Please help in finding the right karate style

[Dr. Flem]

Can you please name a karate style that incorporates...

 

High kicking aswell as low

 

Striking

 

Some grappling/throws

 

...and whatever else you might feel to be important for a beginner.

 

I was thinking either Goju Kai, Go Kan Ryu or Shotokan. I might be wrong so any help is welcome. Thanks.

[isshinryuka]

It is not the style as much as the instructor. I practice Isshinryu. The emphasis of Isshinryu is on speed, rhythmical combinations and focus of technique. We use hand and foot techniques to all parts of the body. But we incorporate judo throws as our instructor is also a Sho-Dan in judo. We also work ground grappling techniques because most fights go to the ground at some point. Our instructor has taught us Goju-ryu drills because he is also a Ni-Dan in that style.

 

So in our dojo, we do a lot that other Isshinryu instructors don't (not better or worse, just different). I would recommend you visit all dojos that are within a reasonable driving distance, try one or two free classes, observe more classes, and talk to the instructors about what they teach.

 

There are no bad styles, just bad instructors. The excellence of my instructors has made practicing karate a joy. Make finding an excellent instructor your priority.

 

One more thing. If anyone guarantees you a black belt after paying so much money or studying for X number of months/years. RUN AWAY!

[P.A.L]

you mainly can find this in real traditional okinawan karate, every thing but the high kick, all of them have the elements of white crane and Chin-na(spl?). shifting,soft blocking/controling/belending in, striking pressure points, setting up a lock, final blow using body mass is common in all of them either from Naha-te(Goju family) or shuri-te(most but not all of shorin styles),IMHO these are good choices not as sport but as fighting systemswithout order

 

-okinawan goju ryu

 

-Matsumura seito shorin

 

-kobayashi shorin-ryu

 

-white crane family styles (Hakutsuro[spl]?)

 

some styles that are effective and more available are

 

kyokushin

 

kempo (i like to bring kempo in,so hold it)

 

Now, the first group are not sporty, and sometimes seems violent even in dojo practice level ,thats why many of them spar rarely or with protection gears.

 

kyukoshin does full contact but there is no punch from neck and up. they KO with kick to the head or solar pluex or leg and of course punch to the body.

 

if you want something safe i would say

 

Shotokan karate is well rounded/effective/organized

 

these are 4 major Jap. karate styles

 

1- shotokan

 

2-shito ryu( mix of shorin-goju)

 

3- wado ryu (mix of all karate and jujutsu)

 

4- kyukoshin

 

and you need to know,sometimes good masters don't even have a Ad. they may have a small dojo in their garage, you just need to find them.

 

go to dojos and talk to sensei or high level students, get free lessons and feel them it not the style ,it is mostly you and your sensei who makes a difference.

Edited December 24, 2004 by P.A.L

[Dr. Flem]

Yep...I'm aware of the McDojo problem. Thanks for the help.

 

As for the styles mentioned, do they all involve hand and foot techniques to all parts of the body?

 

EDIT: Just noticed your post P.A.L. Thank you very much for that.

[Ant]

Whilst I study traditional JKA Shotokan, we learn a lot of grappling defenses and things that would be useful against street attacks rather than strict martial art attacks.

 

I really like the teaching style of the JKA, every move is broken down into small chuncks and muscle memory takes care of the rest

[Dr. Flem]

Whilst I study traditional JKA Shotokan, we learn a lot of grappling defenses and things that would be useful against street attacks rather than strict martial art attacks.

 

I really like the teaching style of the JKA, every move is broken down into small chuncks and muscle memory takes care of the rest

Sorry mate but could you tell me what JKA is? I need to get used to the lingo.

 

EDIT: Just did a search...Japan Karate Association right? Is JKA Shotokan any different to normal Shotokan?

[Omega14]

Sorry mate but could you tell me what JKA is? I need to get used to the lingo.

 

EDIT: Just did a search...Japan Karate Association right? Is JKA Shotokan any different to normal Shotokan?

 

Ususally, when people talk about "Shotokan", they are referring to the JKA style. Therefore, one can argue that JKA Shotokan is in fact, the "normal" Shotokan. Another similar style is one that is practiced by the "Shotokai" (I believe commonly referred to as the SKA). Different stances and some principals exist. Weight distribution differences among the stances is probably one of the more pornounced distinctions. Some websites on the internet feature SKA kata, have a look, and see what the differences are for your self.

[smr]

You're not going to find any high kicks in Matsumura Seito Shorin-ryu. You'd be okay with it so long as you don't expect any flash.

 

Realistically, you're going to be limited to the styles that are available in your area. Look around and see what your options are. Then observe and possibly participate in a class at the dojos you find interesting.

 

You probably won't find a style you don't like, because as soon as you are indoctrinated to the style, it becomes "the best" to you, and you will defend it and hold none other in higher regard.

[Sauzin]

Were I you I wouldn't get so caught up on what styles have high kicks and what styles don't. It is fairly commonly accepted that kicks above the waist are nearly ineffective in real combat. While some schools of traditional karate practice high kicks and some don't, the ones that practice high kicks generally don't use them in fights. They practice higher kicks to gain more control and flexibility but in application, they rarely apply them above the waist.

 

It sounds to me like you are looking for a well rounded system. Something that isn't missing a portion of the fighting arts. This is a good thing to look for, but what will really tell you what it is or isn't missing is the way the art is taught. Most all karate styles have all the aspects you are looking for, it is the instructor that really makes the difference. If when you talk to an instructor, he only talks about one thing (like just point sparring or just kicking or just ground work) then you can pretty much bet that he's missing something else.

 

Here’s a suggestion. Pull out the phone book or look in the community section of the paper and get a list of instructors. Go and watch their classes, and afterwards ask questions. Don't choose a school until you've watched at least 3 different classes. If you still can't quite decide who is the most inclusive then choose the instructor who is the most humble and has the least to prove and go with him. I think most people here will tell you that the instructor is really what makes the difference, not the style.

 

Oh and beware the guys who say that kata are just for promotions. If someone in the school says this, run away, don’t walk, run.

[Dr. Flem]

OK... Thank you for the help guys. I've been doing alot of searching for MA schools over the past few days and all I've found are a couple that interest me. Strangely, my area is almost completely dry of MA schools.

 

Shotokan - http://www.shotokan.com.au/

 

Now this one seems good and from what you have told me, it's a well rounder MA so it'll be my first stop. The website seems quite well done and from their info area, they seem well respected. What do you think?

 

-----

 

Go-Kan-Ryu - http://www.gkrkarate.com/default.asp

 

I'm not too sure if this is a well known style. Seems as though the founder trained in Goju-Kai so that brings me to my next school....

 

-----

 

There is a Goju Kai school within a 10 minute walking distance from my home but I haven't seen it as of yet. I want a complete system and from what I have in my area, Shotokan seems to be the only one.

 

Nevertheless, I'm going to have to visit each one and have a chat with the Sensei.