I have tried Judo, Aikido, Kendo, and Muay Thai, and done Karate and Tae Kwon Do extensively. Personally, I'm doing it for the physical training and the sense

I have tried Judo, Aikido, Kendo, and Muay Thai, and done Karate and Tae Kwon Do extensively. Personally, I'm doing it for the physical training and the sense of accomplishment more than practical fighting abilities, since I don't plan on getting into a street brawl. Aikido didn't really feel like exercise to me (I barely broke a sweat in training), but it's a lot more focused on energy and focus, which is also cool. Judo is great if you are short and stout, but I'm too tall and skinny. Muay Thai was a little too harsh and physical. For me, Tae Kwon Do and Karate combine strength/stamina/flexibility training with the calm, focused side of things that I also like about martial arts. Tae Kwon Do focuses almost only on kicks, while Karate includes both kicks and punches. I have really stiff legs, so Tae Kwon Do actually turned out to be great training. The beginning can be the hardest part to get through if you start in really poor condition, so my advice is don't give up! You will get stronger and surprise yourself if you stick with it. Overall, learning to have control over your body and move swiftly, powerfully, and efficiently is a great feeling. Martial arts groups also tend to be open, supportive, and a great source of stress relief, in my experience. Good luck!