Urban Samurai

I think it would be very unwise for you to start training in a different art at this early stage of your career. You'll only end up confused and you may end up getting so down that you end up quitting altogether. Stick with the Shotokan at least until you reach black belt before branching out into other arts. What you learn on this part of your journey will make it easier for you to study another art when you are ready. Focus on one thing at a time and give it your all. You don't want to be a jack of all trades and a master of none.

Start of using the fence technique developed by Geoff Thompson and then use a pre-emptive strike in the form of a right cross or a hook punch to the jaw, which are good for knocking out opponents or at the very least, knocking them down so you can escape the situation. Locks do work in theory but they are very hard to apply in most cases, especially if you have allowed yourself to be attacked. Once that happens everything becomes spontaneous and you end up just striking in any way you can to stop the attack. Each to their own. Some are more comfortable in the clinch so they can throw or choke opponents. It just depends on what area you are most confident in.