Mixing styles

[yingampyang]

Hi everyone , im sure by now some of you know me , and also know that i have done many styles and i like to mix them up.

I would like to know your views on mixing styles , do you think it is a good idea? or are you one of thoese people you like to keep it simple and to one style?

Kind regards , Ying&Yang

[pittbullJudoka]

Why not mix it up the more you know the better off you are. The more well rounded martial artist. I take what I can from other styles because there's no perfect style that includes everything we need to be well rounded.

[Zanshin]

I have been training in the same art for over 20 years, and still I dont think I have brushed the surface.

Personally, I don’t think it’s about the number of different techniques that you might pick up from the various different MA that you may choose to train in, it’s how you train your body and mind to work in order to best deliver the techniques.

As Brian is at pains to say every time a topic like this comes up, a kick is a kick and a punch is a punch.

For some though, I guess cross training and "collecting" as many martial techniques is their take on becoming a better martial artist.

[marie curie]

I like doing multiple martial arts because, like any activity, sometimes you are totally into it, and sometimes you are kind of into something else and just not as passionate about it. When I do a couple of martial arts, I can lean toward one or the other to get totally into and it's a nice balance.

Also, some martial arts are too "artsy" and traditional, sacrificing practicality and efficiency of technique, and in the same way some are too sport or competition oriented and you see the same lacking elements.

When I was young I did one of those that leans heavily toward the too-traditional-for-applications side, and I was just so into what I was doing that I didn't really notice, but now that I do multiple MA's with multiple schools, I think that I can step back and evaluate better the techniques and theories.

[cross]

To me its a natural evolution. Take the most appropriate methods for your goals from the most appropriate sources(weather its martial arts related or not). There has been a fair bit of discussion previously on why having an attachment to 1 specific style can have a negative effect on your progress. I think looking at a variety of systems helps avoid this problem.

[yingampyang]

I have been training in the same art for over 20 years, and still I dont think I have brushed the surface.

Personally, I don’t think it’s about the number of different techniques that you might pick up from the various different MA that you may choose to train in, it’s how you train your body and mind to work in order to best deliver the techniques.

As Brian is at pains to say every time a topic like this comes up, a kick is a kick and a punch is a punch.

For some though, I guess cross training and "collecting" as many martial techniques is their take on becoming a better martial artist.

Okay you make a good point about training in a style for so long but not really knowing it. Ive done 3 of my styles for 20-23 years and i believe that i know them inside out and are second nature to me.

In this case its not about the style, its about the person and how well they take in and use information. If they are good at useing information and are quick learners then they should go for more styles.

I say its out there why not use it.

[ps1]

I feel it is ok and even optimal to learn a few systems. However, you should learn them well (as you mentioned). Despite mixing them to the way that you like, you should not teach them that way. In doing so, you deprive your students of the maturing process you went through. You would just be teaching them what worked for you and perhaps be holding back (or have thrown away) something that could have served their way of movement well. Combine them for yourself, but still teach them separately. Of course you can guide them and point out which movements worked best for you and which ways you have combined them.

[MMA_Jim]

Mixing opposing styles (ie grappling vs striking) is usually very helpfull in learning a complete fighting style. That being said, no one style is complete, and those that claim to be are often nothing more than poorly taught MMA.

Combining styles of the same sort can be problematic, since not all styles agree on how to fight. One style might suggest deep stances, for example a kung fu type style. Another might suggest being light and mobile, for example a muay thai type style.

If you know what they're used for its ok- a deep stance is good to use when the environment is unstable, such as a rocky landscape with poor footing. Mobile stances are good when the ground is good. Using one in the other instance is ill advised.

It depends on what they're teaching and what its used for. Sometimes, it be be a waste of time if its conflicting styles- depends what your interests are

[yingampyang]

PS1 , you have a good all round view on the martial arts. And everything you have said is what i do with my stundents , i dont teach them my ways at all because i know it would take to long , instead i help them to make a basis and then work on it if they want.

[bushido_man96]

As Brian is at pains to say every time a topic like this comes up, a kick is a kick and a punch is a punch.

Did you mean me, Zanshin? Wow, maybe people are getting to know me too well....

However, I do feel very strongly about this statement. With this said, however, different styles can offer different methodologies and approaches to combat, which can be very beneficial. Seeing the same thing presented in a different way can be very eye-opening.

I do like the idea of mixing styles, because, as many have said, many styles fail to be all-inclusive. I do think that a stand up style and a grappling style mixed together do a pretty good job of covering all the bases. However, an MMA style, or Pankration, usually cover both. With that said, if another style strikes your fancy, then you should look into it, to see what it offers.

Also, some martial arts are too "artsy" and traditional, sacrificing practicality and efficiency of technique, and in the same way some are too sport or competition oriented and you see the same lacking elements.

I think that there is a lot of truth in this statement. Sometimes, it is good to break out of the box that you may be in, so that you can see how some other styles approach things.