[pfcwlkxav]

Just for kicks: Do you think it's better to be really really good in one martial art, or to be strong in many?

[cigattIcTot]

I agree with Kitsune. It is better to practice one and concentrate on it but you should be aware of what other martial arts do. Tagei ha mugei.

[shodulsilfeli]

If that was asked to me i have 2 quotes to answer that...

1) In the land of the blind ...the one-eyed-man is king.
2) Jack of all trades.....master of none.

[fluoxet]

I think it's good to be well-rounded: maybe one weapon, one empty-hand.

You should be able to strike & grapple (practical considerations)

A spiritual art (budo) is essential

[exeftWabreava]

Isshou Kenmei.

[agracias]

I think that you should try to perfect whatever you do, and never try to take on another martial art unless you are well trained in the first, or if you have the will to perfect both...

But my overall opinion is to have experience in many, keeping in mind that you must work your hardest in each and every one...

(Heh.. I feel like I have three diffirent opinions.)

[bypeTeenehalT]

never try to take on another martial art unless you are well trained in the first Agreed. We were encouraged not to try to take a complementary art until we had reached a level of proficiency in my original dojo. I also think one shouldn't take two arts that are too similar. Different arts get along better, because they don't interfere with one another. It's easy to separate kendo footwork from judo, for example.

[Ztcgtqvb]

I dunno. I've found cross training with other arts has helped my primary(s) beyond imagination. My first iaido seminar I went to helped my kendo immearsurably and a three hour workshop with an aikido guy has helped my zanshin and seme beyond all recognition of what it was. That said, my iai teacher wont teach me iai until my kendo basics are good enough so that I don't start getting confused.

I guess it depends on why your doing the art(s) and what you want to get out of them. Years ago I would have said focus on one but life's too short and there's too much good stuff to do. There's enough hours in the week for multiple trainings

[Lhiistyssdds]

My sempai says in the regards of taking on another martial art when you don't have strong basics in the first: "If you chase after two rabbits; you'll never catch one."

So basically, what everyone above me posted.

[effebrala]

I think it's important to achieve "mastery" in at least ONE thing before moving to others. In my opinion, nothing is worth achieving unless that boon can be passed to others.

[Lhtfajba]

Always wipe from front to back.