Is there a best style for a Chunner?

[Uncle Mike]

Hello Everyone,

I've been studying Wing Chun for a while and I really like it. I have a good school and a good teacher and as far as self defense goes, I think I am covered pretty well. But something about Wing Chun just isn't scratching an itch I have. It's great for self defense, but what I feel I'm getting out of it begins and ends right there. I've been reading about karate lately and it seems it puts emphasis on personal development, meeting personal challenges, and yes competition. ( In my case I'd just like to test myself and my knowledge. I'm not looking to compete professionally. I think that boat sailed years ago )

I'm becoming more interested in these aspects of the martial arts and am thinking of taking a karate class. Is there any style that might work well with my wing chun training? I've read that Goju has a form of sensitivity training similar to chi sau, and Ive also read that Shorin-ryu emphasizes structure, evasion, higher stances and a near vertical fist.

Are these things common to all karate, or just specific styles? Are they maybe school or teacher specific? I supposse the best thing to do would be to just go on down to the schools and check them out. But I'd be interested in anyone's opinions just the same. Thanks.

[Wastelander]

Hello Everyone,

I've been studying Wing Chun for a while and I really like it. I have a good school and a good teacher and as far as self defense goes, I think I am covered pretty well. But something about Wing Chun just isn't scratching an itch I have. It's great for self defense, but what I feel I'm getting out of it begins and ends right there. I've been reading about karate lately and it seems it puts emphasis on personal development, meeting personal challenges, and yes competition. ( In my case I'd just like to test myself and my knowledge. I'm not looking to compete professionally. I think that boat sailed years ago )

I'm becoming more interested in these aspects of the martial arts and am thinking of taking a karate class. Is there any style that might work well with my wing chun training? I've read that Goju has a form of sensitivity training similar to chi sau, and Ive also read that Shorin-ryu emphasizes structure, evasion, higher stances and a near vertical fist.

Are these things common to all karate, or just specific styles? Are they maybe school or teacher specific? I supposse the best thing to do would be to just go on down to the schools and check them out. But I'd be interested in anyone's opinions just the same. Thanks.

There are going to be differences in every dojo because different instructors are going to emphasize different concepts. Some instructors are very open to other styles and ideas and others aren't. In general I can say that, yes, Shorin-Ryu emphasizes evasion, speed, natural stances and punching with a twist to the 45* angle. The structure is difficult to say because some instructors are more concerned about what you're doing than how you do it. I can say that many styles of karate will do kakie (the thing similar to chi sau) and some will even include lop sau, but it's all up to the instructor and what they have experience with and what concepts they like.