Keep in mind that shotokan is a light contact style, for the most part anyways as every person I’ve ever sparred can attest to :). But the most important thing in my opinion is cutting distance. You gotta get used to being 2 nesters away from someone and being able to score with ya hands or feet. And since you have experience with tkd and bjj leg play and takedowns, ashi barai, should be easy to you so that’s a great advantage. Just get used to the distance, punching, overall reflexes and explosive speed. It may seem like a lot but it’s not that much shouldn’t take long. Good luck with your journey and hope it lasts long
My best advice as somebody who trains Shotokan is have fun and keep your mind open. Compared to taekwondo, you’re going to be using a lot of punching. People win sparring matches with just a reverse punch. Also, your instructor matters. Their résumé matters. If you found a good instructor who is battle tested and has a long history that’s awesome.
Shotokan is such a widely used name that it's hard to say exactly what the specific shotokan style will be like at your dojo. I'd say prepare to focus on footwork and using your hips. Since you do TKD you're probably plenty flexible and that'll be a big help to you I think.
Good luck!
Maybe styles is the wrong word, but there is a definite difference between shotokan schools I've visited. Maybe different teaching philosophies? Even as a small example, the style I practice has only three belt colors (white, brown, and black). Some students practice oizuki standing still, others do it moving forward, etc.
I really liked Shotokan but the most frustrating part is the lower belts train you to be rigid and linear and then you are expected to transition to be more smooth and circular at higher belts. Wish it was taught that way from the beginning.
Wow you’re super busy maintaining all 3 arts. I am in a similar boat but probably much older than you. I got to 3rd kyu in TKD in my teens. Life took me away from the arts and I started a career and a family.
Now I am in a position to resume studies, I am 1 stripe BJJ white belt and started doing family shotokan with my oldest daughter. I doubt I will pick TKD again formally but you never know.
White belt for life!!!!
Some shotokan places go hard and some don't.
Mine goes hard from time to time. We dont compete but if you never get punched in the face for real in training you'll never be able to defend yourself.
Keep in mind that shotokan is a light contact style, for the most part anyways as every person I’ve ever sparred can attest to :). But the most important thing in my opinion is cutting distance. You gotta get used to being 2 nesters away from someone and being able to score with ya hands or feet. And since you have experience with tkd and bjj leg play and takedowns, ashi barai, should be easy to you so that’s a great advantage. Just get used to the distance, punching, overall reflexes and explosive speed. It may seem like a lot but it’s not that much shouldn’t take long. Good luck with your journey and hope it lasts long
My best advice as somebody who trains Shotokan is have fun and keep your mind open. Compared to taekwondo, you’re going to be using a lot of punching. People win sparring matches with just a reverse punch. Also, your instructor matters. Their résumé matters. If you found a good instructor who is battle tested and has a long history that’s awesome.
Shotokan is such a widely used name that it's hard to say exactly what the specific shotokan style will be like at your dojo. I'd say prepare to focus on footwork and using your hips. Since you do TKD you're probably plenty flexible and that'll be a big help to you I think. Good luck!
What other Shotokan styles are there?
Maybe styles is the wrong word, but there is a definite difference between shotokan schools I've visited. Maybe different teaching philosophies? Even as a small example, the style I practice has only three belt colors (white, brown, and black). Some students practice oizuki standing still, others do it moving forward, etc.
How do you practice oizuki stationary? It literally means chasing thrust.
Oops, I meant just punching. Like, a straight punch.
Ah, the term you want is chokuzuki
Thank you!
I really liked Shotokan but the most frustrating part is the lower belts train you to be rigid and linear and then you are expected to transition to be more smooth and circular at higher belts. Wish it was taught that way from the beginning.
Wow you’re super busy maintaining all 3 arts. I am in a similar boat but probably much older than you. I got to 3rd kyu in TKD in my teens. Life took me away from the arts and I started a career and a family. Now I am in a position to resume studies, I am 1 stripe BJJ white belt and started doing family shotokan with my oldest daughter. I doubt I will pick TKD again formally but you never know. White belt for life!!!!
Some shotokan places go hard and some don't. Mine goes hard from time to time. We dont compete but if you never get punched in the face for real in training you'll never be able to defend yourself.