Has anyone had experience in Shotokan and Seito Shito Ryu Karate? Which one do you like more?

Answer 1

I have studied both and have black-belts in each. Along with Shotokan Shito-ryu is one of the four major styles in Japan today. I prefer Shito-ryu because it has just a little bit different approach to things like punching and blocking (especially down blocks), and upper blocks and is less wear and tear on your elbows. It also stresses the use of angles more that Shotokan in attacking and several styles of Shito-ryu incorporated Jiu-Jutsu training in their art from the very beginning and this makes for a more complete martial artist with respect to self-defense. Also the use of open handed strikes and blocks are emphasized more so than in Shotokan but not near as much as in say Kempo or Goju-ryu.