Ronin_21

Thank you for the advice, I am going to speak with my current instructor and see what he recommends. As well as contact the instructor of the school in CA because it does say on his website he has a teaching certificate from the AOKA to instruct in Isshin-Ryu Karate as well as Shotokan (JKA). So he would probably have some pretty insightful information for me! Here is the link to his credentials if anybody wouldn't mind looking at them and telling me what they think. https://www.gregdowsdojo.com/about-us.php

There are plenty of BJJ schools around here in AZ so it is something I could continue when I move back. I don't really mind all the curriculum learning, the problem I really see with it is the difference in blocks. Though relatively the same they have a different turn of the wrist and more of a drawn out process of reaching the block ie low black for shotokan seems to start up from the shoulder moving down the arm to the block while shorin ryu is from the elbow/forearm area to the ending block.

I just started Shorin Ryu,1 month ago, and plan on training 4 days a week for the next 3 months. I then have to move back to CA from AZ (annual work migration 8 months(CA) 4 Months(AZ)). And the only style of karate offered is Shotokan. I have read a few threads on here where people have highly recommended training for at least a year in one style in order to build a solid foundation before cross training in a similar style. If I were to do this that means I would have to wait 3 years... I really want to continue my study of karate, but I know there are some serious differences between the two styles. Another option would be to completely drop karate all together for 8 months and train exclusively in Aikido or BJJ, and continue karate when I move back to AZ. Any advice?

Thank you for the response. As of now I haven't experienced any pain in my back from training in karate 4 days a week. I try to remain flexible and strong in my legs, hips and back.

My Situation: I am a 28 yr old male with lower back problems (had two bulging disc 3-4 years ago, currently in the best shape of my life)... I have study in both BJJ and Aikido previously (before the back issues) and I'm currently practicing Matsumura Seito Karate. I move for work annually (4 months in Yuma, AZ and 8 months Monterey, CA) and can not study Matsumura Seito Karate (AZ) year round. I have decided to study Shotokan (CA) in place of it, but I would like to cross train in one of the following: Aikido or BJJ. Aikido: I like it but it lacks that competitive aspect that I enjoy. Breakfalls do concern me these days. BJJ: Really, really enjoy this MA! But it does put a massive amount of pressure and stress on the body. Especially when you get egotistical a-holes that want to show their dominance on the mat over white-belts. So I guess my question is; What would be the better choice with a person with a history of lower back problems? Any sort of advice or criticism is welcome. I have good 3 months before I head back to CA so I have plenty of time to decided. Thanks!