For shorter fighters, the recommended Martial Arts are the softer ones such as Judo, Jujutsu, Aikido, Brazilian Jiujitsu, Hapkido, Shuai Jiao, and many others, particularly because they are highly advantageous against bigger (and heavier) fighters.
The advantages of shorter people, as you know, are that they are harder to hit and more agile.
However, these are not necessarily the BEST martial arts. I personally know some Taekwondo and Karate practitioners who are damn-near unbeatable and untouchable in combat.
And of course, remember the oft-repeated phrase 'It is the person, not the style'
No martial art is the best. Only those who can master it can be better then another person. Even karate history comes from Chinese martial art.
It is Majest Martial Art.
Chinese martial arts
A victim.
There is no "best" fighting art. AS humans, we are all different and have different abilities. What works well for one person doesn't for another. That is why there are so many forms of martial arts to begin with. If there was a "best" one, everyone would be doing it. You should find the martial art that works best for YOU.
karate, in my opinion
karate.
To learn one martial art is impossible. Learning in martial arts does not end.
hit and run
It isn't the style, it is the practitioner that is the key. When choosing a style, each person should look at why they want to learn a martial art, and also at their own physical build to determine what martial art would be best for them to learn. Some people will even take sample classes in several different martial arts before they find the one that is the best fit for them.
Martial art is only one, and the methods are different, the martial art is by essence self-defense, so if your method of applying the techniques is effective then your style is the best in self-defense. You can visit my Youtube channel for self-defense videos @elmolishow
Kung fu is my opinion but the "best" is a matter of opinion.