Aikido. I'm going to start attending .... suggestions?

Choose between Kendo and Aikido, I'd pick the latter. Aikido not only teaches you how to defend yourself, it also teaches you how to fall. It also let's your body loose and you limbs flexible. It's an art where you defend yourself with or without the use of a sword or a staff or even with sticks. My first aikido experience was intense and it got me sweating and panting althroughout the day. But once you get the hang of it you'll notice that not only will your body be quicker but your mind as well. You'll also notice that your mind is more clear and open. Your outlook in life will also change since aikido not only enchance your body, but your mind and spirit as well. Overall, aikido is definitely the choice between the two in my opinion.

Aikido is more of "way of life" rather than a sport... Generally speaking, aikido teaches you to respect all others & above all, avoidance... I don't like confrontations but I will defend myself when I have to... Defending myself doesn't necessary mean hurting the other person... It's about harmony... Natural flow of things... That's why most, not all, of the "moves" you see in aikido, you're constantly back stepping... When somebody pushes you, you turn, when somebody pulls, you push... Movements & stands should consist of triangles & circles... Circular movements promote fluent, fluency(?), & triangle promotes balance... Again, it's not about "hurting" someone, it's about creating a window or oppertunity to avoid conflicts by the ways of harmonious flow of motion... There's not a lot of "Hitting" involved in aikido... And when it does happen, it seems or looks more so like "slapping" rather than hitting... You won't see too many kicking or closed fisted moves in aikido...

I would choose Aikido, for two main reasons. One has been gone over, all the added life benefits, and such. The of course is that it is redirection, blending, rather then hitting. Also, when you learn Aikido, they teach you to use the Bokken...Sword. So, you will have part of your Kendo training in there. SO far, the one lesson I had in Bokken, Taught me how to move, to disarm my opponent, that was very neat. Cheers.

I never had the chance to join Aikido because it's too costly here. I Joined Muay Thai instead. Why don't you give it a try? Though it would be a lot more physically demanding than Aikido but i think it's worth it. You'll learn how to use your fist, elbow, knee and shin. It will pretty much build up your stamina. Learning to box and kick at the same time will be of great advantage. I think it's pretty cheap too compared to Aikido.