If you're looking to develop some killer striking ability within a reasonable amount of time, I would think that Muay Thai, or boxing would give you the tools you need. You learn the basics of power generation (proper technique) at about the same time as you would in traditional kung fu or karate, and you would also spend time developing power with bag work (probably more so in boxing and muay thai, but it depends on the school/gym you go to). But on average the boxing/muay thai gyms focus more on developing the timing and distancing that you need to use them, so you learn that part quicker. Traditional styles tend to be more indepth (with footwork, jointlocks, more techniques, etc), and unfortunately it is very hard to find a traditional school that trains in a more live manner, or to the same level that you would find at a boxing/muay thai gym.
If you're talking about sheer striking power, Kung Fu has some stuff that I haven't seen anywhere else, but it does take a lot of time and hard work to develop. For example, holding one of those big kicking shields, most people don't have the power to make someone feel a good roundhouse kick, but holding the shield for someone that trained a little Muay Thai, I got the wind knocked out of me with a rear leg shin kick. But, holding the shield for one of my Sifus, he knocked the wind out of me with an elbow from very close range (near clinching range). That was kind of a shock when I saw him do it consistently for other people holding the shield. I've never really seen it used as much as I have seen boxing or Muay Thai, so I can't say how effective it would be. I would think that kind of speed and power would really be useful, but if you don't learn the timing and feel that you get from actual sparring, then it probably won't be any good.
I think whatever style you choose, it has to be trained correctly (by you, and your instructor/school) to be effective. There is no quick and easy answer, because boxing, and muay thai may be quick, but they ain't anywhere near easy. You'll basically get what you put in. If you've got time, then I suggest one of the internal kung fu styles like Hsing I (no nonsense straight forward striking art). If you're looking to compete in MMA, then it's boxing or Muay Thai.
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- Jaguar Wong -
The 6th Lazy Venom
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