Going from Shotokan to Kickboxing

Shotokannon · Yellow Belt

Hey Everyone,

I realise I've posted this before, but I didn't get an answer so I thought I'd post it again in a more appropriate place.

I've been doing Shotokan now for about 10 months, and I'm thinking of switching to Kickboxing, I just wanted to get some general opinions and information about this.

1. If you get a license at a karate club, would you need another one for Kickboxing?

2.I'm very apprehensive about leaving my current club;I like the people and I've been told I'm doing very well (being put forward for the EKF Kyu-grade national championships next year) and I really don't want to let my Sensei down.

3. having said the above, I really do feel like Kickboxing will give me the experience I want with regards to more sparring based than patterns/Kata based work.

4. How would I approach my Sensei about this, if I were to go through with it?

5. Would it be wise to continue both at the same time? this way if I don't like kickboxing I can go back to Karate and if I prefer Kickboxing, I can take that up instead!
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Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment. ~ Lao-Tzu

Nidan Melbourne · KF Sempai

1. You can train in both or just kickboxing. Besides 'licences' are given when you sign up.

2. It is one thing to feel like you might let your sensei down. But is it more than just that?

3. Does your current school not do enough kumite/sparring? Just take into account Kumite is not the only thing that is important in class.

4. It depends on the instructor. Because i feel like some instructors aren't too positive about people training in 2 arts at once. But others are very positive for people to do it.

5. Cross-Training can be very beneficial. Why do you feel like you have to choose only 1 to continue in one?

Think about this; kickboxing may be interesting and fun but in many cases people are unable to take it up long term due to all the injuries and strain on the body from the training. Although a lot of people can train long term (several years >10 years). In comparison to Karate where it is a long term art because it has a balance of high contact and low contact.

I have trained in Karate and BJJ at the same time and benefited me greatly when doing both. Even though I am not training in BJJ as much currently, i would still cross-train and not choose one or the other.

RW · Green Belt

yamesu · Black Belt

I transitioned from Kyokushin to Kickboxing and Muay Thai a while back, but quickly found myself going back to karate.

Kickboxing is great. You will learn things there about meeting brute head of force that most karate styles will never teach you. However, thats where it ends. There is only an iota of "Art" compared to karate.

When you get to some of the advanced bunkai, Karate is a well rounded art form.

EDIT - on the topic of one instructor not liking you potentially training in another style. I can understand that at beginners grades, however, for students who are familiar with the art, I think that it would be remiss for any instructor to not support branching out and learning other skills. Just make sure you have a solid understanding of one art first.

Its like taking a lesson in bungee jumping and then trying to skydive, thinking that you have all the knowledge you need in bungee. It just does not work like that for any knowledge set.
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"We did not inherit this earth from our parents.
We are borrowing it from our children."

wagnerk · Purple Belt

I did Shotokan then incorporated kickboxing into my training.

1. The licence that you get from your Shotokan association is a combination of your yearly membership to that association and your insurance. So yes, you will have to get another one for your kickboxing training/association, as you may/will not be covered by your insurance if anything happens. For the first couple of lessons, you may be covered under the new associations insurance policy (but this is dependant on their policy).

2. Do both then, cross train

3. I would recommend that if you can, train in both, as both will help you. Kata/forms while at your level, may not seem to be "exciting" (especially when it comes to sparring), it does cover stuff like locks, throws and self defence techniques.

4. As for approaching your sensei, just be honest with him/her. But

5. Training in both isn't for everyone but it can be rewarding, I've done it in the past and I know others that do it. However it will take it's toll if you are not prepared for the work.

Good luck

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Tang Soo Do: 3rd Dan '18
Karate: 2nd Dan '04

Kanku65 · Orange Belt

I believe my sensei trained in shotokan until brown belt and then left and began kickboxing.

His kickboxing record was modestly put, impressive. Later he continued his karate training after realizing that kickboxing is not as lifelong as karate training.

Try kickboxing and see how it suits you and your lifestyle.
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To search for the old is to understand the new.
The old, the new, this is a matter of time.
In all things man must have a clear mind.
The Way: Who will pass it on straight and well?
- Master Funakoshi

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