Today I’m going to take about the value of learning and training in more then just one type of martial art style.
I think a lot of what I have to say will strike a cord with many of those who read my blogs.
So, lets talk about why we should train in multi styles.
I started taking Karate classes when I was just 10 years old. Back in 1980. I’ve always loved martial arts.
The thing with me is that I always loved many types of martial arts. I always felt that the key to become the best was to try and learn as much as you could.
That’s what I did. I took classes in so many things. Everything from weapons to ground fighting. You name it, I tried it.
Over time (20+ Years) I decided that for overall self defense you really only needs 3 styles to deal with the 3 main areas of a hand to hand combat situation.
So it comes down to three categories.
They are:
- Striking
- Grappling
- Takedowns
I guess weapons could be used too but for now lets stick with those three.
I always felt that you should shoot to be as well rounded as possible. So for me, you’ve gotta be able to fight standing up, on the ground and be able to use takedowns.
The three styles that I always liked the most are Muay Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Folkstyle Wrestling.
I started off with striking through karate and then found my way to grappling and finally to the takedown game. Not only did I learn the best styles but I had a heck of a good time doing so.
That’s what I love about running a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) academy, the choice of different styles to train in.
That ability to choose was what always kept me from getting bored and burning out. If I didn’t feel like training Muay Thai one day I could always change gears and train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Wrestling.
That’s also one of the reasons I think my academy got so big. People love being able to do different things and always stay challenged.
That’s what martial arts are all about anyway, keeping and staying challenged.
If you get good at or even master something like wrestling then it’s time to tackle your Muay Thai classes and master that next.
So yeah the point I’m trying to make it train everything. Learn it all and have fun while doing it.
Below are some videos of fighters that I feel are true martial artists. They can do it all. Watch and learn!
