as a martial artist, if you have no experience at all, my advice would be join a local dojo.
even better, if you have time and stuff, is to watch pro martial artist and try to understand the physics involved in each move, then try to imitate those moves, and practice those youre the most confortable with.find your own style.
also, always have in mind this things:
1. martial arts are meant for self defense.
2. no real martial arts teacher is cocky or arrogant. if he is, its a BS-teacher
3. never hit first. watch and learn, in time, just one move can tell you how your opponent fights.
4, patience and hard training are your basis.
5. hands are the deadliest weapons in the world
6. never enter an unfair battle for your opponent. (you and a friend vs a kid) and fight respecting your opponent. doesnt matter if he respects you