Cross-Training

I have been studying Aikido for about a year now, and I have a chance to take a 18 week "intro to judo" class. My question is, at this point in my training, would another martial art be good to study.

I personally think one year is too soon but how many times a week do you study Aikido.

My point is that if you are limited in the amount of Aikido available then why not - go for it. An intro course sounds great.

Kenji Tomiki (early student of Ueshiba M.) considered both the same - separated only by ma ai. Based on this and the urgings of a few senior people I too have just started Judo. Last night it was my twelfth time. All I can say is I really do believe Tomiki was right at least I seem to be holding my own.

Jessica wrote: I have been studying Aikido for about a year now, and I have a chance to take a 18 week "intro to judo" class. My question is, at this point in my training, would another martial art be good to study.

I go to 3-4 hour and a half Aikido classes a week, and would be doing Judo 2, 55 minute clases a week.

Hi Jessica;

That's plenty of Aikido - any more than that and you have to start considering whether your body needs time to recover and your mind to assimilate. This of course depends on the intensity of your training.

That said - there are times where I shift from my normal training regime to every day. I did that for three months this summer when I went back to Japan. First month I was tired all the time, second month my legs were always week, end of the third I was running around like James Brown.

If you look at the Judo lessons as that, along with a little bit of exploration, I think it is a wonderful idea. Judo has randori of a form that most Aikido styles sorely need in my opinion. Hope you get to do some.

Jessica wrote: I go to 3-4 hour and a half Aikido classes a week, and would be doing Judo 2, 55 minute clases a week.

Thanks for your thoughts Peter.

Go for some judo Jessica, good for you, and if youre smart, you will grasp the best of the arts, and blend it for your gainning.
But for to begin, introductory courses, follow this: learn the Fundamentals and When Judo, Judo, then when Aikido, Aikido.