Going from full contact to non full contact...opinions?

[chrissyp]

So as some may have followed, i've switched from Thai boxing to shotokan Karate, and so far i'm loving it.

Usually, most martial artist/fighters from my experience, do the opposite, they'll start with a softer/non full contact style then transition to a hard style.

As I said, i'm loving it, and honestly i'm learning a lot more than I ever thought. i'm learning stuff that I think will increase my overall striking game...but the it almost feels like i'm "reverse enginering" for lack of a better term... is this normal?

Has anyone else did what im doing, went from starting full contact, and switching to a softer style? How was the experience for you? Did help you as a martial artist in general?

[ps1]

It's normal for you. What else matters?

Martial arts, in the modern era, are more about finding what you like and what you consider fun. You should feel connected to the art you train. If you've found that, then what you are doing is perfectly normal. Congratulations.

[chrissyp]

It's normal for you. What else matters?

Martial arts, in the modern era, are more about finding what you like and what you consider fun. You should feel connected to the art you train. If you've found that, then what you are doing is perfectly normal. Congratulations.

You're right. Thank you!

[sensei8]

It's normal for you. What else matters?

Martial arts, in the modern era, are more about finding what you like and what you consider fun. You should feel connected to the art you train. If you've found that, then what you are doing is perfectly normal. Congratulations.

That's dead on and solid across the board!!

[Dobbersky]

As a Full Contact Karateka myself, there's no qualms from changing your level of contact, it's YOUR journey, but Shotokan CAN be as FULL Contact as Kyokushin depending on which Dojo you are attending.

Welcome to the forum and enjoy your new journey

OSU

[kensei]

but Shotokan CAN be as FULL Contact as Kyokushin depending on which Dojo you are attending.

Very True, and Kyokushin can be as technical as Shotokan is...and thats coming from a Shotokan guy!

It all depends on your Dojo, instructor and your mind set, but you will find more Shotokan schools are about details and technical polishing while "most" Kyokushin are more or less a hard nosed, less technical version of Shotokan and Goju wrapped into one...which makes sense because those are its roots.

Point being that I think a very technical style compliments your full contact training and its a great idea to move from one to the other for a while to get "the full experience".