Which Karate form is most practical for self defense?

[KidOblivion]

I've been doing MMA for 6 years now and I recently took up an interest in Karate (also, my MMA gym was losing its way after a new instructor was hired, so I was prepared to leave at the end of last month).

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not training to fight people in the street or anything, but I do want to be prepared for the worst. I did my own prior research and discovered that Kyokushin is the most popular for self defense, but the classes cost about $120 for only two days a week and we have to buy our own Gi and the other one offers fair prices, but it's 45 minutes from my location. As you can imagine, I didn't even bother. The Karate styles in my area with fair prices and well recommended Masters are:

Shobayashi Shorin-Ryu

Shotokan

Shuri-Ryu

Matsumura Shorin-Ryu

[sensei8]

First of all, welcome to KF; glad that you're here!!

With the four listed, I'd say, flip a coin, all have there merits. Visit the dojo's more than one time and several classes, and then speak with each CI. Good luck in your search!!

[AmericanKenpoKarate]

I would choose American kenpo karate for u its very logic and very practical

kenpo karate is an updated system of self defense based on modern day street fighting the system applies logic and practicality also a thinking artI recommend kenpo karate for you

[Iskrax]

It doesn't matter what style you choice. All what matters is the instructor. Look for the best instructor. That's my opinion.

[chrissyp]

It doesn't matter what style you choice. All what matters is the instructor. Look for the best instructor. That's my opinion.

I second this! find the best instructor for you. Each one is effective for the purpose you have, but if you can't find some one who can show how to practically and effectively use it, then it's a waste of time regardless what style.

[Wastelander]

Welcome to the forum!

People often get caught up in trying to find the right style but, as Iskrax and sensei8 mentioned, the style isn't really that important, unless you want to be a part of a specific lineage. You really just need to go visit those schools, talk to the instructors, watch and try some classes, and see what works best for you. All four of those styles are going to vary greatly in the way they are taught and practiced, so you have to check it out on the local level.

[Nabil Kazama]

All of them. All you need is solid commitment and a Sensei who teaches properly.

[Wado Heretic]

My personal bias is towards Shorin-Ryu. It is usually taught in a very methodical manner, with an emphasis on learning how to develop powerful technique. It usually favours a variety of ranges, and connects kata to conflict through bunkai.

However, Shotokan-Ryu is often very athletic, with an emphasis on powerful technique, and usually inclined towards a lot of kumite and sparring. Only weakness being that it rarely employs bunkai, and kumite is often rigid or limited to sundome. Depends on the club and association though.

Shuri-Ryu is a very eclectic and relatively heterodox form in regards to a number of it's practices. Beside that my knowledge of it is limited. I know it has a number of unique kata, but if that is not your interest than perhaps not the wya for you.

Best advice I can give; try them all, and see which one sticks out for you. Time consuming yes, and potentially expensive, but hopefully the first one you walk into will be the one for you.

More than anything else, coming from an MMA background I would suggest picking up two books:

The Art of Hojo Undo by Michael Clarke; an excellent book regarding traditional conditioning.

Throws for Strikers: The Forgotten Throws of Karate, Boxing and Taekwondo by Iain Abernathy. To be fair, even in clubs with an emphasis on practicality and all-range fighting, grappling can fall to the side. This is a good book for understanding this less explored aspect of Karate.

Aside from that, its not so much the style as the training. Find a club you enjoy, set up a practice routine (say twenty minutes a day), and find someone to train with twice a week or so. This should provide you the most practical balance between tradition and direct application.

[chrissyp]

If I had to pick one, i'd choose either Enshin or Ashihara. You have the full contact training of Kyokushin, with standing grappling mixed it. I also feel the emphesis of NOT standing toe to toe like kyokushin is more practical for self defense. You're there to get out in one peace, not fight.

[hansenator]

I'll put in another vote for the best instructor.

The way an instructor runs the class, and the depth of his/her knowledge varies greatly and makes all the difference. Also the instructor's preferences play role.

From my own experience: The "best" class I've been to was a Kali/JKD class. The training was top notch and the instructors knowledge and ability were at a professional level. I also attended a Shorin Ryu class that was worthless but I know other karate schools are run much differently and can be very good.