What Flash says is very true. Shotokan became the first "Karate Do" - which means its primary purpose was to develop the person, not a the fighter. Many in Shotokan do claim that it is "the best", but I too have seen it many times. It is stiff, robotic and inneffective.
There are people who can really fight who practice Shotokan, but often that is despite, rather than because of, the style. These people have real toughness and aggression anyway, and would be tough if they practiced dominoes......
GoJu Ryu was an effective style. No high kicks etc. It was all kicks to the knees and groin, elbows to the temple and fingers in the eyes etc., but even this has been diluted due to it being taught to the masses. But what use is a style where you can't "control" an opponent, only maim or kill him? Perosnally I would like the option.
I'm sure there are people out there who could whip my butt with Karate. But not many. Look how they did in the early MMA tournaments, and they hardly queue up to compete in them now.......
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