I would also like to recommend Aikido. I've studied Aikido Yoshokai for four years, and found it incredibly rewarding. It's a unique blend of happy enthusiasm (

I would also like to recommend Aikido. I've studied Aikido Yoshokai for four years, and found it incredibly rewarding. It's a unique blend of happy enthusiasm (I've heard new students ask why everyone is grinning all the time) with respectful discipline. Probably best to not characterize it as a martial art, though. You'll learn timing, joint locks and throws, sword, staff, and knife techniques, how to fall safely... but most importantly, how to clearly lead and completely follow, depending on circumstances. I've heard it phrased as "the study of harmony"--not just in physical confrontations, but in arguments, office power struggles, and hard life decisions. It's not necessarily a good way to beat someone up: maybe more of a way to resolve a conflict without so much fighting.