Training From Another Style

Has anyone now in shotokan trained in another karate style and had to make immediate changes? What were they and what style did you train in before?

Yes. I did Shotokan for many years and got to 2nd Dan. But at the same time I was also training in Taekwon-Do and Tang Soo Do. Love the kicking styles to be honest, so stopped doing Shotokan. Not that they don't have some great kickers, Frank Brennen and Terry O'Niel were both very good. Just like the Korean way of doing things really. You do have to make a lot of changes in the way you kick and punch when going from something like Shotokan to Taekwon-do. To the untrained eye, it may "look" the same, but power is developed in a different way in each style. The one thing that I am glad to see change over the years, is that people are now more open to cross training in styles and learning from each other, which I feel can only be a good thing. I remember years ago, I visited a Kempo school that had started in Exeter I was about 14 and a green belt at the time, when I told my Shotokan instructor, he went nuts and as was done in those days "showed me the error of my ways" so to speak, thank goodness those days are over (for the most part) Although I do still meet a few people from all styles, who have a very blinkerd view of the Martial Arts. All the very best my friend, enjoy your training, whatever style you now practice. Paul Drury. www.pdbba.com

No matter what style you do - look for Instructors whom encourage you to go elsewhere and have a look. those who try and keep you trapped have a vested interest.

As for taekwondo and thier kicking practice - i have learned so much from every chance i have had to train with them - awesome. just suck it in and take it home to your dojo (Oh and remember to ask those who let you visit their 'house' to come visit yours - always fun and a great exchange) Go look at those Goju guys and Gals for awesome closequarter stuff or those Jujitsu lot to learn how to mangle you up when in close - all excellent.

I have to agree with fujicolt. Only one of my instructors actually told me to go check other schools. Of course he gave me recommendations and reference these others. And these others shared a mutual respect for him, although they rarely allowed their students to come the "other way".

Many years ago I was invited by a local Wado Club to attend a course with Suzuki Sensei. I was the only shotokan bod there. Suzuki Sensei gave me a lot of attention and it was thoroughly enjoyable. it led to many years of exchange training with them that i found very informative. I have had similar experiences with various styles and disciplines - very few of them negative and when they have been it has always been a 'not so good' Instructor guarding the myth he had created for his students with a closed attitude.

you usually are pleasantly surprised by the welcome you'll get. IMHO

It isnt always so. First, one has to find a instructor whom diesnt have a inflated ego.

Mmm...

thought i had explained that in my post

I learn Shotokan and Gojuryu and still get involve in these two style.

not sure where you are in the world but suspect you would enjoy training with Terry Oneill or Harry Cook - similar background.