I retained a green belt from taekwondo years ago back in highschool. I'm looking to get back in but there is so many now to choose from. I want to be a black belt but also now my city teaches brazilian jiu jitsu. Although I have no knowledge of ground defense it wouldnt be a bad thing to have in my tool shed. Which martial art out there is the best . What is good to invest money in. I really want to learn to protect myself and loved ones.
Real training in the Martial Arts starts at Black Belt.
All have their strength’s and weaknesses.
It’s also a lifestyle as if you want to get good which will take training 3x/wk min.
To try to teach yourself, although commendable, will not have you progress as quickly as taking classes, and/or private instruction.
First, go around to the different offerings in your area, local colleges/universities usually have something and find one that has a vibe/energy that you like. This is key in that you will make friendships as you train and it will reinforce training when you don’t feel like it.
Once you picked one, train only in that until you get your black belt. From here you will have a deeper understanding of what will be of benefit and the not so much.
The harder styles of martial arts, one can get proficient enough for general self-defense in about 3-6 months.
As for boxing, it’s also what a MMA fighter would learn to train in. The advantage of martial arts vs boxing off the gate is that form is more emphasized.
I can’t speak to boxing off the gate since it wasn’t my path.