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Ever notice a lot of guys that get into this are also interested in the martial arts? I wonder why?
I imagine it's because people who practise martial arts have a strong mentality of self improvement, and the same is true for those who want to become better pickup artists or improve their social life.
I've been doing kickboxing and mixed martial arts for about 8 years. I've also been doing some boxing recently though I havent for a few weeks now. I think what you choose depends entirely on what you want to get out of it.
Personally I'd stay away from karate or judo, because karate isn't very practical (a lot of straight punches, solid stances, not very dynamic) and judo is completely about grappling. If it came to using either on the street I don't think they'd be as effective as a striking art such as boxing or kickboxing.
You also have to understand that martial arts nowadays are generally sports, NOT self defence. That being said, MMA is a sport but I feel confident I could lay out the majority of people who don't know how to fight - the type you see brawling outside of pubs. Equally a decent boxer, kickboxer, muay thai practitioner or any other combative martial artist should be able to deal with people on the street who don't really know what they're doing.
If I were to recommend one it'd be MMA simply for it's diversity.It's called mixed martial arts for a reason; it incorporates strikes from various arts including boxing, muay thai and kickboxing, in addition to grappling from judo, jui-jitsu, wrestling etc. It'll make you comfortable in controlling other people (grappling) and if you do find yourself in a scuffle you'll still be able to throw a solid punch. If you have a good workout and diet then you'll get a great physique, you'll have more confidence in yourself, you wont be intimidated by that drunken loud-mouth who just wont leave you alone and you'll just feel much better about yourself.
That's just my two-cents anyway. I suggest you try out a few different martial arts and then just go with the one you enjoy the most