Starting a second art

[Brady]

I am considering adding a second martial art, and I was wondering when in the training of a primary art is it "safe" to begin to study a second art? Obviously I don't want to confuse my body or brain, and I wouldn't want either art's technique to suffer.

[pineapple]

I have done a lot of crosstraining and I have found it confusing when two arts are similar but with some differences. On the other hand, I have found it to be quite beneficial to train in arts that were completely different such as training in a stand up art and training in a grappling art at the same time or training in an art that focuses on punching and an art that focuses on kicking.

If you are considering a completely different style, it is okay to start but if you are thinking about training in a similar style, I would recommend that you wait untill you achieve your black belt in your first school.

[karatekid1975]

Brady, how long have you been training? Some say wait till you get your BB to crosstrain. But I think two to three years in one art is good (to get good basics).

I also agree with pineapple. If you do a striking art, do grappling, or the other way around. This way, it won't be too confusing (I'm a striker, but crosstrain in Jujitsu).

[Jiffy]

I have done a lot of crosstraining and I have found it confusing when two arts are similar but with some differences. On the other hand, I have found it to be quite beneficial to train in arts that were completely different such as training in a stand up art and training in a grappling art at the same time or training in an art that focuses on punching and an art that focuses on kicking.

If you are considering a completely different style, it is okay to start but if you are thinking about training in a similar style, I would recommend that you wait untill you achieve your black belt in your first school.

Abosloutly correct!!!

My thoughts exactly!