Jujitsu Ohio

What martial art would you recommend for myself?

I have been wanting to take a martial art class for a while now. I am just not sure which one I should go for.

I live around the Cleveland area in Ohio, so there are quite a few options around here. Everything from karate, to kung fu, to jujitsu to tae kwon do. I was looking into this kung fu school near me, but wasn’t sure what to look for when looking at them.

Is is practical to start with something that isn’t karate? Or is karate just the more popular one, which is why I am thinking that way?
I’m 18 years old, I weigh about 150 lbs, and would say I am in good shape.
I really like how some of the different martial arts incorporate meditation, and becoming one with your inner self and what not. Almost like a philosophical side to the art.
What are some other martial arts that focus on that same aspect?
Thank you!
So just check out some schools, and go with my gut instinct as far as whether I should join then…

Thanks for the advice all!

Instead of looking for a specific art or style, it’s much more important to look for a dojo/dojang/kwoon/school where you think you’ll be comfortable training, especially if it’s going to be a long term activity. So, try to visit as many places as possible, sit through a couple of classes, try out free trials if they’re available, and talk to the instructor.

Any martial art can be ‘effective’, and all martial arts have a philosophical base. But the quality of instruction will vary from place to place; not to mention that the training atmosphere of any single martial art class might not feel comfortable to you.

So, again, look around at what’s available to you, and go for the one where you think you can enjoy training.

Jiu-Jitsu – Knee Bar From the Guard – No-Gi