Seaching for some advice

[Sherp]

Hello everybody, I am hoping that you can help me in chosing an art form to begin with! This is my first post and I am a (soon to be) beginner.

A little about me: I am an 19 year old male and have the opportunity to join a martial arts club at school. I have a lean build but have an extremely high strength to weight ratio. My flexibility (especially through the hamstrings) is not exceptional though!

I have access to the following classes: Aikido, Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, Kendo, Tae Kwon Do, and Tai Chi. Both Aikido and Tae Kwon Do offer beginner and intermediate courses, so further progression is a possibility. The classes are 1 and 1/2 hours, twice a week. They are all (for the most part) recreational but I am very interested in building on my skills and plan to take it fairly seriously. I am very willing to learn!

My main goal is to learn self-defense in a real-world situation. Ie being jumped on the street, a bar fight, etc... I am also always interested in improving my strength/flexibility/fitness. I weigth-train on a regular basis and am active, so I am already in good shape. The spiritual aspect is also very important for me - to obtain a "zen."

So, with that said, which martial art(s) is best for me?

Thanks for the help in advance :)

[WhiteWizard]

All the arts have applications for different situations you can't beat going to try them out for yourself though some people like some styles more than others. Instructors in one of the styles may be better than the others.

You can't really train for real life situations due to the many factors both physical and mental. However i wish you good luck in your search and welcome to MAP :)

[munchkin]

It isn't really the style but the person studying it. You can train me all you want in a self-defence course to gouge someone in the eyes - but I know I probably couldn't actually do it. I think you need to find a place that gives you the strength, conditioning and confidence in knowing you can handle yourself, rather than worrying what "style" you study. And remember, not being there is the only way to win a fight. Good luck.

[Thomas]

It seems that you have a good variety to choose from. Go in to each class and either observe or try them out. You will probably find one that "clicks" with you, either by the teaching style/attitude of the instrtuctor, by the topics being taught, or even by a feeling of trust/comfort/interest. Then, choose that school.

All of the arts you mention can be very effective... and success really depends more on the individual than on the style. Good luck.