Choices
One of the most difficult choices you have to make when considering the Martial Arts is choosing a particular art to study. The first thing that you must do is accept the fact that there is no such thing as a perfect Martial Art. Each art will have its strengths and weaknesses. What you should do is pick an art (or arts) that suits your personality the best. But how are you supposed to make a rational choice about something that you don't understand? (Having seen two dozen Kung-Fu movies may make you qualified to judge bad cinema but it doesn't help you with your educational decision.)
Choosing an art/style is rather like ordering from a menu, in that some choose by taste while others choose by needs. For example: if you are already large or powerful, you might consider Preying Mantis Kung-Fu for its quick & fluid movement. After all, you did come here to become what you are not... didn't you?
STEP #1: Watch as many different classes as you feel you need to get a handle on what the art/style is about.
STEP #2: (This is VERY important)... The next thing that you'll want to do is to talk to some of the students (or their parents). This will let you know how others, like yourself, feel about their Instructor and their art... instead of just believing everything that some "salesman" says.
STEP #3: "Know yourself!" (See below.)
STEP #4: "Try one out"... If you are still unsure, ask the Instructor's permission to participate in a class.
STEP #5: "Apply for Membership"... You may change programs later, if you feel you have made a wrong choice.
Know Yourself
Once you have a vague idea of what the various Martial Arts look like, try to place yourself into one (or more) of the following categories...
TYPE A: "I like competition of all kinds and think that nothing is as exciting as winning a hard-fought contest." If this sounds like you and you like participating in contact sports such as football or wrestling, consider these: Judo, Sport Karate, Kendo, Kickboxing, Olympic Tae-Kwon-Do, etc.
TYPE B: "The thrill-of-victory is not something that I crave, and I'm usually bored by competition, in general. What I really like is to challenge myself and learn new things. " If you think you are more of a Type-B personality, take a closer look at: Kempo, Aikijutsu, Gyaku-Nami-Do, etc.
TYPE C: "I love all forms of fine art and think that ballet is much more exciting than boxing." If you are attracted by beautiful things, consider: Aikido, Iaido, Kung-Fu, Tai-Chi, etc.
TYPE D: "I hate theory and love simple, practical things. Try: JuJutsu, Kobudo, Traditional Karate (i.e. Shorin-Ryu, Tae-Kwon-Do, etc.)
Other Considerations
How much time can you commit?
What discipline level do you need?
Are you looking for a Hard or Soft art? ....an Art Form or a Combat Form?
