Is it possible to be dedicated to two "sports ?

[Kante]

I'm currently doing the best I can to advance in martial arts, I'm 15 years old and unlike many others I look at it more than just a hobby or something to kill time with.

But I was wondering what your opinion would be on trying to be successful in an other sport as well.

Like, It's one of my goals to develop myself as a fighter, and hopefully advance in the full contact championships one day.

But what if, I'm attracted to an other sport (football) and really want to get somewhere with it?

Would that crush my dreams in martial arts? Does that contradict with my original goals?

I am NOT having second thoughts about martial arts, and I do NOT "like" it less.

Is it wrong to want to do that?

I've never played/play football with my neighbors when they called me to.

The only times I play are at my gym class when I pretty much have to. And now I'm thinking of starting to practice football, but please note that if I was planning to just practice football for the sake of practicing football I wouldn't of asked this.

What do you all think?

[bushido_man96]

First of all, just for clarification, do you mean American tackle football, or futbol (soccer)? Not that it matters, I am just wondering. The way you talk about it, it makes me think soccer.

Second, the fact that you are interested in another sport is not a bad thing. I think that if you allot your time correctly to both of these sports, then you can become a success in both. It will prove difficult, and it may cut down on some of your social time, but I think that it can be done.

Here is something to consider, though. Should you get very good at both, and wish to start pursuing careers in them, they may not overlap well. For example, let's say that you sign a contract to play football. If you do that, they may have a clause in the contract that says that you cannot compete in full contact fighting, because you are too valuable to them to get injured doing something else.

That is really the only negative thing that I could think to happen. The cross-training that you do may transfer well from one sport to the other, with the extra training, the footwork, etc.

Best of luck in your endeavors.

[GOM]

First of all, just for clarification, do you mean American tackle football, or futbol (soccer)? Not that it matters, I am just wondering. The way you talk about it, it makes me think soccer.

# - He could be talking abour rugby, rugby league or aussie rules. We call them all football. It aint just the yanks with gridiron and the poms with soccer that call their round ball sport football.

[dano]

While my training is 100% focused on MA, my two sons (10 & 9) play in a number of sports in addition to thier MA training. During the appropriate seasons, they both play baseball, basketball, and one plays football. They may not be able to get to karate training during those "other' sports seasons, but they still participate in a lesser degree. I have seen them both benefit in thier other sports activities as a result of their karate training. Coordination, flexibility, speed, and, most importantly at their age, confidence, have all improved. At 15, I think you can find a good balance between two sports. As you get older, as BushidoMan mentioned, you may need to rethink that. But, that's down the road a little... Good luck.

[french fri25]

there is no reason for you to not play football too. as already stated, you may have less recreation time, but if your willing to give some of that up, you definitely can do both. i play hockey, and tennis along with my MA training and i still go to class 4 times a week. its all about your dedication and will to sacrafice a few hours to yourself and use them for football or MA.

[bushido_man96]

First of all, just for clarification, do you mean American tackle football, or futbol (soccer)? Not that it matters, I am just wondering. The way you talk about it, it makes me think soccer.

# - He could be talking abour rugby, rugby league or aussie rules. We call them all football. It aint just the yanks with gridiron and the poms with soccer that call their round ball sport football.

Thanks, my bad. I would include rugby as well. I just didn't think about it.

[jaymac]

You should absolutely do both. I always try to encourage kids your age to explore. You will find that MA will compliment your other sport and football will aid in your MA. You never know what school sport could lead you to a college scholarship one day. Give both your 100% You can do it, and at 15 years of age, it is the perfect time to try. Good luck!

[Kante]

Thank you for your feedback, and I'm talking about soccer. I have amazing reflexes and I believe they will do me good in football.

I guess it's ok to do so then. My martial arts training although very intense and requires a lot of dedication has never hurt my performance in school.

If there's one thing am good at then it's time management.

Thanks again

[P.A.L]

i used to play soccer, almost my whole life from 7 years old till i broke a bone 4 years ago and retired, it's a great sport just watch your knees. and never forget your warmup routin.

[GOM]

Thanks, my bad. I would include rugby as well. I just didn't think about it.

Just to make it more annoying, there are two forms of rugby - Rugby League and Rugby Union.