How Many MA Should You Take At A Time

[Fluffy Wabbit]

OK - Firstly, i've only just started martial arts at a local club which does a few different styles. I'm new to this game, and therefor as crap as the average complete beginner.

There seem to be a few people there who go to every styles class and this got me thinking.... Is that a wise thing to do? Or do they all teach useful skills which crossover?

I'm curious because im thinking of taking up a class a night for the next month to get me used to training and not looking like a complete tit in front of everyone.

Fluffy

[thiaboxr2]

You did not mention which styles there are. Some are more compatible with others and some are not.

For example; Muey Thia is great for standup action, BJJ is great on the ground And FMA has the weapons training which I personally desire. My school teaches all as one class, and is introduced little by little. This is what I like and I do not get confused with performing any of the techniques.

Each style above has its own weaknesses. But by combining aspects of each other together you may have yourself a system that works for you.

BUT, you do not have to study all arts in the club. Study just one if you want. Some people like to be well rounded and train in various arts to get there. Others like to learn one style first before they move on.

Find out what each style teaches before you come to a decision.

And do not worry about not looking good in class when you first start. There are many people who began classes and don't know anything either. Leave your ego and insercurity at the door when you enter. The hard part is over after the first day of class because you will know what to expect in your training. It's all downhill from there.:)

[Fluffy Wabbit]

Thanks for the support there - the looking like an idiot is sort of secondary to the feeling that i'm wasting my training partners time a bit by not doing it fast enough / hard enough / learning quick enough. But yeah, i know, we all gotta learn sometime and i should just get over it.

And the styles - Kickboxing (2 classes a week), a mixed self defence style which borrows from everything (2 times a week), and BJJ (once a week i think).

[GrappleorWrestle]

I train mainly in Isshinryu, but Sensei has incorporated Muay Thai, Ju Jitsu, Vale Tudo, and Judo into our learning. Sensei calls it his "Combat Syllabus." It works really well and I have a great time.

[hwardo]

It has been my experience that if you are just starting out, mixing different striking arts can get a little confusing. I learned this the hard way by trying to learn Wing Chun and a completely different kind of Korean art at the same time, and sucking at both for a long while.
On the other hand, cross-training in a striking art with a grappling art is a great way to manage all the angles.

[cal_JJJ]

One. IMO A beginer should reach SanKyu or higher in their core discipline before studying complimentary styles.

[Thomas]

For some people, focusing on more than one style can cause confusion over how to do the techniques and can lead to be poor or mediocre at all of the styles. Many beginners lack the background knowledge and skill to adapt quickly to switching styles.

I recommend finding one style and using that as your base style. Train hard in that one style and be dedicated. Eventually you will feel very comfortable with your basic techniques and you will begin learning new techniques much quicker. At that point you can begin adding new skills through cross training. This will add depth, interest, and practicality to your personal style. I usually recommend cross training at 1st dan (black belt), although I have some students who cross train at senior blue and red belts (our style goes white, yellow, green, blue, red, black).

Learn one style first and cross train later... good luck

[Fluffy Wabbit]

Wise words.... I'm going to stick it out for a while with just one MA after realising how bad I am at picking it up. But damn its fun...

Thanks all for your advice

Regs

Fluffy

[mild7]

I personally like the 'one core MA style, then crosstrain to improve weak areas' method.

But... I know guys who have trained in 2 MA styles simultaneously and they became good at both. I think 2 styles is more than enough to start off with, once you get much better you can add a third. But try not to get too much too soon. You'll end up a jack of all trades master of none that way.