Online Training to study other arts?

[jiujitsufan10]

I've been wanting to become more familiar with several arts not only to complement my training, but also to be more educated about the differences, and hopefully broaden my skills.

I came across a site that offers an interesting blend of Karate, Jiu Jitsu, Kuntao, Kung Fu, and Ninjitsu. The previews of their DVDs and online videos look excellent, and I am considering becoming a member.

Does anyone use online training to learn new skills from different arts, or to train at home when a Dojo is out of reach?

[tallgeese]

I can't say I do a ton.

I will watch the occassional vid of fight footage or a naga or something to breakdown movements that I am less familiar with. Itu usually has to be someone I knoweither personally or through reputation however.

For the historical or overview stuff I still prefer books on the subject rather than time in front of the keyboard.

[DWx]

I wouldn't say I use online training but I do tend to use stuff like Youtube when starting to learn my forms. Once you have used the videos to map out the movements you can spend more class time on actually developing the moves themselves rather than having to remember what comes next.

I find it useful to also look at how other people spar and see if I can pick anything up from that.

[Zanshin]

I've been wanting to become more familiar with several arts not only to complement my training, but also to be more educated about the differences, and hopefully broaden my skills.

I came across a site that offers an interesting blend of Karate, Jiu Jitsu, Kuntao, Kung Fu, and Ninjitsu. The previews of their DVDs and online videos look excellent, and I am considering becoming a member.

Does anyone use online training to learn new skills from different arts, or to train at home when a Dojo is out of reach?

I think that you have to be at a certain level to truly benefit from books and online reference material, otherwise you will not understand.

It’s been said a squillion times before but still very true, you can only really learn a martial art if you train with an instructor who is good enough to teach you. There is no substitute really, books reinforce knowledge, but are no substitute.

As far as training in different arts here is where I stand:

After maybe 10 - 15 years of continuous training in one style (and one style only), I think that there is no problem with someone starting to train, or at least experience other MA's (as long as it is conducive for them to do so). To me it must re-enforce their primary art, not water it down.

On the other hand I notice you use the word "blend"...!

Personally I would never feel qualified to “blend” arts / systems together (much as I am tempted to sometimes).

Karate is a bit like Whiskey the single malt is always Superior to the blended variety

[jiujitsufan10]

Thank you for your feedback

I'm always looking for ways to complement my current training. I actually didn't mean to blend the styles, they just have several instructors in different arts, which is what I'm looking for. I feel training in one art only is a bit limiting. Most masters have ranks in several styles. I think a great combo would be karate and jiu jitsu.

Its great to be able to punch and kick correctly, and use those same principles and apply them to throws and joint locks for example (as in jiu jitsu). This is a great video to demonstrate my point:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8brY9uzQko

A karate inward block is used as a takedown, an outer block used as a wrist lock and then takedown. Side kicks are used in jiu jitsu on really amazing throws.

When a real fight comes, all skills are useful

[Zanshin]

Thank you for your feedback

I'm always looking for ways to complement my current training. I actually didn't mean to blend the styles, they just have several instructors in different arts, which is what I'm looking for. I feel training in one art only is a bit limiting. Most masters have ranks in several styles. I think a great combo would be karate and jiu jitsu.

Its great to be able to punch and kick correctly, and use those same principles and apply them to throws and joint locks for example (as in jiu jitsu). This is a great video to demonstrate my point:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8brY9uzQko

A karate inward block is used as a takedown, an outer block used as a wrist lock and then takedown. Side kicks are used in jiu jitsu on really amazing throws.

When a real fight comes, all skills are useful

Hhmm... Whilst karate masters may have "ranks" in different styles it is important to remember that you can only be a master in one. I guess people will have differing views on this.

The very act of training is an effort to master something but, it is never complete... (i.e. you can always get better at something). That’s Budo really.

Anyway getting back onto topic, if you want to learn bits and bobs from various styles, that does not make you a bad person. The youtube clip you detailed is what most would refer to as "Nihon Jujutsu" (or mother Jujtsu techniques). Nothing special really, but if it floats your boat and you want to learn more, you have options.

1. Go to a guy who can show you the moves

2. Go to a guy who understands how to truly make them work.

3. Train in an art that has these embedded into them any way as part of their pedagogy.

Number 1 is easy, you've already done it (ie you tube). 2 you will have to look a little harder, 3 will take you about 10-15 years to start to crack the nut.

Number 3 by the way is the best way. IMO

I am sorry to sound like I am picking on you (particularly as you are a newbee), but I believe that MA is all about quality not quantity. Don’t spread yourself to thin.

Spend your time looking deeper into your chosen art (and you) rather than trying to shop around for bargains.

Edited August 8, 2008 by Zanshin

[jiujitsufan10]

Your points are very valid, thanx! I have actually been training karate for 3 years. I was in a situation where some jiu jitsu would have been very handy.

Anyone want to comment on your different arts? I know several excellent teachers who have a high rank on their specific style, but have trained in other systems as well.

[Zanshin]

So...

Why not train at an MMA club?

Guaranteed they will have all of the results for you.

Z

BTW because this board is predominately frequented by North Americans it is pretty quite this time of night.

[ninjanurse]

Your points are very valid, thanx! I have actually been training karate for 3 years. I was in a situation where some jiu jitsu would have been very handy.

3 years is just a beginning...be patient with your art!

[tallgeese]

I will take a slightly differnt approach to training than those above, respectfully.

I think cross training is a good thing. I think it's fine in a pre-blackbelt setting as well. And really, there are things that some systems do better than others, you might as well learn them as well if you're interested. I think mastery is a term that really has too many subjective meanings to worry about too much. The bottom line is, are you capable of applying what you learn to defend yourself. Multiple ranks in different arts just makes you a more well rounded fighter. Heck, forget ranks, just the training time spent in another style makes you better.

As to blending, again, I vote go for it. The goal is to make you the best martial machine you can be. To accomplish this, you may need to integrate different aspects of several arts to best compliment your physiology and mindset. This will allow you to become an individualized fighter.

The key to multiple arts and their personal integration is repetition and constant testing. Do the movements work? Can you do them under stress without thought? In the long run, answering these questions and expandingyour repitore will increase your survival chances in a conflict.