What is Martial Arts cross training and should I do it?

 Martial arts cross training is when you study multiple martial arts to become proficient in all areas of self-defence.

In other words, this type of training is to fill the gaps that one art may have, by incorporating and adapting new elements to fill those missing links to help improve your overall ability.

 Cross training has been around for many years and has become more popular with people wanting to learn MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)

In Karate you are taught the three basic elements of karate which are Kihon, kata and Kumite, However, hardly any emphasis is focused on groundwork (ne waza) and the reason for this is that karate was not designed for fighting on the floor. So, by learning another martial art such as Judo or Brazilian jiu Jitsu for example you can learn these other elements of groundwork and incorporate them into your training.

  • There is no right or wrong time to start cross training, but you need to remember that like all martial arts, leaning another art or style takes time and there Is no fast tracking to black.

    The way you progress is dependent on how dedicated you are and how much time you put into your training.

    If you are thinking about cross training, you need to decide first of all what it is that you want out of the training.

    Are you happy just to continue with your current martial art and not bother to cross train?

    Are you looking to learn a different martial art and progress in its grading system and stop training in your current art?

    Are you looking to start cross training just to add and improve areas of your karate that are not covered in your current syllabus and then adapt these to your martial arts and class or just you’re yourself?

    Once you have decided on one of these elements then you need to know where to start.

  • Deciding on where to start in regard to what you should learn next, is easier than you think and all it takes is a little research.

    If, for example you wanted to learn about wrist locks and throws, then straight away, I would say that Aikido is a good base to start with.

    If you are looking to learn about choke holds and submission moves, you have either Judo or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. But this really is up to you and what you want to learn.

    You Also need to decide if this will be a short term or long-term process. I.E do you want to learn the new martial arts grading syllabus and achieve the highest grade you can or just take short snippets from the lesson?

    If you joinb a club decide if you want to learn partil technoiyes or saty for the duration to obertion yteh highest grade there ie black.

  • You can only learn so much from one club so it is always a good thing to look at other clubs in the area. Every karate club teaches something different and may have something that you can take away from the session that you found really useful.

    Some dojo may have multiple arts training at the same location so this would be a great chance to start your cross training as the surroundings are familiar, and you may know the other people you are about to start training with.

    Other clubs may be a bit further away and may need to travel to get to them and may start a little later than what you are used to.

    What I will say is that you need to find a club that you feel comfortable in and feel comfortable with the instructor.

  • When looking at cross training there are always pros and cons to think about. Here are just a few.

    Pros

    Increased martial arts ability and knowledge.

    Increased Physical exercise.

    New opportunities for new competitions and team squads.

    Cons

    More time travelling.

    Additional cost such as petrol, equipment and uniform, memberships and gradings.

    You may become overwhelmed with the training and confuse the arts with each other.

    More injuries.