Why would I try another martial art? I want to master one first! I hear that a lot, I want to “master” taekwondo before I try another art. My thoughts, if you are waiting to “master” an art before trying another, then it will never happen.
I have held a Master’s rank (6th Degree Black Belt) in Taekwondo for the last four years, if I would have waited to master the style before starting BJJ, I would still be waiting to start. You never completely master anything, there is ALWAYS room to learn and improve. Martial Arts Legend, Grand Master Joe Lewis said it perfectly, “I am the student first but have the privilege to teach.”
We should always be looking for ways to improve our martial arts knowledge and life in general. Mrs. Lindamood and I pursued a Black Belt in Kickboxing with Grand Master Bill Wallace for that exact reason, to learn more. Putting on the White Belt and learning is fantastic. You learn that one art can help the other.
In fact, I see a lot of times where my knowledge of traditional taekwondo has helped me with my BJJ, ie., move my hips like a back stance, pull my foot like a hook kick, that sweep is like a round kick, posting my hand is like stepping to the side to kick. So many similarities when on the surface, you did not think they existed. So challenge yourself, BJJ guys….come get kicked, Kickboxers….let’s go to the ground.