Cross-training

[Akut]

Ok people, time to unleash havoc here on MAP. Lately I've been doing as much reading as I can on martial arts in general (other than that, got to study for my finals ). One thing I'm curious about is this whole cross-training concept. Some people really seem to think that it's the best way to become a more complete martial artist, while others stick to only one MA. What do you think? Do you cross-train? Should this begin only after some time of experience? Which arts make the best combination for you? Which should never be done at the same time? Let it rip!

[Hapuka]

I cross train. But I seem to be thinking that the martial art I took up for cross training (Muay Thai) is better then the original martial art I took up to start with (ITF TKD)

Best combo for the ring? People tell me that BBJ and Muay Thai are they way to go.

[The Empress]

Cross-training = good.

But, you shouldn't cross train until you have acheived a certain level of competency in your original art, otherwise you're going to get confused. Also, you should be careful what art you choose, as some arts are similar, and cross training in them can get confusing.

In any case, this topic has been covered to death on MAP.

[relish]

I've been training kickboxing for a couple of years and found it's weaknesses to be grappling and ground-work (surprise surprise!). I've recently started cross-training this with a local MMA class and already I feel much more complete as a combatant as it's an entire new element to fights. Obviously I try and keep my fights standing up so I don't get owned

So yer in my experience:

Cross-training is by far the best (if not only) way to fill gaps in your current system.

I'd imagine that being proficient in one of the main elements (stand-up or grappling) would be advisable before cross-training so you don't have to take in too much all at the same time!

[Moosey]

I don't cross train because I have no money.

If I had money I'd go for judo or BJJ simply because I've tried BJJ and it's good fun and I like the look of judo because the few techniques that we've nicked from judo for karate are cool. I'd also quite like to try boxing for the same reason (looks like fun!)

I don't give a gosh-darn what's "good for teh octagon", I wouldn't do an art that was ineffective but I'm never going to be a champion fighter and I don't care enough to try. For me, it's all about good fun with a side-order of fighting skill.

[taekwonguy]

NOOOOO!!!! DON'T CROSS TRAIN!!!!!!!!! JUST DO TAEKWONDO, IT's GOT EVERYTHING INCLUDING A PATHETIC LOW DOWN GUARD AND BALLET LIKE POOFY KICKS!!!!!!!!!!! IT'S ALL YOU NEED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TheCount]

Simply put the chance of you finding a 'complete' art is slim. One that deals in all forms of standup striking, grappling, ground fighting, self defence, locks, throws etc etc . Is nigh on impossible to find.

If you join a dedicated art for each ie. standup and grappling then you will gain more. Each style will have dedicated tutors who will undoubtedly know stuff a jack of all trades tutor won't and in general you wil lget a better immersion into that art.

[taekwonguy]

well wouldn't HE then be a jack-of-all-trades lol? it's not daily increase but daily decrease! Absorb only what is useful my friend!

[Atharel]

I think cross-training in specific arts is going to be better for you than just training a generalist/mishmash art. If I only went on what I've learned in MMA-style classes, I would never have learned a lot of grappling maneuvers that work great for me even in MMA-style sparring. A jack of all trades will never have the depth of knowledge in one area that will allow you to find out the best things for you and your body type.

[TKDMitch]

Decide what you're taining for.

Decide what skills you therefore want most.

Train them.

Make sure it also includes the lesser bits you also want.

Train them as part of it or cross train them.

But don't lose focus on your primary skills.

Train hard but train smart.

Mitch

[Akut]

Thank you people for all replies. Now for something a bit more specific: which of the following MAs do you think it makes the best complement for a karateka (shotokan)?

Shotokan + Aikido
Shotokan + Ninjutsu
Shotokan + BJJ
Shotokan + Taekwondo
Shotokan + Judo
Shotokan + Kendo
Shotokan + Bo-ken
Shotokan + any other I didn't mention

Osu!

[SiAiS]

Shotokan + Aikido

[Moosey]

Originally Posted by Akut

Thank you people for all replies. Now for something a bit more specific: which of the following MAs do you think it makes the best complement for a karateka (shotokan)?

Shotokan + Aikido
Shotokan + Ninjutsu
Shotokan + BJJ
Shotokan + Taekwondo
Shotokan + Judo
Shotokan + Kendo
Shotokan + Bo-ken
Shotokan + any other I didn't mention

Osu!

Judo or BJJ.

[Satsui_No_Hadou]

Yeah you have striking covered by Shotokan, so a good style to crosstrain with would cover areas which Shotokan lacks or is not as strong in.

[KempoFist]

Helio says.....cross training will hurt your Zhjoo Zhjitsu......