Dani_001

Arigatō Now I will say, OSU!

That's right Quality wise, I've seen no difference between those with and without Japanese affiliation. Organisation affiliation is different from lineage, from my point of view, as while the main association that I belonged to many years ago wasn't affiliated with any of the Japanese organisation, I could actually trace back my sensei's instructors back to the "founder" or "creator" of Shotokan karate. I agree! However you first stated that you fell in love with Seido, go for that... If that isn't for you, try the others. I only stated Shotokan as that was the art that started my love of the martial arts (practice wise, as it was Kung Fu with Jackie Chan that got me interested ). The lady who will train me has her 7th Dan in Shotokan, from Japan. So I think I am going to pursue this I like the fact that this school does Jiu-Jutsu and Judo. That is what I am after as well cos I need to defend myself on the ground as well.

There will be some that say that you need that Japanese affiliation, while others will say that you don't need that Japanese affiliation. It's a personal choice!! It's about what you value and what you need and what you want. Are you there for rank? Are you there for the lineage? Why are you at, or why do you want to attend that dojo? Again, it's a personal choice, and it's a choice that you'll have to decide for yourself in the long run. If the dojo that you want to or are already attending can provide all of your MA needs, then your decision is quite simple...stay there and don't be concerned with Japanese affiliations. The style that I've been with for 49 years has no outside affiliations. No Japanese and no Okinawan affiliation, even though we're an Okinawan style; birthed in Okinawa. Our association is self-sufficient, and has been that way ever since day one. Our Soke founded the SKKA, and in that, he wanted nothing to do with any said affiliations because he didn't want any outside interferences and/or interruptions by telling him what he should do and what he shouldn't do. Good luck; you'll be fine!! Thanks for this. Really needed it

That particular Shotokan school said that after 40 years of affiliation, they have stopped their Japanese affiliation... What am I to do? Should I rather go for a school that has affiliation to Japan? Is it really all that necessary? I asked: "Hi there, is your shotokan organization affilliated to any Japanese organization?" The Shihan of the school said: "We are no longer affiliated to any Japanese organisation. After forty years of affiliation and close association to Japanese Shotokan organizations we decided to become an autonomous national organization in South Africa."

Hi Wagner, The Shotokan school is this one: http://www.shotokankaratesa.co.za/ I just read up on their teachings about an hour ago and now I would like to do research in that... funny enough. I like the fact that they teach ground fighting. But, what really sets Shotokan apart from any other style? I am not trying to be biased or cause a ruckus, but almost every type of Karate has it's uniqueness. What makes Shotokan unique? EDIT: Ken and Ryu also does Shotokan WOW:

Hi there, My name is Dani'yal. I am from Cape Town, South Africa. I have had my fair share of arts during my life from Goju-Ryu for 2 years, And these for 3 months each :MMA, taijutsu aspect of Koga-Ryu, Chinese Kung Fu and Seni Silat. I am 28 years old now, and somehow feel that I should settle on a style, namely Karate. The only thing is, not many Sensei can teach Kata Bunkai to use it in a real fight and that always made me very upset. The schools in my surrounding area is Karate-Zen (where I did my Goju Ryu), Seido Karate, Shotokan, Ashihara Karate, Kyokushinkaikan (the branch led by Matsui Sensei). I had a look into Seido the most as I really fell in love with the way they teach and their aspect on training. For me, I want a holistic experience to Karate and not just Fighting. What would any of you guys and gals suggest I do? Thanks in advance. EDIT: Shukokai as well.