Cross-training?

[IronToSteel]

First off, hello!

I'm looking for opinions here on cross-training.

My situation is this: I've been training kung fu for 4 years now, and am wavering in my enthusiasm. I was thinking of starting up Aikido as a second martial art. However I feel a bit conflicted for several reasons:

Am I disrespecting my Sifu?

Can you really learn two martial arts at once?

Do the styles conflict eachother?

Am I simply looking at ways of sweeping dust under a rug?

Your replies are greatly appreciated.

[bushido_man96]

Welcome to KarateForums! Its good to have you here.

As far as cross-training goes, it can be done with great success. Many on this forum have, as you will soon notice.

I think aikido would complement your kung fu training well. Personally, I feel that you can cross-train in any two styles, as long as you don't have any problems with the slight variances between similar styles.

I would give it a try, and see how it goes. Good luck!

[mantis.style]

Firstly, what kung fu? Secondly, training in more than one martial art style is not the same cross training.

[IronToSteel]

It's a more southern-style of Kung Fu, probably best compared to Hung Gar.

I'm not sure what the term is for training multiple styles in a non-MMA atmosphere is.

[MisterRadley]

I don't see any reason not to cross-train. As bushido said, aikido would probably work well with kung fu.

[ps1]

It's all a matter of personal ability. Some people are able to train multiple styles or systems without any problems. Others have difficulties understanding that there is more than one way to do something, which causes conflicts.

If you're concerned about disrespecting your sifu, talk with him about it. In the end, you must do what's right for you. Your sifu should understand that. But if you're not at an advanced level in your training, don't be surprised if he asks you to hold off or wait for a little while before starting Aikido.

Welcome to the forums! Good luck!

[jaymac]

I think Aikido would be a great art to try, but you should definitely talk with your sifu in regards to your wishes.

[cross]

Am I disrespecting my Sifu?

If you are open and clear with him about what your doing then you would not be doing anything to disrespect him. If however, you go off and do aikido and then at your kung fu class the sifu tells you something and you say "in aikido we do it this way, ill stick with this" then thats a fairly obvious example of being disrespectful.

Can you really learn two martial arts at once?

Ofcourse you can, the amount of time and effort you put in will dictate what you can get out of each style.

Do the styles conflict eachother?

I cant speak from experience with these specific arts, however, you will always find some philosophical and technical ideas that conflict between different arts. Its up to you to accept these differences for what they are and decide what is best for you.

Am I simply looking at ways of sweeping dust under a rug?

Are you? If you are unhappy with your kung fu training, i would definetly talk to your sifu about the issues. If you cant sort out the problems, then find somewhere else to train. The worst thing you could do is continue on, not speak up for yourself and keep training just for the sake of it.

[RealWingChun]

It's a more southern-style of Kung Fu, probably best compared to Hung Gar.

I'm not sure what the term is for training multiple styles in a non-MMA atmosphere is.

This is my honest opinion: if you are studying a Hungar Gar related style of kung fu in an authentic school and with knowledgable sifu, then you are well on your way to becoming a potent fighter who would be able to take care of most situations. It would be irrelevant for you to cross train or add another martial art to your program. Something like Aikido for example would be irrelevant to you. Many of the key concepts of Aikido should be present in your kung fu. E.g. Using your opponents energy against him; softness; the use of chi, relaxation, etc.

Anyhow, even if you decide to add another art to your training program, it would be advisable to do so after you have developed a good understanding and ability in your core art. When you get to such a state you may not want to add any martial arts to your kung fu anyway. Or maybe, even if you do, then you may opt for another style, such as another kung fu style, which in my opinion would be more relevant.

RealWingChun

[baronbvp]

There is much to be said for following your natural impulse to try something different, especially if it involves some throwing and grappling for a striker. I feel that one can learn more about himself by trying some other styles. Once you see what they have to offer, you may find another you like better. Or you may choose to return exclusively to your original style. Or you may elect to combine elements of both into your own hybrid technique. Regardless, you will be more enlightened and make a better choice for you.