The best way to learn martial arts on the cheap I have found is through college/university clubs. Many will allow people from outside the university to join to boost their numbers. Check your local schools out and see if they have any clubs you can join. I would look for a club taught by an adult, either a faculty or staff member at the school that is also a martial artist or outside volunteer teacher rather then a club with a college student doing th eteaching. Mainly because th estudent will eventually graduate and leave and the club will either dissolve or quality will suffer.
I have trained Aikido in universit clubs in two different countries with some incredible instructors.
I would worry less about what art to study until you find out what is available that fits your schedule and price range. Not every art is taught in every location. What I generally suggest to new people looking to learn for self defense is to find a school that allows you to practice what you learn against a resisting opponent that tries to stop you from doing th etechniques. Boxing, Wrestling, Judo, BJJ, Kyokushinkai Karate, and Muay Thai are all well known for this type of training and can get you to a decent level relatively quickly.
I love Aikido, but it takes a long time before you can use it to defend yourself, most especially if you have no other experience against a resisting opponent.
I have trained Aikido in universit clubs in two different countries with some incredible instructors.
I would worry less about what art to study until you find out what is available that fits your schedule and price range. Not every art is taught in every location. What I generally suggest to new people looking to learn for self defense is to find a school that allows you to practice what you learn against a resisting opponent that tries to stop you from doing th etechniques. Boxing, Wrestling, Judo, BJJ, Kyokushinkai Karate, and Muay Thai are all well known for this type of training and can get you to a decent level relatively quickly.
I love Aikido, but it takes a long time before you can use it to defend yourself, most especially if you have no other experience against a resisting opponent.