This is something I get asked all the time.  When asked this I always respond back, “what is your goal or purpose for training?” Sometimes I get a confused look because they really haven’t thought this through.  If you just want to get in shape, study any martial art that you are interested in.  It doesnt matter!  History or historical training then you want something that has a lineage that can be traced back through time and has been transmitted correctly over time.  If you want to compete in a sport there are a lot of avenues.  Boxing, Kick Boxing, Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian JiuJitsu, Judo, MMA, etc.  Lots of choices.  If you want more realistic self defense.  First and foremost start learning to utilize a firearm and seek appropriate training through USCCA or seek instruction with another good instructor but do your research first.  It’s important that they understand the laws and legal ramifications.  Just because they were in some operational capacity in a military unit doesnt necessary mean they will be good at understanding the laws in your area.  Thoroughly research before training with someone.  Then combine firearms training with a Martial system geared towards self defense like Krav Maga, Instinctive Response Training, Senshido, Dekiti Tirsia Siradas, Pekiti Tirsia, some Silat, Combatives, etc.  No matter what, the system should have training in understanding the laws in your home country.  That is essential…  If you are in Law Enforcement study Firearms paired with your Departments Defensive Tactics and Brazilian JiuJitsu for body control.  Specifically BJJ that is geared towards Law Enforcement.  Most importantly, you need to figure out what your goal in training is.  What do you want to achieve.  Once you do this then you can determine what you want to train in!  Then do research on whom you will be training with!  This is very important!!!  Only then start training…