I do Tae Kwon Do, have done for 3 years now. But when i was looking to start a martial art, I looked around my local area for classes that were running. Most were offering the 1st class for free, so I tried a few.

More recently I've been on an enforced break to my training, so I have been doing Jiu Jitsu instead. It is a case of trying it out and seeing what's right for you.

This is just my opinion, for what is worth, when new people ask me about martial arts.

1. First I pretty much always recommend Jujitsu above all other styles. I feel it gives a person the most tools for any situation in terms of defense. However, the instructor's teachings and abilities need to be considered. While I am a proponent of joint-locks and small joint manipulation, only training those will leave you deficient in say striking for example.

2. More importantly, price and location. You certainly need to check around all the schools in your area and see about pricing. $200 a month is going to be pretty high for anyone, regardless of training.

3. Fun. Pick a school or gum and a style that you think you will enjoy. If you hate being thrown, something like Judo is obviously not going to be up your alley. If you don't enjoy something, you won't do it for long.

4. Since you mention you want a good workout, ask about what kind of conditioning or cardio they do when you start looking at schools. I will use my gym as an example, every class we do 20-25min of conditioning first and at the end of class of every class we either roll or spar, for at least 2, 5min rounds. Something like Krav Maga, while I am not a fan of the teachings per say, can be a good cardio workout if that's what you look for.

5. As for information on styles, use wikipedia and always ask around. Even ask here, as their are a wide range of styles and disciplines covered here by group members. Just be careful of claims or exaggerated records. Generally, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stuff like dim mok and the dreaded mcdojo's are always lurking around

best thing is to look at all the schools... anything more than 50 a month is not worth it unless it is personal training..except that has its limits as well... if you want a good work i would suggest a style such as tae kwon do. or other standing style art. .. stay away from the olympic style tkd though.. when u check out the schools..make sure they do a variety of things and make sure they are going to be doing something u r in to... i have checked out several schools over the years and some do a ton of exercise and less martial arts...or pick only one or 2 things and that is all u do for that class. i like a variety.. itf style tae kwon do is best in my opinion for this... u get a mix.. warm ups, patterns, stretches, kicks, techniques and sparring all in one class and occationally breaking. some schools do padding sparring, some do non contact and some do both... i prefer both.. but currently the school im in only does non contact. do some research and make sure u get a good school... i have seen some sloppy training.

Aikido is something you might want to consider as well. It takes many years to learn well and you never stop growing and improving. Plus it is a blast to be thrown, roll, get up and do it again

LOL as you can see we all have our art of choice. if you can try different ones out, go for it and make your own decision, you'll get out what you put in.

I agree it does get pricey with training fees, grading fees and equipment, but if you enjoy it the expense is worth it.

I would also recommend jiu jitsu, but depends on the places nearby. If you don't want to grapple I would recommend muay thai for a striking style.

You should let us know what types of schools are in your area. We could give better advice knowing that. I am a black belt in TKD but i wish i would have done a diferent style when it comes to self defense. However TKD is great for flexability and excercise. You will get the most excercise in sparring. Forms, also called a Kata in other martial arts, have there purpose but they are not great for excercise.

Also, take into consideration the cost of belt promotions. Some schools really get there money by ripping you off for belt testing. Other schools only really charge for the cost of the belt. Just make sure you are joining a school that wants to help you train and not just take your money in every way they can. Don't just talk to the school when researching. Take the time to actually communicate with other students. Especcially those students that appear to be similer to you.

I've always like the more traditional styles...specifically Okinawan Goju-Ryu....I've also trained in TKD and Hapkido. I did some American Freestyle for a little while though I'm not a big fan of that. My favorite was probably the Goju-Ryu. It really all boils down to personal preference.

Seconding the shout-out for Krav Maga! Even though I'd argue that Krav Maga isn't a martial art; it's learning to survive a street fight. There are a lot of exercise drills, which are an incredible cardio workout in and of themselves, plus a good bit of conditioning work. The calorie burns are also higher than in most martial arts.

Another way you might see what looks like the right style for you is to watch youtube clips of this discovery channel program called "Fight Quest." These two guys basically travel around the world to learn about differing fighting styles, and then going against the practitioners. It's worth watching the krav maga episode JUST to see the MMA fighter get his *kitten* whooped by a tiny Israeli woman. Scratch that: it's worth watching just to see a female martial arts instructor!