Cross Training Options

**BlueSmoke** · Posted On: 5/11/2012 9:17am

Hi everyone. I have a question primarily for those of you that cross-train (mma), but anyone is welcome to answer. I've studied Aikido for a bit over 3 years now and I'm trying to start cross-training when school is out in June. There's an MMA gym nearby and I want to go through them. Is this a good spread of various arts? I'd be doing Aikido, Brazilian Jiu Jutsu, Kick Boxing, Boxing, Yoga, and a cardio workout plus open mat time and lots of fighter training. I'd hit about 20 hours of training per week. Is this a good spread?

**PointyShinyBurn** · Posted On: 5/11/2012 9:33am

Unless you are some kind of high-level athlete already, there is no way on earth you'll be training twenty hours a week. Maybe do a bit of BJJ for a while first, two or three times a week maybe, then see how you feel in a month.

**Ignorami** · Posted On: 5/11/2012 10:47am

^THIS^

A bit of BJJ and boxing a few times a week should be enough to to tire out most people.

If the Aikido is you base for how tiring a martial arts class is, you'll be surprised at just how tiring the skipping section of a boxing warm-up can be.

***JohnnyCache*** · Posted On: 5/11/2012 2:53pm

Seriously. **** you mr jump rope.

**BlueSmoke** · Posted On: 5/12/2012 11:03pm

Originally Posted by PointyShinyBurn

Unless you are some kind of high-level athlete already, there is no way on earth you'll be training twenty hours a week. Maybe do a bit of BJJ for a while first, two or three times a week maybe, then see how you feel in a month.

I'm very fit already and can stand up to intense training. I might ease into the 20 hours, though. Thanks for the input.

**Mihup** · Posted On: 5/18/2012 1:58am

Are you training to compete? That sounds like a lot of disciplines to learn. I'd personally just stick to 2 and then do yoga, cardio and lift weights.

**marcwagz** · Posted On: 5/31/2012 9:27am

holy smokes thats a lot of stuff
is kick boxing and boxing really necessary? maybe take 1 of the 2 and focus on it more?

**Azatdawn** · Posted On: 5/31/2012 12:12pm

Originally Posted by BlueSmoke

I'm very fit already and can stand up to intense training.

What kind of intense training have you been doing so far? Except Aikido...

**aiyer** · Posted On: 6/02/2012 11:32am

Just jumping into 20 hours of training you aren't used to, even if you're allready fit, is a bad idea. The training will be different which means different muscle groups, strain on different tendons, etc. You won't be the first who starts with high ambitions, goes full intensity...and then injures himself and has to sit out for a couple weeks.
I'd go for one striking art and one grappling art, together with cardio and fitness your schedule will be full enough allready.

**chickenbox123** · Posted On: 6/16/2012 6:14pm

I agree with most everyone else; you're definatley loading up way too much. I'd suggest kickboxing/ muay Thai with bjj or wrestling. If you really wanna get good in a particular area do two styles that are relative to each other, i.e wrestling and bjj or boxing and kick boxing. Being a practicioner of aikido, I understand you already have an idea of standing submission holds. Maybe doing bjj and wrestling to improve your ground submissions would help