I agree with the replies posted here. In addition, I would say go to a few dojos of each style (if they are available in your area), read up on the philosophies and histories of both styles, look at several YouTube videos of each style and talk to the students and instructors of each dojo you visit if at all possible. Get the feel for the atmosphere of each dojo and by all means watch all levels of classes. Observe the instructor (and/or instructors) of each dojo and see what you feel is right for you. From my experience, I may be able to add to what the others have already stated. Shotokan is a great style for all ages and for both male and female. From my observations, Kyokushin-kai is predominantly popular for and practiced by younger male students. Shotokan emphasizes kihon (basics), kata (forms) and kumite (sparring) equally. Kyokushin-kai greatly emphasizes kumite, with emphasis on jiyu kumite (free sparring) and allows contact to all parts of the body except for the head. Shotokan teaches and emphasizes kihon kumite (basic kumite) first, with emphasis on control of one's technique. Kyokushin-kai occasionally emphasizes tamashiwari (board breaking) and other techniques breaking concrete and even glass. Shotokan does not require competition, yet competition is expected at some point in Kyokushin-kai. The founder of Shotokan Karate Gichin Funakoshi had his training in Okinawa and passed it on to students who would go on to found groups such as The Japan Karate Association and The Shoto-kai. The founder of Kyokushin-kai Mas Oyama supposedly studied Shotokan at some point in his training. Mas Oyama received training from several teachers and actually founded the Kyokushin-kai style. And finally, both styles are extremely popular world-wide and you can probably find a dojo to train in in either of these styles anywhere you go in the world. Good luck! Osu!
