What is the best overall martial art?

What is the best overall martial art?
"Best" is a matter of opinion. Uneducated novice often attempt to boast one system as being better than another, or the "best," but real experts know better. Any legitimate Martial art, when taught accurately, studied thoroughly, and applied correctly will be successful. It is up to the knowledge and abilities of the instructor, and the individual student.

The "best" martial art, for you, is the one you will study.

There are benefits from all true martial arts in the improvement of the body and spirit. Ultimately each particular type or form of martial art is a system by which certain fundamental principals are transmitted. For example the principles of balance, stance, circular or linear movement, flow and use of energy, leverage, pivoting, avoidance, redirection, defense, offense, and so on.

Look to the core of the techniques so as to understand the fundamental concepts. There are many considerations when choosing an appropriate martial art. For example, what your personal objectives are, your reasons for taking up a martial art, the demands of the art itself and the effort you are willing and/or able to commit to its study.

Find an art that you are willing to make a lifelong commitment to and it will "the best" martial art. The more important issue is finding a good, qualified instructor at a legitimate school where you feel comfortable, and well taught.