What self defense style should i take?
Every martial art can be utilized for self defense, below i have organized the strengths and weaknesses of certain martial arts. Karate: Lots of focus on Katas (pre-arranged “forms” of movements. Some sparring, but it’s mostly low contact “point” style sparring, with protective gear (Kyokushinkai is one of those exceptions to the generalization here, as they spar full contact – until knock down or knockout, with no protection, but with no punches to the head). Lots of time doing traditional stances, kicks, reverse punches, etc. I’m not so sure this is very effective in self defense situations, as many of the techniques are very ritualized, and unrealistic. Tae Kwon Do: Same as Karate, except much greater focus on high kicks. Even less realistic for defense than Karate. Japanese Ju-jitsu: Focus on stand up grappling, wrist locks, escapes from grabs and chokes, many throws and falls. Has the same ritualized formal practice as Karate – lots of practice against an un-resisting, unmoving at
