Practising multiple styles?

[Myth]

Hi,

Only since 2 years ago I started practising a korean martial art style, Tang Soo Do. I did this after my friend invited me to come along and join in for a few introduction lessions, it was difficult at first to get the hang of things, balance was the main issue, if not stretchability. But now I'm doing fine really, I completly love it. It's a 30 min cycle there, which I also love actually, though the way back can be a bit exhausting depending on how the training was . So, I love to be practising Tang So Do. I really do!! Love it!

Well, that was as far as my little introduction 'about me' goes, I wonder what it's like to practise multiple styles? I practise TSD one hour on friday and one hour on sunday... and I have a kicking bag at home which I simply can't stop kicking. So time enough left it seems... any suggestions or ideas on this? I really wonder if things would get messed up doing multiple styles... or I'd mix up terminology, or what not would happen?

[Shui Tora]

Well; I practice multiple styles, Shotokan Karate and Kenjutsu (everything in Kenjustu is the opposite! ) but I find it an advantage when it comes to Kumite as I can use some of the stuff that I've learnt form Kenjutsu...

It all depends... Crossing-training (as its called) does have advantages but also disadvantages too. It comes down to whether you can handle it (which I'm sure you can... )

Enjoy TDK... I've heard it is good!

[Myth]

Kenjutsu? Is that something like aikido?

Also... what other martial art would it be? I suppose something that is not the same so I have a greater variety? Maybe something for on-ground (is that what they call grappling in english?) ? Too many choices

And I sure do enjoy TSD, though currently there is summer break . Training is soon to start again however.

[Zorbasan]

there is no such thing as bad training when it comes to martial arts

practising a second art will only help

however, i would wait a bit before starting a second one, as you may find it hard to learn the same technique 2 different ways.

however, it may also be easier because you havent developed habits in a particular style yet.

[Shui Tora]

Kenjutsu? Is that something like aikido?

Also... what other martial art would it be? I suppose something that is not the same so I have a greater variety? Maybe something for on-ground (is that what they call grappling in english?) ? Too many choices

Kenjutsu is "Way of the Sword"... Samurai work, but some applications are similar to Aikido and I use those in Karate!

Something for on-ground MA wise... How about Judo? That seems ideal...

[alsey]

you'll find a lot of people here practice more than one style. i think its a good idea if you have the time and the will to practice. if you find its too much, you can always quit one of them.

[Myth]

Judo is effective on-ground, really? Maybe it's just because my last few Judo trainings were introduction lessons when I was 10(or so), those lessons were lame and really not serious enough for me. When I come to think of it, it was really just the instructor who did something wrong and focused the training on, perhaps, 3 year olds. I tend to like serious trainings more, they are fun, but just not silly.

But okay, that might be a wrong view, but I heard the same thing from a friend of mine who trained Judo within my area (at the same sport school where I do Tang Soo Do, that location is obviously an advantage).

It remains difficult .

And yes I can always quit, but that is of course a waste of the things you bought for it, e.g. suit.

[alsey]

judo contains plenty of ground work. i'm thinking of taking it up myself actually since i'm don't get to do much sparring at my current jujitsu school. judo would be a good art to combine with TSD as it covers a different aspect of combat.

[Shui Tora]

Judo is effective on-ground, really? Maybe it's just because my last few Judo trainings were introduction lessons when I was 10(or so), those lessons were lame and really not serious enough for me. When I come to think of it, it was really just the instructor who did something wrong and focused the training on, perhaps, 3 year olds.

Yeah - I did some Judo at my High School (they only offered it for two terms, but still it was good...) there are a lot of techniques within Judo that focuses on grounding/grappling...

I tend to like serious trainings more, they are fun, but just not silly.

But okay, that might be a wrong view, but I heard the same thing from a friend of mine who trained Judo within my area (at the same sport school where I do Tang Soo Do, that location is obviously an advantage).

I think we all like serious training, without that, where would be the point of learning a self-defence? However sometimes the "boring" basics are essential too... It isn't the "worng view" we all have different views/opinions... just depends on the people that like them!

And having everything in one location is great! I have to travel to my nearest Dojo for Kyudo (but that is the name of the game... Can't get around that!)

If you do not like some of the Arts, then like Alsey said, you can always drop them... However, think about it before doing so as you never know when youcould use those skills for Tang Soo Do... (Or vice versa...)

Hope that helps!

[Fairfax_Uechi]

Hi,

Only since 2 years ago I started practising a korean martial art style, Tang Soo Do. I did this after my friend invited me to come along and join in for a few introduction lessions, it was difficult at first to get the hang of things, balance was the main issue, if not stretchability. But now I'm doing fine really, I completly love it. It's a 30 min cycle there, which I also love actually, though the way back can be a bit exhausting depending on how the training was . So, I love to be practising Tang So Do. I really do!! Love it!

Well, that was as far as my little introduction 'about me' goes, I wonder what it's like to practise multiple styles? I practise TSD one hour on friday and one hour on sunday... and I have a kicking bag at home which I simply can't stop kicking. So time enough left it seems... any suggestions or ideas on this? I really wonder if things would get messed up doing multiple styles... or I'd mix up terminology, or what not would happen?

My personal opinion is that two years of training in the big picture isn't much. As others said, if you're going to add another similar style you might get things "confused" and it will be hard. Personally, I would either wait a little longer until you are very good at your TSD, or if you insist on adding a totally different style to complement it. For instance most folks who do cross training mix an art that might be mostly kicking with one that is mostly striking, or one that has a lot of ground work. But mixing two striking arts probably isn't the best choice.

Also, talk to your instructor as he or she might be able to offer more specific insight that would benefit YOU. Afterall everyone is different, and your teacher (hopefully) can offer better insight that folks who don't really know you well.