Can some JAPANESE martial art experts/students help me out please?

Here we go again with many answers suggesting styles. I read you question and understand that you are looking for a Japanese Style. What you should understand is that no matter what style there is no best style. Each is only as effective as the person using it. That being said, I see a students potential directly defined by two things. The first is the instructor. The second is the student and how he trains. Even the most gifted student can only go as far as his Sensei can leed. I suggest that you find the best, most knowledgeable instructor. As for lot of competition, that varies from dojo to dojo. Again that is something that you can find out in the process of finding the best instructor. As always avoid any dojo that sells belt contracts, as they are little more than belt-mills. The martial arts are watered down and the belts are given out to easily. Besides it training and skills are what is important. Belt ranks will come on their own.

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maelani62 True Karate came from Okinawa to Japan. However there are both Japanese and Okinawan styles of karate today.

Although the art this one would recommend has no competition, as such turns a martial art into a sport and may then be seen as devaluing the art, this one would and does recommend aikido.

Aikido is a complete system that teaches both body art and weapons, is an effective form of self defense with a strong spiritual component with the entire art firmly established within the frame work of that which might be understood as Japanese culture.

This one, who is currently studying aikido, has more than 44 years of personal experience in the study and practice of martial arts including, Chinese boxing, Korean karate and Japanese arts, has fought professionally and has taught.

May it be well with you.

Namaste.

I cannot think of any Martial Art as inherently Japanese as Iaido. I could go on and on about the discipline and philosophy, but let me say this (and wait for someone to dispute it) ......I have never met a serious Iaidoka who has put his sword down for good. Personally, I don't see myself hopping the fence and changing to a different MA and while I do train in some moves from other Arts, they are all sword or anti-sword related. And I never claim to be Aikedoka or Karateka (heck, I deny knowing either of them, why show your hand?) because I know a few moves. But I respect ALL serious Martial Artists if not their Art (except Capoeira, I just don't get it)

I claim little knowledge of the intricacies of other styles, but I only know "you can make up your own opinions, but never your own facts". "Effectiveness" is not determined by the Art but by the Artist.

With respect to your choice, only you can make it and I wish you well on your decision.

Peace on your Path

GOJU RYU close fighting low kicks no flashy bullshido

WADO KAI the founder OHTSUKA was a jujutsu master before taking up karate so there is a strong element there with the right instructor.

SHOTOKAN sheer power and speed

Other ryu SHITO RYU SHORIN RYU ISSHIN RYU UECHI RYU .

If possible find an instructor who is OKINAWAN trained.

Kyokushin has influenced many of the "full-contact" schools of karate, emphasising realistic combat, physical toughness, and practicality in its training curriculum. The Knockdown karate competition system pioneered by kyokushin has been adopted by many different karate styles and organisations. Other martial arts organisations have "spun-off" from Kyokushin over the years, with some adding additions, such as grappling techniques, but continuing with the same philosophy of realistic and practical training methods.

Kyokushin training consists of three main elements: (1) technique, (2) forms, and (3) sparring. These are sometimes referred to as the three "K's" after the Japanese words for them: kihon (technique), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring). The Kyokushin system is based on traditional karate like Shotokan and Goju-ryu, but incorporates many elements of combat sports like boxing and kickboxing in kumite. Many techniques are not found in other styles of karate. Today, some Kyokushin fighters (like Francisco Filho and Glaube Feitosa) appear in kickboxing events like K-1.

Tournament competition is an important part of Kyokushin, and most Kyokushin organisations sponsor local, national, and international competitions. Kyokushin tournaments are held throughout the year on every continent in the world, but the largest are held in Japan where they are televised on Japanese television and draw crowds of thousands. Tournaments are organised as either weight category or open tournaments. The Kyokushin World Tournaments are known as the Karate Olympics.

The founder of Kyokushin, Masutatsu Oyama, was born Choi Yong-i on 27 July 1923 in Il-Loong, Korea, during the long period of Japanese occupation. As a young child, Oyama enjoyed fighting and watching others fight. In 1938, he emigrated to Japan and studied Okinawan Karate under Gichin Funakoshi, eventually gaining 2nd dan. Later, Oyama also trained under Yoshida Kotaro, a famous Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu/Yanagi-ryu Aiki-jujutsu master, from whom he received his menkyo kaiden - an older form of grade, a scroll signifying mastery, from Kotaro. This scroll is still on display at the Honbu dojo in Tokyo.

I would suggest Jujitsu or Aikido.

Aikido will probably give you more of a cultural insight than any external martial art would.

Since one of your key objectives is (the study of?) your cultural heritage, I would suggest Aikido due to the influence of neo-Shinto philosophy.

There is no such thing as "most effective."

PROFICIENCY in any discipline is what makes it "effective."

If you are not interested in the philosophy, I would say:

Go for Japanese Jujitsu!

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I don't pick styles, I pick teachers. That's what you need to be looking for. If you really want to learn something from your heritage, I would look for someone who has actually trained in Japan or Okinawa (and has proof of it).

I've been taking free form Karate for a while now,it's teaches you a little of each fighting style,the one I'm going to is pretty good.I've learned submissions,jujitsu and weaponry(not to mention karate itself).

why are people suggesting karate? that is not Japanese it is Okinawan.

personally i like think of them are efective. kung-fu,jujitsu,taekwon-do,all of them