What is the best long-term planning approach to learning martial arts?

i would like to train in different arts-- i.e. jujitsu and a stand-up hard style, to be well rounded..


but i've heard it's good to have one primary art that you train intensely in for several years, and then add on others (so as not to be so-so in many, not great at any). with this reasoning, i'd want to train 5 years a striking style (or what's fun to me), and later supplement with jujitsu for groundwork. do you agree? or is it okay to start several at once?





i've also heard that those who train primarily in styles like kickboxing, who later add in wing chun or taichi, find their skills in their original art improves dramatically.


..for me, something like taichi would be great spiritually and as a supplement, but not primary given my love for high intensity


my motivation -- spirituality, as an art, as a sport, some practicality


my natural ability- striking, agility, flexibility.. i'm 5'4" light and quick


past experience - tkd, no ground fighting at all





any ideas?

What is the best long-term planning approach to learning martial arts?
If you are learning a martial art in two different areas that don't overlap you should have no problem learning both at the same time.





In other words you can learn a striking art like Kickboxing or Karate and a grappling art like BJJ at the same time because they don't overlap. But when you try to learn more than one MA in the same area you could run into problems. For example, if you learn TKD and JKD at the same time, you will have some conflicts in techniques. I would not recommend doing two striking arts at the same time.
Reply:If you are going to mix styles, I recommend becoming proficient in at least one discipline for a base. Then, after reaching a substantial level of expertise %26amp; understanding, supplement your base art with whatever it takes for you to grow and reach your personal goals.





I have blended Kenpo with Nin-jutsu, a 'hard' style with a 'soft' one...Best of luck!
Reply:Join the Marines. Learn to fight with EVERYTHING in EVERY range. EVEN 500 YARDS AWAY.
Reply:to be well rounded i recommend taking a hard/soft style for a base... Goju is a good example seeing how it literally means hard soft. ;) after that i recommend win chun and then bjj or judo ...if ur into tai chi throw that into in the mix after you have do all of the others so you can truly empty and refill yourself completely
Reply:I totally agree with the comments others have written!


i believe you should look at, and participate at as many different styles or schools that you come across, as every style will not suit every person.





i feel the most important is to focus on the style you love and enjoy the most, use it for your basic foundations as these are essential. and then use what you learn to develop your knowledge and understandings of the other styles.





Just enjoy what you do! when you do it! do not look down on other styles! practice techniques that work for you! and do not be judgemental be respectful, all style have good and weak points if they didn't there would only be one!


This will help you in your quest for long term participation in the martial arts.


If you love it why stop, In time we all become masters not of our styles but ourselves and this i feel is the key.- mastery of your own mind and body and loving and enjoying everyday as it comes!
Reply:Chose a style that is designed for combat. It should cover all aspects of fighting... Even if it is primarily a striking art it should teach you how to counter attacks from other styles or it is not a worthwhile style.





Personally I train Wing Chun and instead of cross training in other styles I train with people form other styles and use my Wing Chun to counter them and contrary to popualr belief it does work on the ground and some Jui Jitsu guys that I train with have learnt some cool stuff from me about standing grappling and I have learnt some cool stuff from them about being on the ground.





A style that is popular at the moment and should cover everything is Krav Maga.





Just remember, any style that is deigned for combat will not advocate going straight to the ground, although in a 1 on 1 situation this is very effective, real combat is never 1 on 1 as you can never know if a bystander will stomp on your head :-) This is not to say that you shouldn't learn how to do it cause you need to be able to do and counter as much as possible.
Reply:As a Mixed Martial Artist, dominantly in Jiu Jitsu, but also fluent in Muay Thai and the basics of Tae Kwan Do, I would suggest the following:





3) Research


Read about all of your interests in depth, and see which one appeals to you most. With the internet, there is a seemingly endless amount of Martial Art and Mixed Martial Arts literature at your disposal.





2) PATIENCE


I debated putting this one at number 1. Be extremely patient. Some are quicker than others at picking up Martial Arts, but that does not mean you are an expert. The greatest teacher is always a student. Remember that. Also, when I say patience, I also mean something along the lines of this; don't just learn the art, KNOW the art. Know the background, the history, why and who created it, what it's used for. Knowledge is a very powerful ally in Martial Arts. Practice, visualize, and condition. Take your time, otherwise you will take the fun out of the grind.





1) Humility


Nobody likes an egotistical fighter. I enjoy fighting, hence why I am an MMAist. Being good at fighting is something that I pride myself on. Be careful, however, because pride/self-esteem and ego are often confused. Use Martial Arts wisely. Teach, don't boast, and explain, don't impress. I can't stress these basics enough. Martial Arts is not a way to gain the respect of others, but a way for you to gain respect for yourself.
Reply:Find the best teacher in in the state, and learn from them. Forget all the rest. Even if you can only see them once a month, you will still be better off than learning from a mediocre instructor.
Reply:Firstly, DON'T SEVERAL AT ONCE!! You won't be able to dedicate yourself to all of them.





If you want to do Jujutsu later, I recommend Shotokan Karate as your base style. They are both Japanese, which helps. Or you could try Kung Fu. Whatever you prefer.
Reply:How about a good mixed martial arts school? There are a handful of schools out there who really understand the need to have good stand up fighting skills mixed with a very solid groundwork. A focus on reality based self defense is a good idea, too. (make sure you do your research as there are lots of bad schools out there, too)


Good luck on your search,


Baom71


http://www.sammyfranco.com