Advantage or Disadvantage of X-Traning

[BlackI]

Can anyone tell me if there is an advantage or disadvantage to cross Training? I have been reading many posts, and have noticed that alot of artist are crossing traing. Especailly in BJJ. Does anybody know why? I was just curious....

[Red J]

Many people cross train to give them a wide range of experience. You may find that your system may lack one particular aspect. Probably the reason for the BJJ crosstraining is that most systems don't give you the experience that BJJ does. The disadvantage of crosstraining would be that it may be a tough commitment to take on two seperate schools at one time, both financially and time-wise (and if you're just starting out it could be confusing trying to cover so much material). I would recommend getting a good foundation in one system before crosstraining in another or join a school that offers a balanced system.

 

In my Shoalin Kempo training we cover the major areas of fighting including grappling. Weapons are not covered extensively, but I did have weapons when I took a different style of karate a few years back.

[G95champ]

Most of your traditional arts take a long time to develope quality fighting skills. However arts like BJJ and Kickboxing develope them much faster. Thus when people get into MA's just to learn how to fight. To become a well rounded fighter the mix of BJJ and Kickboxing is obvious. One lets you stand and the other work the gound.

[Bon]

::edit:: Edited September 29, 2002 by Bon

[SBN Doug]

I could argue that certain arts, like Kuk Sool Won (that I take), have integrated most of the different types of styles into a single system. Thus, [color=red]for the most part[/color], eliminating the need to cross train.

 

HOWEVER, there is no getting around the fact it takes a while to learn all of it. Therefore, if your looking for instant results, I can't point to KSW.

[Kensai]

I agree with KSN, the more complete the system the more time it takes to learn and become natural. I dont really like cross training, mainly because I dont believe in it. But if you want quick answers then do something like Kick Boxing and BJJ, still a lot of hard work to.

[BlackI]

At what point in your martial development are you ready to train in another system. I am neither for or against x-training, but I would think you would need to be at a certain level of development before you can even think about another system. I know for myself that I have alot to work one in just one system.

 

Now ponder this. Is it good to be the jack of all trades and the master of None or To Master one thing and then move on to the next..

[G95champ]

Now that is the million dollar question.

 

If someone just wants to become a good fighter. They need to cross train from day one in Kickboxing and JJ of some sort. It quick and to the point. However if you want to do an art like Shotokan, TSD, Kung Fu, etc that has a lot of kata and history with it doing more than one at any time is hard.

 

I myself would reather be good at one thing because I believe every art will have bits of everything else in it. However with that said the ground work I do is Shotokan will never be equal to that done but a BJJ person. So to each his own.