Instructor with more than one style

[sensei8]

I've seen both of these types of CI's before, and I must say, one's not always better than the other. I want a CI of quality, and not of quantity!!

And if appropriate, that the CI can teach so well, if well versed in multiple styles, that I can't tell and/or remember just how many styles of the MA that that CI is well versed in; that they all feel as just one style.

And if the CI is only well versed in one style of the MA, and is of quality, then I will not even remember that there are other styles of the MA out there, somewhere, or even care that they exist.

[Spartacus Maximus]

"Jack of all trades, master of none" is the adage many traditional instructors follow. Although it is useful for an instructor to have some knowledge or experience in more than one system, it is by far preferable for said instructor to be devoted and dedicated to the practice of a single system. The ideal instructor is someone who is an expert in one system. Mastering more than one system is very difficult and much rarer than being merely proficient in several.

[singularity6]

After thinking about this topic some, here's what I've come up with:

It would make sense if your multiple styles supplement each other. For example, if your primary style is TKD that focuses on tournament sparring? Add in boxing and some BJJ/hapkido/aikido.

[Alan Armstrong]

Had just finished giving a private boxing class to a Kenjukenbo student.

He was very happy with the information and instructions given to him; a good workout.

Wanted to send him on his way with a short Wing Chun technique, when to my surprise he backed off not wanting to know anything that wasn't Kajukenbo related.

It was if a type of "style contamination" would occur, that would short circuit his prior Kajukenbo understanding.

Respecting his wishes, I left it at that.

Having information on other styles doesn't mean that students will be open to learning it.

[sensei8]

If the CI is versed in multiple MA styles outside of the core MA style, then all a CI can hope for is to offer them up. After that, it's up to the student if they want to learn what's offered outside of the core style.

Alternate choices can be the bread-and-butter of the CI's bottom line.

[Nidan Melbourne]

If the CI is versed in multiple MA styles outside of the core MA style, then all a CI can hope for is to offer them up. After that, it's up to the student if they want to learn what's offered outside of the core style.

Alternate choices can be the bread-and-butter of the CI's bottom line.

To the bolded point, my sensei finally did that with his Sticks Training (Balintawak Arnis, he is currently a Level 6 [Completion of the Art])

[Alan Armstrong]

It cannot hurt a CI to have knowledge of other styles to contrast what is being taught; especially with the basics of punching, kicking and blocking.

Theory and tactics of other styles is always useful to know.

Training and conditioning regimes of other styles might be worth a look at.

As the CI can point out to students that we do it this way because...

Children ask why more than most, so should students in martial artist ask why, more often to the CIs.

[sensei8]

It cannot hurt a CI to have knowledge of other styles to contrast what is being taught; especially with the basics of punching, kicking and blocking.

Theory and tactics of other styles is always useful to know.

Training and conditioning regimes of other styles might be worth a look at.

As the CI can point out to students that we do it this way because...

Children ask why more than most, so should students in martial artist ask why, more often to the CIs.

To the bold type above...

Yes, students should refer questions to the CI the most. However, with kids, especially the beginning students, the CI is that big bad scary monster that you, as a kid, sure don't want to get near.

[LLLEARNER]

It cannot hurt a CI to have knowledge of other styles to contrast what is being taught; especially with the basics of punching, kicking and blocking.

Theory and tactics of other styles is always useful to know.

Training and conditioning regimes of other styles might be worth a look at.

As the CI can point out to students that we do it this way because...

Children ask why more than most, so should students in martial artist ask why, more often to the CIs.

To the bold type above...

Yes, students should refer questions to the CI the most. However, with kids, especially the beginning students, the CI is that big bad scary monster that you, as a kid, sure don't want to get near.

As well he should be.

[sensei8]

It cannot hurt a CI to have knowledge of other styles to contrast what is being taught; especially with the basics of punching, kicking and blocking.

Theory and tactics of other styles is always useful to know.

Training and conditioning regimes of other styles might be worth a look at.

As the CI can point out to students that we do it this way because...

Children ask why more than most, so should students in martial artist ask why, more often to the CIs.

To the bold type above...

Yes, students should refer questions to the CI the most. However, with kids, especially the beginning students, the CI is that big bad scary monster that you, as a kid, sure don't want to get near.

As well he should be.

The one that most, if not all, questions should be directed to!?

OR

The big bad scary monster!?

OR

Both!?