Train forms do kata as an addition to self defense training,but do not think that forms / kata alone will allow you to defend yourself.
Throwing punches,edge of hand,kicks and elbows in the air are NOT like striking a person.
The reality is that MANY who train in various arts and do Kata and sparring still get their butts handed to them on the street,(men and women).
Why would that be ?
Because they train sparring as a sport,train to exchange and get points.
They wear so much gear ,they never hit or get hit and when they get hit ONE TIME with a good shot they crumble.
When they hit without their hand, shin or foot protection they feel the impact,feel pain and stop the attack.
I know at least a dozen 3rd degree and higher Black Belts who have had their butts kicked in one on one street ,subway attacks.
We read THE FEW stories that make the news of a Martial Artist who has used their training and survived an attack.
Yet we DO NOT hear of all the Martial Artists who get their butts kicked as that part of the loser's story the Martal Arts are never/rarely mentioned.
Forms and Kata,like shadow boxing ,are drills / exercises, to help performance but it is not a substitute for Contact training,if self protection is the primary or secondary goal.
