StoneSkin Posted July 2, 2003 Posted July 2, 2003 Here's a topic. Who would rather be a master of 1. or Jack of all trades but Master of None. Each have there good points each have there bad. Or in a sense are they equal ?
telsun Posted July 2, 2003 Posted July 2, 2003 I would like to be master of 1 and jack of others!!!! I presume you are debating cross training. I think that it is good to have a firm footing in a style, it will form a foundation for you. Then spread your wings and explore other areas and arts. But then if you master 1 art then you will probably be phenominal. Think of the Masters of the arts. I would probably not stand a chance against any of them......... Like you say pros and cons I keep asking God what I'm for and he tells me........."gee I'm not sure!"
superfighter Posted July 2, 2003 Posted July 2, 2003 i wouldn't want to be training in a countless number of martial arts, i'd rather be a master of 2, for example a striking art and a grappling art. I think its a waste of time learning too many martial arts, too many techniques to learn and not enough time to focus on each one.
telsun Posted July 2, 2003 Posted July 2, 2003 I agree with superfighter. Allow me to rephrase my initial response: Master of 1, jack of 1 or 2 more. Or maybe master of 2. Or maybe....... I keep asking God what I'm for and he tells me........."gee I'm not sure!"
delta1 Posted July 3, 2003 Posted July 3, 2003 I train in two- my base is American Kenpo and I also train in Taiji. I also work out regularly with some TKD and Arnis folks, and some crazy grapplers (as if there was any other kind ). I figure variety is the spice of life, and I enjoy working with and comparing different styles. Does it work? Well, a week ago one of the Arnis guys was showing me some disarms. One was for a right forehand strike immediately followed by a backhand. The defense is to yield back so the forehand strike misses, then move in and block the backhand with your right hand. Your left hand circles over his wrist, then under as you turn your body left and yield back again, striping his weapon. I said I thought I understood it, so he swung at me hard and without warning. I reacted, but not exactly as he'd said. I got the yield back first part, which is a normal surprise reaction. But when I steped in it was Kenpo footwork and a pressing check to the backhand swing and a Taiji Chin-na wrist lock (think Needle at Sea Bottom if you know Yang Taiji) that occured before the press completed. A yield to the right extended his arm at 45' and it was over before either of us knew what had happened. I couldn't have planed that even if I'd had the time, I just reacted. So what's the point? Well; a.) mixing styles can work, even if you aren't a master (which I'm definately not). b.) I've been looking for an excuse to tell that story for a week now, so there you are ! Freedom isn't free!
TJS Posted July 3, 2003 Posted July 3, 2003 i would rather have my strong point and be well rounded in other areas...thats the best type of fighter.
AndrewGreen Posted July 3, 2003 Posted July 3, 2003 i wouldn't want to be training in a countless number of martial arts, i'd rather be a master of 2, for example a striking art and a grappling art. I think its a waste of time learning too many martial arts, too many techniques to learn and not enough time to focus on each one. How about a art that integrates both striking and grappling? Andrew Greenhttp://innovativema.ca - All the top martial arts news!
granmasterchen Posted July 3, 2003 Posted July 3, 2003 i will tell you my opinion, cross train in many styles, but first, like others have said, get a good grip and foundation in one style. Being a master at one style leaves you weak against other forms of combat. Look at the early UFCs these guys were masters in their styles yet after several of these tournies they started to cross train to make themselves better. Personally I have studied several styles in my life and each one has made me a better well rounded fighter, I would agree with TJS. I started with mostly striking, added aikido manipulation, then JKD trapping, grappling arts, then low kicks of muay thai, then lastly kung fu open hand strikes, every style has something to offer, take what you want from each style and expand your arsenal this way you will have the right weapon for every fight, no matter who it is you fight. That which does not destroy me will only make me stronger
Warp Spider Posted July 3, 2003 Posted July 3, 2003 I think that cross-training is very important - if not to expand your own arsenal at least to get a thorough understanding of what's out there. It's possible that another martial art will contain a manuever your art has no counter for - it's much better to discover this through cross-training than in a competition or in a real fight. Paladin - A holy beat down in the name of God!
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