Martial arts is a discipline that requires dedication, perseverance, and continuous learning. Cross-training in and along with martial arts is a great way to improve your skills, increase your knowledge, and become a better martial artist. Cross-training involves learning multiple martial arts disciplines, or disciplines outside of martial arts, rather than just one, and integrating the knowledge and techniques from each discipline into your practice.
Increased Physical Fitness
Cross-training involves learning and practicing different styles of martial arts and exercising techniques, which can help improve overall physical fitness. Instead of focusing on a specific skill set, cross-training focuses on exercises or training techniques that improve overall physical fitness.
Lifting weights has the benefit of improving overall core muscle strength. Long-distance running will improve stamina. Different martial arts styles require different physical movements, such as kicks, punches, throws, and grappling. By practicing other styles or exercising to improve overall fitness, you can work on different muscle groups and improve your strength, flexibility, and endurance.
Improved Technique
Each discipline has unique techniques, and by learning and practicing techniques from other styles, you will develop into a well-rounded and effective martial artist. Jiu-jitsu focuses on grappling and groundwork, while karate focuses on hand strikes and kicking. Combined, the overall effect is to make a martial artist effective in both grappling and hand-to-hand fighting.
Another overall approach for cross-training is the use of a boxing punching bag or strikes pads and dummies. Practicing outside of your chosen style on items such as these helps to improve power and accuracy.
Increased Self-Confidence and Focus
Becoming a more versatile and well-rounded martial artist will improve focus and self-confidence. By learning and practicing different styles and techniques, you can feel more confident in your ability to defend yourself in various situations and in your ability to adapt to different opponents and conditions.
Cross-training increases mental discipline and focus. By practicing different styles and techniques, you can challenge yourself mentally and develop a stronger mindset and with different mentors you also learn different mental discipline and focus approaches, which will help you create more effective mental practices.
Opportunity for Social Interaction
Cross-training in martial arts can provide opportunities for social interaction and networking. By attending classes and events for different martial arts styles, you can meet other martial artists and practitioners and learn from their experiences and techniques.
You can also build relationships with other martial artists and gym members, which can lead to new training opportunities and collaborations in the future.
Improved Creativity
Cross-training in martial arts can help improve your creativity by exposing you to different styles and techniques. You can develop your unique style and approach to martial arts by learning and practicing various techniques.
You can also build creative solutions to challenges and obstacles in your martial arts practice.
AMAS believes that cross-training along with any study of martial arts is beneficial for any student.
By learning and practicing different styles of exercise, you can better understand the history, philosophy, and culture behind each. You can also learn about other practitioners' different approaches and techniques, which can help you become a more knowledgeable and informed martial artist.
Cross-training benefits martial artists of all levels and experience. Learning and practicing different styles and techniques can improve your physical fitness, technique, self-confidence, mental discipline, creativity, and knowledge. You can also enjoy the social interactions and networking opportunities that come with cross-training in martial arts.
