Having both Martial Arts and music as pursuits?

[JazzKicker]

Musashi said, you could not chase two rabbits. But he also said, "pen and sword, in accord".

have both been a martial artist and played a couple of musical instruments all my life. It dawned on me, aside from my oldest friend, that I have never come across another person who shared both pursuits, as if they are separate, incompatible worlds. Somehow, I was able to juggle both (besides a career, etc.) though I participated and achieved more as a black belt. Ironically, in retired life I find I'm more active with physical training, while my old friend keeps busy with music and wants nothing to do with punching and kicking!

 

[sensei8]

To each their own.

I’ve been in the MA for over 6 decades, ran a  dojo/MA Supply Store, play 3 musical instruments, play a mean chess game, carry a high bowling average, have a nasty game of 3-cushion billiards, go to the gym, ride a bicycle, and most importantly, take care of my wife and kids…but not all at the same time, of course. 

Neither were difficult to enjoy whenever I was doing whichever one.

I don’t know much about chasing rabbits and all like that, but Musashi, as great as he was, was then and we’re now.

 

[Montana]

I've been in the arts since January 1975. I  used to play the trombone from 5th grade well into my 50's, but gave it up. I've also been a singer (2nd bass) since forever! My mother was a jr high school music teacher.

[KarateKen]

I had a Sensei who was a guitar player for over 35 years, had been in some bands part time back in his younger days.  I also trained with a 4th degree black belt who was a professional musician and would play in different venues around the country.  I myself took guitar lessons for a few years as a teenager and I think there is a lot of overlap between learning martial arts and learning music.  They both have an artistic element, they both have many options, such as styles of martial arts vs styles of music, they both require a lot of practice, focus, and dedication, you have to learn about teamwork and timing, and once you get decent at it you can create things in your own way.  Plus, no matter how long you have been studying them there will always be more you can learn.