It really depends on the style and the gym, and whether you're doing it for fun/fitness or competitively. I've spent years doing no contact karate, and years m

It really depends on the style and the gym, and whether you're doing it for fun/fitness or competitively. I've spent years doing no contact karate, and years more doing full contact (but not full force) sparring in Thai and Western kickboxing. For the latter, there's not really a performative aspect to it. Nobody is watching, there's no forms, no real room for fancy flourishes that waste time. I get punched in the face a lot (I'm not very good), and have had the wind knocked out of me many times. I've also spent significant time doing the song and dance (literally) kickboxing at the local YMCA, which was more like Zumba than traditional martial arts. All of it is great fun and exercise. There's nothing wrong with any of those approaches as long as it fits what you're looking for. There are a LOT of gyms and styles and teachers out there!