kensei

That's a hard question to answer. I have seen fights end with one punch before and then a whole fight that started standing and moved to grappling and back again....I worked the door at a bar for years and have seen and been in fights that vary so much its hard to say if one move or one set of moves will do it! Oh, and I took up Judo, Aikido, Kendo, Sambo, Jiu Jitsu and other arts from China to try and find answers to real fight situations and I can tell you now...way to many variables. I stuck with Karate because it seemed to have the most answers.

if they can do the technical requirements then they pass in my Dojo..if they can not then they dont pass.

First off I can not agree with the Judo. I started in Judo and it screwed up my neck and shoulders so bad that to this day I have an issue with my shoulders getting hurt if I go ballistic with them. Also the style does matter for two reasons, one if your kid is not into competition then a style that focuses on competition like Kyokushin or Tae Kwon Do will not be good for him and if they are into competition then Aikido and other styles that dont have a competition component build in will leave them dry! But yes, the most important point for your kids will be the instructor. Figure out what your child is like what you want to teach your child in life, what is important to you and then go meet the instructors.

Good for you that you want to take up Karate, and the style you picked to work out in is not that close to Shotokan. Shūkōkai is more of a ditransitive of Shito ryu, it has some unique looking ideas and basics, but its very solid style to study. However what you are doing right now is the smartest move, test the waters. Its not just the style of Karate that needs to click for you but the instructor as well. Keep that in mind and dont sign any contracts ext till you are comfortable and be smart about watching the different classes and seeing what they actually teach and how. Not going to lie, you are a big boy! but you A) should be able to find a gi that works out for you and Karate is made to be okay for all sizes, sexes ext. You will do well to train smart, watch your knees and back and keep working on stretching and strength in this area or jogging down the street will kill your knees and back!!!! Keep us posted on your progress, dont throw in the towel and remember to train smart, get a good club and work towards your training happy!