How many arts to do at once

[Warrior189]

I dont know how to really explain my question, but here it goes. I'm planning to do multiple martial arts, but don't know how many I should do cause of my schedule and the cost of classes. So can anyone tell me how many different arts they do now or when they were younger and the cost of the classes too. Just to give me a idea of how many I should try out now.

[eXcessiveForce]

I have always recommended getting to blackbelt level in 1 art. So that you fully understand it's structure and elements and then incorporate other elements into it.

Otherwise it seems people end up not being fully able to incorporate new concepts and make it work with what they already know.

It's also difficult because some arts intersect and teach different techniques or strategies for the same situation and may not accept alternatives

[Orionkeiji]

I agree with excessiveforce.... get to a good level of proficiency in one art so you have a solid foundation and good understanding of martial arts... then you can make a more informed decision about what other arts you want to add to your arsenal...

as far as simoultaneously training... i'd recommend 2... 3 at the vey most.... anymore and you're not dedicating enough time to each...

but again, i say dedicate yourself to 1... then build up later

gluck in your training

[OmaPlata]

I have always recommended getting to blackbelt level in 1 art. So that you fully understand it's structure and elements and then incorporate other elements into it.

Otherwise it seems people end up not being fully able to incorporate new concepts and make it work with what they already know.

It's also difficult because some arts intersect and teach different techniques or strategies for the same situation and may not accept alternatives

Yes thats a good idea, and with your schedule, in about 12 years, you will have a black belt in brazilian jiu jitsu, so check back here in 12 years and we'll suggest another art to master. If you want a black belt in 1 year, try any of the standing arts, tae kwon do, chuck norris systems, jeet kune do, etc, they hand out belts like a walmart 99 cent sale

[EmptyneSs]

I dont know how to really explain my question, but here it goes. I'm planning to do multiple martial arts, but don't know how many I should do cause of my schedule and the cost of classes. So can anyone tell me how many different arts they do now or when they were younger and the cost of the classes too. Just to give me a idea of how many I should try out now.

i break up my training into two catagories for now, striking and grappling. id love to learn fma stick and knife but its not available in my area at the moment. so i focus on striking and grappling, which is really all empty handed combat comes down to for the most part. and nowdays many gyms/dojos offer both. if you can find a decent mma gym, you will have access to training in both striking and grappling under the same roof. training at multiple schools can be really costly. luckily i found a good gym that offers muay thai, boxing, bjj, and judo all at the same place!!! and its not one guy teaching everything, each discipline at the gym has its own time slot for practice and is taught by specialist in that discipline so its awesome for me. im really lucky to have the kind of access i do. thats why i promote training at mma type gyms more than traditional places. look at the schools in your area and go visit them. see if you can find a decent one that offers like both striking and grappling.

also, striking and grappling are so different from eachother that you can learn them both at the same time without confusing yourself.

[Spanner]

Chase two rabbits,
Both get away.

[daringdex]

I suggest that you study Muay Thai and Bjj or any groundfighting art..... For me it is the best combination because if you excel in both then you wont mind standing up or maybe lying on the ground when fighting(self-defense situation).. Add Arnis to the trey so that you will be good in weapons fighting too....

[Nips]

Yes thats a good idea, and with your schedule, in about 12 years, you will have a black belt in brazilian jiu jitsu, so check back here in 12 years and we'll suggest another art to master. If you want a black belt in 1 year, try any of the standing arts, tae kwon do, chuck norris systems, jeet kune do, etc, they hand out belts like a walmart 99 cent sale

jeeeesh, uncalled for man.

I've always been told to never do more than one martial art until you're a first dan in one of them, or else you could confuse yourself. Though, if you're doing highly contrasting styles like bjj/judo and Mauy Thai/Karate/Kung Fu it'd be less of a problem. My only concern would be the ability to devote yourself to mutliple arts in the early stages of developement. What's your available free time like? Are you working? How many hours a day etc?

[sapatiero]

Chase two rabbits,
Both get away.

I was going to say exactly that, but add that if you are looking to do two arts, do one standup art, and one groundwork one. That way you won't be learning too many conflicting techniques and you'll have a rounded game.

[daringdex]

try to find a mixed martial arts group or gym in your area.. They have curriculum for both stand-up and groundwork...(e.g. Lionsden or any MMA Group) but check it out first before trying or enrolling..

[13ang]

At LEAST get a blackbelt. However once you feel you are at a steady level in one martial art, cross train in ONE art at first, if you realy enjoy it and dont have any problems keeping the schedule up for both the arts, you can try a third. Dont overdo yourself.

@OmaPlata, I know someone who got his blackbelt in bjj in less than 2 years. I dont know what taekwondo schools you have been going to, but you should try going to a real taekwondo school before you judge it. Who knows, you might enjoy it

[jubaji]

and why is it that 99% of tkd-ers are 'former'?

you should try going to a real taekwondo school

Everyone says that, but it seems like no one is at this mythical school.

Kinda strange...

[Tom Yum]

Everyone says that, but it seems like no one is at this mythical school.

Kinda strange...

Even more strange, I've gotta craving for bulgoki, kim chee and fried egg w/green onion over rice.

[jubaji]

really!

Even more strange, I've gotta craving for bulgoki, kim chee and fried egg w/green onion over rice.

Stranger still, I just had that a few hours ago...!

[13ang]

well you could come down to portland and train with me