Difference in Karate Styles?? Looking for other options.....

[CloudxAdvent]

If this is in the wrong part of the forum mods please move it.

 

I just would like a better idea of what different styles there are in Karate.

 

Currently I am going to a local dojo taught by my sensei Fumio Demura. I guess he has an impressive resume and the style taught there is Shito Ryu Genbu Kai. I been going there for only about 3 months.

 

I like it and all but I feel whats been taught in the classes I can't really apply in the streets. I just want a more full contact style of MA where I can learn take downs to strikings.

 

Is there any other style of karate where theres more contact or at least offer harder training?

 

I'm also interested in Muay thai, JKD, and Budokai Jujitsu. I'd like to take Taijutsu but just a long drive to get there and very pricey.

 

Thanks in advance for your responses.

[Shorin Ryuu]

As to be expected, I will propose that Okinawan karate (such as Shorin Ryu, Goju Ryu, Uechi Ryu, Ryukyu Kenpo, many others...) offers a full range of combative application, from striking to grappling and the takedown. Striking is an integral part of these systems, but so is joint/muscle/pressurepoint manipulation in order to end a fight quickly and on your terms. It also stresses biomechanical efficiency and combat effectiveness rather than sport application. They are also very close styles that tend to favor in-fighting rather than staying very distant, which is due to their use of takedowns and grappling.

 

I could go on and on...obviously the karate board would be a place to look up on that sort of thing.

[Snakeeel]

If you are looking for more of a combat art you might take a look at Kung Fu San Soo. Lots of San Soo schools in OC.

[XUechiGirlX]

The only karate style I'm in is Uechi Ryu, but let me tell you, alot of the techniques we learn can definitly be used in real life. They're very natural, at least as taught in my dojo. I've never had to use it to really defend myself, but I find them to be realistic. Once, a long-haired guy friend of mine went to hit heads with me and our simple high block move took over...lets just say he had a bloody nose. But Im just tryin to prove that it's a great style and really becomes a part of you Hope u try it!

[Daedalus]

If you want Karate that is full contact your best bet would be looking for a Kyokushin school.

[Densetsu Bushi]

If this is in the wrong part of the forum mods please move it.

 

I just would like a better idea of what different styles there are in Karate.

 

Currently I am going to a local dojo taught by my sensei Fumio Demura. I guess he has an impressive resume and the style taught there is Shito Ryu Genbu Kai. I been going there for only about 3 months.

 

I like it and all but I feel whats been taught in the classes I can't really apply in the streets. I just want a more full contact style of MA where I can learn take downs to strikings.

 

Is there any other style of karate where theres more contact or at least offer harder training?

 

I'm also interested in Muay thai, JKD, and Budokai Jujitsu. I'd like to take Taijutsu but just a long drive to get there and very pricey.

 

Thanks in advance for your responses.

 

sorry to criticize you, but if you study under Shihan Demura, then why does your style say Shito Ryu instead of Shorin Ryu, because Shihan Demura teaches Shorin Ryu

[nago]

Actually last time I was back in the states I was speaking with sensei demura and according to him he teaches shito-ryu!

[Davison]

I sure wish I had the opportunity to study martial arts at a dojo operated by such a person as shihan Demura. I have heard great things about him. If I were you, I'd stay with sensei Demura. Maybe you could just find another system close by to supplement your skills. Most people would do anything to be in your shoes training with shihan Demura.

[italian_guy]

My opinion as karate style practioner (Okinawan style) is that karate is not the fastest way to learn self-defence, however if you have the discipline of keep practicing and the right passion for what you are doing you'll become very proficent in self defence. JKD (just to take an example from my personal previous experience, I'm sure there are other arts where the same considerations apply) is faster because self-defence is the main purpose for it. Nevertheless karate training is richer and in the long run it teaches you a wider arsenal of techniques.

[Grenadier]

As a student of both Okinawan and Japanese Karate, I'd have to agree with the above poster. Most Karate styles won't teach you how to be a street fighting machine in a short time. This isn't to say that you can't become a good street fighter, it's just that this isn't the primary focus of most schools.

If you wanted something that is more heavily oriented towards street fighting, you may want to see if someone offers Krav Maga in your area.

Since you're in California:

http://www.kravmaga.com/california.asp

In the end, though, if you kept at your current Shito-Ryu training, I would be confident that in due time, your street fighting abilities would be fine, it's just that you would have to be a bit more patient. Which way is better? I can't / won't answer that, since what works well for one person may be inappropriate for another.

Good luck with your search.