Ive been in shotokan karate for the last 10 years i was looking into getting into another style...?

Question

I would like to do something that invovles more sparring maybe something like Muay Thai does anyone have any suggestions? And also where to find the appropriate dojo in the suburbs of chicago

Answer 1

I have only studied Shotokan for about a year and have studied Tang Soo Do (Soo Bahk Do) for over 10 years and, the Kata/Forms (up the thee advanced level) are almost the same. So if you want an easy transition there ya go or, look into something else that may catch your eye.

It's been Kenpo for me the past 10+ years now...awesome!

Answer 2

Hi

You have been in Shotokan ten years and they do not spar or do kumite?

There are two types of Shotokan, sports Shotokan and old Budo Shotokan. The older is more internal as is my founding teacher in Japan who is all Budo.

So depending on the Shotokan school will determine the amount of sparring you will do. I too loved kumite and it was what my teacher was known for so Shotokan worked great for me in this case, but if I did not have that chance to fight I would have left as you are considering now.

Doing Kata all day and working on the Budo of the art is fine, but for younger people not already older still need the basic fundamentals which is physical.

It is unfortunate that you did not get enough Kumite time in but if kumite is what you want now then you have several to choose from such as Muay Thay, Kickboxing, Shootfighting, or of course BJJ, UFC and MMA style fighting. then there is more like in the movie Best of the Best where it is contact but with more interuptions by the judges.

Any ways check the schools out in your area and see which focus more on kumite and try it out. Once you have tried some out you will find the style that is offering what you want. I am sure you will find your Shotokan training usefull also but remember when learning a new art you must empty your cup or you will have no room to learn the new art and will keep defaulting back to Shotokan.

I am also crossed train with 5th Dan in Kenpo and a 3rd in Shotokan. I did it the other way around than you but regardless being cross trained is a good idea so long as you empty your cup.

Best of luck!

Answer 3

You don't say what type of fighting so if you are looking for full contact there are some styles and instructors out there and Chicago has several of them. If you are looking more for the tournament or sport karate sparring then there are several of them as well. Look in the phone book and check some of them out. You may want to consider staying with in karate as your skills that you have learned and developed will help serve you very well in either of the two above. Many of the old masters disagreed on sparring and if it was necessary or how much for their students to develop their skills and abilities. Those differences carry through to today oftentimes. Shotokan spires very little, Shorinryu spires not at all, Shitoryu spires a fair amount as does Gojoryu. Keep in mind this is somewhat of a generalization because you will find within each of them instructors that disagree and don't agree with their styles thought on this.

You can of course try kickboxing and Muay Tai both of which you will also find in Chicago but the aspects, distance, and strategy is different and your already existing skills will not compliment that type of fighting as well.

Answer 4

You have a whole choice of striking arts, from Muay Thai, kyokushin, kickboxing, any will do, you will probably feel more comfertable with kyokushin karate since alot of the basics are similar and so are some kata but you don't get your head smashed in, if you wanna get your brain bashed about and learn how to take a hit to the head do one of the other kickboxing styles, or take both and also do a little boxing sparing with a friend just to get used to head punches

Just do a search for Muay Thai Chicago or kyokushin chicago and you will find something

Answer 5

I'm not sure how it's speled, but Kyukoshin? is a Karate style with more full-contact sparring, but that grew out of Shotokan, so your techniques would be used. (rather than learning an entirely new system)

Answer 6

Your best option is to make a list of all the studios in your area that are readily accessible and have classes at suitable times for you, then go by each and check out the classes and chat with the instructor/s and students.

This should give you a good idea of the class environment, the instructors abilities, and the discipline being taught. You should be able to determine a suitable alternative or supplement to your current training and experience from this research.

The discipline, as you should know by now, is much less important than the quality, experience, knowledge, and ability of the instructor who will teach your classes. Choose wisely, and continue your journey.

Good luck to you.

Ken C
9th Dan HapMoosaKi-Do
8th Dan TaeKwon-Do
7th Dan YongChul-Do

Answer 7

I would try to find a good MMA gym. They will give you all the sparring ya want.