end of the day you need to decide why you want to take up the martial arts. Is it simply for fitness and weight loss? Is it for self defense? Is it to find a new hobby and meet some new people? Do you like the beautiful movements of kata and forms? Do you want to compete in full contact fighting? Do you want a little bit of all of the above? There is no wrong answer. The great thing about the martial arts is they can provide all of these things. I always suggest people keep an open mind and see where their martial arts journey takes them. I was initially put into martial arts classes because I was shy with other kids when I was younger. Then, I fell in love with Kung Fu movies and Bruce Lee and wanted to imitate what I saw on screen. It wasn't till later that I decided I wanted to test myself and fight in the ring. Who knows where your journey might take you? There is only one way to find out, and that's to take that first step.
