Hello, for my first post on this forum I will recommend Shotokan as a style. I was fortunate to be pointed to a good traditional Shotokan dojo when I was looking for a school for myself and my son 13 years ago. I have kept at it practically all of the time since, and have made progress when I applied myself. Karate styles are like religions - everyone has good things to say about the one s/he belongs to. There are tolerant ones, strict ones, and poor schools within good styles. The instructor is the key. If an instructor tolerates bad attitudes/practices, it will affect how newcomers experience the school. Your understanding of Shotokan is well stated, and I would agree with it. As for being "good for self defence", it is what you make of it, and what the instructor shows you. Shotokan has what you need, if you are looking for it. I am now over 50, and last year I was considering leaving Shotokan and switching to a softer style. I have since decided that the problems I was having were largely due to what I was putting into my training. I adjusted my attitude, and made my long delayed advance to Nidan. I may someday switch to Tai Chi, but I have no current inclination to do so. Train hard!
