Hi Guys, I am a shotokan practitioner. I like shotokan as I personally get a great balance between self defence and learning a somewhat traditional art form. It helps develop zanshin and kime ( focus), and I think a dedicated student would soon see the application for him/herself for actual combat. Its also a good art from where to branch off in to others. Ashihara karate for example, which is very tough and powerfull. Shotokan is quite basic when it comes to ground techniques but does, in my experience cover basics. There is also scope for competition within karate, which some may enjoy. I've seen all the other arts mentioned used with devestating effect in reality. Wing Chun is great for close in, nucleus fighting, but i'd be apprehensive to rely on combat so close in. No wasted movements...........true............but one doesnt always have the luxury of striking directly through or having the second to set up a strike. All in all, im looking at the art from an self defence point of view, and with that in mind, any art can be effective, it all depends on the practitioner. In Budo
