The advantages of Shotokan karate

The training system of Shotokan karate teaches more than pure self-defense. This has both advantages and disadvantages. The disadvantage would be that it takes more time to learn to defend effectively than in other "systems". Training leads to the following benefits in an emergency situation:


The techniques become natural movements

The art of repetition is internalized

One responds without having to think about the technique to use

The technique becomes a reflex rather than a conscious action

The physical condition is improved

The arm and hand are strengthened

The trunk and legs are strengthened

Physical strength and endurance are achieved

There is an increase in responsiveness

The sense of balance is improved

Mental toughness is achieved

Inner peace and harmony are achieved

Self-control is achieved

The body awareness is improved

Better understanding of the body and own mechanisms is achieved

One learns to train with others without there being a weight and size limit

Distance feel and optimal timing are achieved
Karate as an effective means of defense
Choki Motobu (1870 - 1944), a karateka with a more pragmatic/combative approach than the one underlying in Shotokan Karate, formulated the basic principles of self-defense.

Steps are not particularly effective in a fight.

One should defend against a kick as if to break the opponent’s shin.

You have to try to stave off the technique at the root/source, so it is not the attacking hand that should be blocked, but the attacking arm.

You have to learn to dodge attacks even if they come from behind.

In a real situation, you should try to attack the opponent in their face, this being the most effective technique.
This is not gentlemanlike and fits into the "violent" image of Shotokan karate, but it is all the more obvious what self-defense is about: targeted aggression. This reaction to an attack is justified in case the attacker is destructive, but only to protect one’s integrity.

Important techniques
Dodging

Draining and diverting

Keeping opponents at bay

Sweeping

Wiping techniques

Doppel arm technique (defense/attack in one)

Blocking and holding

Attack on vital points

Destabilization of opponents
Major impact areas:
Elbow

Knee

Knuckles