Quote Originally Posted by GHoSToKeR
Thanks for the advice and kind words!

To be honest I'm not very fit at the moment. I'm not a fatty, but I'm not toned, and I smoke and occasionally drink.. my body has seen better days. My main reason for wanting to take up a martial art is to get in shape, and self defence comes in at a pretty close second.

Speaking from experience, which martial art or sport would help me achieve a good level of fitness and also teach me enough self defence to be able to stick up for myself in most situations?

Also, what experiences - positive and negative - could you share with me to help me better find my path? :P

One more question... Is there like a minimum level of fitness you need to have before starting something like this? Are there any prerequisites to starting a martial art? Thanks in advance, you cool, crazy cats!
I'm 6'1 and a slender, but cut and I smoke everyday, usually a few times and at times have been guilty of drinking every night for a few months and still trained.

I talk to people all the time who ask me about training and they all want to get in shape first and I tell them no- jump right in. MMA, or mixed martial arts is great to take up and it will defffinitly get you in shape and teach you how to defend youself (though you will have to have the mindset to do so also).

But if you don't want to go the MMA route, boxing will do the trick also. It will get you in shape and throw punches effectively.