Two Styles as a Martial Arts Beginner

[Bleeding Lion]

We can pretty much say i have not much experience in martial arts, but I went back to Karate a month ago (GoJu Ryu, switching from Shotokan a long time ago). So far I enjoy it a lot.

 

I practice at my university, but I will graduate in December 2005. TKD is also offered on campus, so I was thinking that I should maybe check it out and maybe give it a try even though I dont have a strong base in any art yet. I felt like i might as well take advantage of the resources offered to me at the university before i leave and later try to start TKD at a private dojo.

 

Is that a good idea? Should I wait a semester to get a goju ryu base or is the idea of adding TKD a bad idea right now?

 

I feel like it is a good idea, but i would like to know what people think of that, especially those (if any) who have started 2 arts at the same time. (Btw, if it applies to you, where to you stand now?)

 

Any input is greatly appreciated...

[ncole_91]

I guess it is just up to you. Do you think you will have enough time? Have enough energy? It is your person preference....

[Shane]

If your GoJu Ryu class offers more classes on top of what your taking now I would enroll in those rather than taking up another style. But if the Goju Ryu class is not giving you enough then try out another class and see. I'm a firm believer in mixing it up, but I also believe it is a good idea to focus on a base foundation before adding to much from to many people. But finding a school that is going to give you this base is hard. Anyways good luck.

[Bleeding Lion]

We practice Goju Ryu 3 times a week, Tue/Thurs/Sun.

 

TKD would be right after practice on Tue/Thurs and one session on friday.

 

I think I would be able to do it if i go only twice a week to TKD practice.

 

Anyway, my point was that I felt that I shouldnt waste the opportunity to learn another style since the university basically offer both for free (only activity fees are paid and are mandatory for students anyway - around $70 a year).

 

Moreover, When I get into the workforce or go to grad school I dont know if i would have time or money to do that.

[kempocos]

How long have you been training goju? You say you do not have much experience, then it sounds like you still need to learn GOJU, I think you would be better off taking some type of wreastling or BJJ for ground work, maybe a Filipino style for the stick work. TKD is a striking art which you already have a source of. Besides IMHO Goju is much better than TKD.

 

Think compliment not replace the information you are getting from Goju

[Bleeding Lion]

Ive been going to goju practice for a month now. i understadn your idea of completing goju with bbj or wrestling, but we unfortunately dont have clubs offering those. For the moment, I just take what the university offers because i dont have time and its free.

 

thank you all, for your suggestions. I might not add TKD. at least not now.

[aefibird]

Why not try out a week where you train in both arts and see how you go? If you think that you'd get confused, or wouldn't have enough time or energy to devote to training in both, then just stick to Goju. However, if you like the trial sessions of training in TKD you might as well take up the 'free' classes whilst they're available to you.

 

Just remember to try and keep them seperate in your head - don't be thinking "if I was in my Goju class we'd be doing X" whilst you're in the middle of TKD and vice versa. Approach your TKD training with an open mind and a resolve to do well and I'm sure that you'll enjoy it and get a lot out of it.

[KungFuMan]

I believe TKD practice is irrelevant for someone who practices Goju-Ryu Karate. From what little I know Goju has everything that TKD has and a lot more.

 

If I were you I would focus on my karate for now, that way your progress will probably be faster and less confusing.

 

KFM

[Master Jules]

Lion......I have a friend (Sandhoppa)....hes in college in Maryland right now, and is planning on coming up to visit me.....you should try to converse with him.....he just started taking Goju down there, and he loves it......maybe the two of you can take a lil road trip up here ...Im in NY.....Ill be more than happy to put you up for a few days, and you can see first hand why Goju is the way to go (over TKD)......youre more than welcome to stay at my place, and unlike Master Kirk, I promise I wont jump out of the shadows and attack you... Email me privately and we can discuss it......Im sure Sandhoppa would love the company on his trip up here......we'll have a blast !

[Sandhoppa]

Hey Bleeding Lion, I practice Goju ryu at the University of Maryland at College Park. There is a club there that meets at the same times. Taught by Sensei Leon Swain. Anyhow, I am definitely new to martial arts and karate like you. Drop me an email sometime or hit me on yahoo msnger (man_on_fire82)