Crosstraining karate?

[Maiden_Ante]

Well, I've been training kase-ha shotokan-ryu for 2 years now and is soon to graduate for 7th kyu.

I'm not considering another martial art already, this is an early investigation for future preferences!

Aside from wanting to train a bit more contact-ish (though we are surprisingly closeup, considering I've read about some shotokan students not even being allowed to touch each other, perhaps it's the minor changes made by Taiji Kase, I have no idea to be honest) I think the punching, kicking and throwing works well. I am aware of the big hole though; grappling, arm locks and advanced throwing...

Right next to my dojo there's another one where they train judo twice a week, jiujitsu once a week and kendo or something with swords I was considering to test train there a couple of times in the future when I feel I need to learn more.

Would any of you recommend judo or jiujitsu as a cross training art in contrast to karate? Or would these two be to contradicted to work properly?

Is there any other art that would be good for a karateka to train to complement the gaps?

 

[dancingalone]

I think judo or jujitsu are excellent complements to karate.

I have dabbled in judo from time to time and I formally train in aikido in addition to goju-ryu karate. I find there is a synergy. The aikido improves my karate immeasurably and my expertise in karate sparks a certain aliveness and energy in myself and others when I work the aikido techniques in pairs.

 

[twendkata71]

It's definetly a plus to crosstrain in Judo and/or Jujitsu in addition to your karate training. And I agree that Aikido is another art that complements karate as well.

 

[seasoned]

Which once again points to the fact that all arts are interrelated in some way. Anyways, back to the OP, a grappling art could use some strikes and a striking art could use some grappling. I say focus on one and supplement with the other. Don't study 2 separate arts at the same time. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Brandon Fisher]

JuJitsu will help you unlock some of the techniques in your Shotokan kata.

 

[72ronin]

JuJitsu will help you unlock some of the techniques in your Shotokan kata.

This is an important point. Break down the blocks and there is a plethora of applications there.

 

[Brandon Fisher]

This is an important point. Break down the blocks and there is a plethora of applications there.

Good example thanks for the compliment.

 

[repz]

I second the comment about kata applications that you can unlock or create with some jujitsu training. You can create some solid bunkai, and see how certain movements can be shoulder throws and arm locks.

Judo will come in handy to open up different ranges of combat, like grappling, and live resistance training (though some jujitsu schools do this as well, but not all). I always felt judo was the go to art to plug in to many arts.

 

[scottie]

I say go for it. I agree with the kata talk. I would just advise you (from past experience) not to hide it from your karate teacher. Be up front with him. He may not like it and try to make you chose. If you have been with him for two years chances are you have some kind of relationship. Even if he does make you chose he will at lease respect you for telling him what you are going to do. He may not like it but he will respect you. Then again he may start with you. Never know.

 

[Maiden_Ante]

JuJitsu will help you unlock some of the techniques in your Shotokan kata.

Please explain what you mean.

I say go for it. I agree with the kata talk. I would just advise you (from past experience) not to hide it from your karate teacher. Be up front with him. He may not like it and try to make you chose. If you have been with him for two years chances are you have some kind of relationship. Even if he does make you chose he will at lease respect you for telling him what you are going to do. He may not like it but he will respect you. Then again he may start with you. Never know

I doubt he'd mind much, one of our 2-dans train thai boxing and have no problem discussing it with us. I don't see it as a big deal, perhaps I'd mention it to him and if he doesn't like it, that's his problem - but of course I have respect for him and wouldn't be "smart about it".

live resistance training

Now what's that?

 

[scottie]

I doubt he'd mind much, one of our 2-dans train thai boxing and have no problem discussing it with us. I don't see it as a big deal, perhaps I'd mention it to him and if he doesn't like it, that's his problem - but of course I have respect for him and wouldn't be "smart about it".

Cool man Good luck Judo is a Great art wish I could have kept training in it.

 

[Brandon Fisher]

Please explain what you mean.

In Okinawa there is a art within karatedo called Tuite. Tuite in some aspects are the real techniques karate the ones hidden within the kata. However that was lost in Japanese Karatedo somewhere along the line after it was brought from Okinawa to the mainland. As already stated blocking techniques such as chudan uke, jodan uke, shuto uke all contain trapping, locking and breaking applications at the advanced levels. Of course this is only part of tuite.

Karate as a whole and taught traditionally contains these techniques:
Basic level (this is what we see the most):
Uchi / Tsuki Waza - Striking and Thrusting Techniques
Geri Waza - Kicking Techniques
Uke Waza - Blocking Techniques

Advanced level:
Kansetsu Waza - joint locking techniques
Shime Waza - Choking and Strangulation techniques
Otoshi waza - takedown techniques
Nage waza - throwing techniques
Ne Waza - ground techniques (not like ju jitsu grappling or wrestling)
Kyusho Jutsu- pressure point / nerve attacks

For example if you do not know what Hikite (pulling hand) is then you need to start researching it.

Ju Jitsu or Ju Jutsu (proper spelling) will help you find those techniques in your kata that you are already learning.

I hope this helps.

Ganbatte!!

 

[repz]

Now what's that?

It means you perform techniques on someone who is resisting, and its done live with no sequence, with no attacker and defender roles. Bascially, sparring, fighting, or doing a 'sport". Its my personal oppinion that live resistance training builds attributes that other form of training cant against people of different sizes and skills.

 

[Cirdan]

I`ve been training Wado Karate and Ju Jutsu at the same time for several years. I find they compliment each other very well, as long as one is mindful about what one is doing. Same principles at work, different expressions. However I should add that taking two arts at the same time works best if you have plenty of time to train.

And yes, you are likely to discover new applications for kata, I know I have.

 

[Maiden_Ante]

Wowzie, thanks for the replies!

For example if you do not know what Hikite (pulling hand) is then you need to start researching it.

I can proudly say that I do know what that is.

In Okinawa there is a art within karatedo called Tuite. Tuite in some aspects are the real techniques karate the ones hidden within the kata. However that was lost in Japanese Karatedo somewhere along the line after it was brought from Okinawa to the mainland. As already stated blocking techniques such as chudan uke, jodan uke, shuto uke all contain trapping, locking and breaking applications at the advanced levels. Of course this is only part of tuite.

I'm kind of re-viewing my training in the back of my head right now. I know that both of our sensei (father and son from Yugoslavia) almost always takes up the "meaning" of the moves in the kata. In what kind of situation we could do this or that, and some times we do the thing where you block/attack each other using the techniques from the kata (is it called bunkai?). I kinda liked the opening move in Heian nidan.

It means you perform techniques on someone who is resisting

Aha, so that's it. We aren't like some automaton-dojos who seem to think that the best way to learn fighting is to not fight at all... but I absolutely see your point, that could be something to work more on, but I must still say that we are always encouraged to do it as realistic as possible.

I must say; thanks for all the answers.

 

[Grenadier]

Training in two arts at the same time can work very well, and what you learn in one can certainly help you advance faster in the other.

I train in Shotokan Karate and Yamanni Ryu Kobudo. Although the two systems are significantly different (empty hand vs. weapons, etc.), I've found that my training in the Yamanni Ryu kobudo has made my Karate techniques flow more easily, and that the relaxation of the upper body has become much easier when training in Karate.

On the flip side, the knowledge of Karate has helped me avoid some mistakes that many new folks in the kobudo training might make, since I've always been taught that two techniques done in succession are still two techniques, and that each one must be its own separate, meritious technique, or else you end up having two questionable techniques.

When looking at those training in Yamanni Ryu our dojo, I see some folks just starting who are of intermediate ranking in Karate, trying to copy what they might have seen on Youtube, Google Videos, or even some who bought Oshiro sensei's "Yamanni Ryu, vol 1" video. When people try to mimic his advanced technique without understanding the individual techniques involved, it ends up looking rather ugly and ineffective.

For example, the classical strike + pulling block combination is one of the bread and butter staples of the kobudo system, yet some people try to rush through the strike just to finish the block more quickly. As a result, they might be able to get a decent block in, but what about the strike?

Those who are advanced students, and begin their kobudo training, tend to make this mistake on a much less frequent basis, since they have a better understanding of how to get flowing techniques without compromising each individual technique.

 

[Victor Smith]

In the early 1060’s CW Nicole went to Japan to continue his study of Judo. He ended up living in a MA halfway house of Don Draegers, and in addition to his Judo began the study of Shotkan. As that study became more advanced his time to continue to play Judo cut back and one day one of his Shotkan seniors explained to him he was drawing himself too thin and likely not making the progress he should be making in either art. Reluctantly he discontinued the study of Judo.

IMO it is possible to cross train but it is best to wait till you’ve accomplished something say sho-dan in one art so you have some skill to work with in your original art, as you begin playing with something else.

It should only be done with the support of your instructor. If you’re dissatisfied with your instructors art you should not be looking for cross training but instead leaving that instructor to start over.

You will find, whatever you can pick up. Unless you have unlimited time you will only get a small slice of that other art, and whether it can be an enhancement to that original art will depend on decades of additional training in both arts to see if it works.

No art has instant answers, and it is a dangerous trap to listen to the grab something here, and then grab something there and you create something new.

I find any art takes decades of serious work to understand it’s potential. Perhaps you’re not seeing what you want in your current art because your instructor doesn’t feel you’re ready. The truth is many of us are never really ready for some advanced training, those studies might exist only for the truly gifted. That doesn’t make your training less valuable, but just realistic.

Fortunately or unfortunately I have spent a great deal of time with many other instructors, but never losing my focus on my primary training. I know how much you can get or can’t get, and then working for a decade or two you begin to find it was already in your original art. An example comes from understanding how much aikido is really in your kata, but it takes time to develop to a training program to effect such studies. Again back to you have to be ready for advanced training potential.

And advanced to one is beginning to another, but that just means other things are reversed.

Personally I prefer the older Okinawan approach of not naming much about your art and keeping the training most private.

Good luck,

 

[dancingalone]

Hi, Victor. Thanks for the post (I read your articles on your blog from time to time, too).

I practice a Okinawan system too, but I disagree with your statement below. I'm in favor of as much transparency as possible if only to make the general public aware of what is available to study. I myself studied a relatively simple system as my first art in my teens. Although it was effective in training the body for self-defense, I found myself frustrated with certain 'missing' instruction and I eventually left, traveling and studying a number of systems. I eventually gravitated to Goju-ryu and am very content with my choice, since my teacher is very knowledgeable and sharing. I'm very much aware however that there are those studying Goju-ryu nominally yet they're not being exposed to even an eighth of what I learned. To me, that's a shame.

Personally I prefer the older Okinawan approach of not naming much about your art and keeping the training most private.

 

[Brandon Fisher]

I am glad you know what hikite is thats a step in the right direction. Tuite is not bunkai though it can be found in the bunkai. Bunkai is the interpertation of kata, literally means the break down.

 

[Victor Smith]

It's certianly true that all instructors are not equal in knowlege and ability. On the other hand it's difficult to know what someone knows for you can only see what is in the status of their current students abilities.

Some instruction does take many years to acquire and even then not because of the years but if the student can take the time to pursue a deep enough level of training to actuate the skill. I realize that's not popular, but teaching for decades has shown me there are no short cuts.

In the issue of not naming your art, we live in a time where too many names are grabbed for everything and naming restricts potential. if you buy a kata movement as a bunkai for beginning, intermediate and advanced students you've locked it down to 3 applications. But any movement may have dozens of application potentials to drop an opponent, and by naming the 3, you leave out the 50.

On the other hand if the instructor develops the students potential when they're correctly developed, they learn the principles and the techniques and open the door for unilimited possiblities. Which is likely not an Okinawan answer, but still is real.

As i've been trained with serious instructors and try to be one myself, it takes 4 or 5 years before a new adult students is ready to begin application potential study in depth. Then many more years before skill and knowledge give much more. Newer students are exposed only to that portion they are ready to execute.

Not because I try to hold back (I actually often fo too fast) but because of the reality of their ablity, which takes time to craft.

I don't teach short study, I don't teach name the movements, I only teach karate as the student grows, and I find our depth enough that they're not looking elsewhere.

I only wish all the best, but try in turn to describe what I would hope would become the idea.

pleasantly,