I was wondering if any else here does any form of martial arts? I've been thinking about starting one for over a year now but I'm having trouble deciding which one I want to do. I was seriously considering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but after doing a lot of research, I've decided against it because I don't want to roll around on the ground. I want to learn something so I can properly defend myself if the need ever arises and to get healthy (I need to lose about 40 pounds)

I'm currently considering Muay Thai, which is Thai boxing. I'm leaning against Taekwondo because many advice against it in a self-defense situation. So, as of now, I'm leaning towards Muay Thai

Oh wow! I've never personally done any martial arts, but I'm interested to see what others say as well. I would love to learn some form of self defense, but I haven't gotten around to it. I also wonder if direct strength building is part of martial arts?

Your ping confused me so much for a minute LOL. I was like, "by you? What?". lmao I think all martial arts teach you self defense and muscle building/ conditioning but they differ on what they focus on. I liked the aspect of smaller people being able to use the opponent's move against them, which is why I was drawn to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but after reading about it and watching youtube clips, I decided it wouldn't be practical in a real self defense situation. Same goes with Taekwondo

Martial arts if you look at their roots is all about discipline more so than self-defence imo. I'm a 4th dan in taekwondo and to be honest if someone was about to attack me, my skills would go out the window and i'd probably boot them then run lol. Have you looked into Combat Sambo, Muay Thai or Krav Maga? Keep in a mind each school might vary slightly in terms of technique. In my honest opinion if you're looking for effective self-defense maybe look into a gym that teaches defence skills.

I'm a kickboxer. It's a great workout. I agree with though, if someone attacks me, any of my formal training would just disappear and I would go flat out hulk mode. There wouldn't be time to think "I need to use this combination of punches on this person," it would just be "I'm gonna punch them til they stop moving or I'm dead."

I did karate for about 6 years when I was 9 up until I was 15. I really enjoyed it for the most part (and was actually pretty good if I do say so myself, haha!), but I felt that as I rose in rank things just kind of started dwindling with my general interest in it and the club I was part of.

It was definitely a defensive style (as majority are), but I learned a lot, and I often think about returning to a different style/type one of these days.

Martial arts are definitely good exercise, but as far as actual defense goes, as and said, I think all skills would go out the window in favour of flight or fight mode, haha! But it's always good to have a least a bit of knowledge just in case.

Thanks for your responses. The self-defense part of all your posts makes sense. I guess I just want the ability to protect myself and get away from the person. I looked into Krav Maga but theres only one gym in my area offers it and it's 45 minutes away. There are closer gyms that offer Muay Thai and Taekwondo, one being the place that trains state and county police. I also found a place near work that has kickboxing. I'm mostly leaning towards Muay Thai at the moment because it focuses on both upper and lower body.

I've also have considered karate. It's really difficult to choose and I don't want to go to a gym and not be able to commit because I need to save some money before I do anything. Thanks again for your responses