Other than the movies, PPV, occasional internet searchs I know little or nothing real about MA in general.

I've given it some thought and decided to take it up for fitness and defense. In order to make the question easier to answer I'll provide as much info as possible.

I have a small frame 5'2" 130 lbs

I work full time but am willing to devote what time I have to pursue it seriously

I've started doing some workouts from trainforstrength.com and stuff from ross enamait, so my physical shape is getting better.

I would like to maximize what I get out it so the question is - Which MA is good to start? I'd like it to have practical application in the street since I'm on the small side and the area I'm in (NJ) is getting rough. I know this question has probably been asked a million times, but everyone is different. I have no system biased.

Boxing, Judo, Jujitsu, Wrestling and Muay Thai are all excellent base arts. They are the Bullshido favorites for several reasons: They each have their specialties, but the core of each of these styles is very solid and they all (usually) espouse the all-important "live" training philosophy.

That means working with resisting opponents, relatively unrestricted sparring, and conditioning. They are all also considered "sport" arts which means you will have the opportunity to compete. Kyokushin also has a very "alive" curriculum, and will satisfy your need for Japanese cultural immersion while also teaching you very solid core skills and increasing your toughness.

But ANY style can be good if they train hard and alive. Trainig methodology will be the ultimate arbiter of your fighting skill, btu the arts listed have all provent o be very effective in their respective methodologies.

Hope that helps.

Green varrot for Scrapper.

BTW, Welcome to Bullshido CrunchOMatic.