What is the best martial arts for someone who really never knew how to defend self well?

Question

I know that Judo is not for me (tugging and all that). I do love the style and harmonious nature of Aikido, but I don't know if that is the best for me. I'm 5'7" and i have lost over 40 lbs so far and have a long way to go. I am finding ways of continuing my activities with things that I have always wanted to do
Most people who believe in self defense tell me you want a self defense that is not going to play around. Most say 3-5 moves is all there should be in self-defense to put someone down because the longer you are in a fight the better chance that your adversary has to rally back. Somewhat confused about choosing a particular martial art. If anyone has any reference sites to help me decide, that would be great. I also know that most people who follow any particular art will be swayed by their own opinion.
I know that this question has been asked a million times already, but I was hoping to get my own answer.

I'm 37 years old, but still not easily hurt by anything.

Answer 1

Try several different styles. Find dojos that teach more than one style, take a couple of lessons in each, see what you think. It may cost you a little more than just going with one style from the beginning, but think of it as an investment in your wellbeing, and safety.

And don't give up on judo - it's not all standing and tugging. The matwork is great training if you get knocked down and forced into a wrestling match. And it's very good exercise if you want to keep losing weight.

Answer 2

Krav Maga is a no nonsense self defense system. Krav Maga (Hebrew קרב מגע: "contact combat") is a self-defense and military hand to hand combat system developed in Israel. It came to prominence following its adoption by various Israeli Security Forces; now more widely in use including by the special forces of other countries. The version of Krav Maga taught in civilian martial arts classes is more often a simplified version that emphasizes personal self-defense, and is likely to exclude the killing techniques taught to the military, or the holds and come-alongs taught to police forces; there are legal proscriptions in some countries which govern and constrain the teaching of hazardous or life-threatening techniques to I have women and men who have never through a punch before in my classes and they have left feeling confident. Also great workout!

Answer 3

I was involved with karate and boxing for some years....nowdays here in los angeles we have schools that teach mixed martial arts. Use to be you would go shopping for a school and each one will tell you they are the best etc. I recommend a mixed martial arts school or maybe kenpo.