Want to get in decent shape for martial arts club

[Rearden]

OP,

If youre truly interested in it best of luck. Gappling isn't at all a bad hobby. My post was more applicable to some folks with the idea that "I'm going to take a martial art just to get in shape"... for them any martial art is a bad fit whereas a gym is not. That being said you'll obviously gain experience in conditioning and be able to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses better after doing it; but that shouldn't deter you from hitting the gym if you want to up your conditioning for anything.

Just starting out your technique and lack of experience will be your weak points... but you can and should do everything possible to prevent conditioning in terms of cardio, flexibility, and overall strength from every being weak points.... it'll pay off later and in the short term make the classes that much more focused.