Question 007: Train in two arts

 

If you play baseball a lot and play soft ball once in awhile, under the stress of a softball completion, it is easy to confuse the rules with those of baseball. However, when you play baseball and then play football, there is never a problem with the rules since the two sports are entirely different. When it comes to studying multiple arts, it is best to either just study one mixed martial art that uses all types of techniques in its training or chose a second martial art that is totally different from the first, such as studying karate and then taking up Judo, Kendo, or Escrima. These martial arts do not use punches and kicks (in their purist forms) and Karate does not use throws, hold-downs, or striking with sticks (in its purist form). When training in Karate, the thought of throwing an opponent does not even cross you mind. Likewise, when training in Judo, the thought of kicking an opponent does not cross you mind.

So be careful when choosing another martial art, so that one does not detract from the other. Trying many different things always seems to be a good idea at the time, but when you find something you enjoy, it is best to stay with it and perfect it. It is better to be an expert at doing one thing than to be able to do many things. That is why doctors specialize into so many different disciplines. If you do decide to try another martial art, it is best to drop the first one and concentrate on the second one, and, at some point, make a commitment to one art and stay with it.