Cross Training in Other Martial Arts

I have been asked whether or not it is a good idea to train in another martial art in addition to Shotokan from time to time.  Additionally, this question pops up  on the various on-line Shotokan discussion forums from time to time as well.  I am certainly not the type to sell you Shotokan as the only valuable martial art.  On the contrary, I think that all martial arts are good and have something to offer us - it just so happened that I stumbled into Shotokan.   Besides, we live in a free country and you are free to choose.  However, before choosing to cross train in another martial art, I do think you should examine what your training goals are and choose wisely. 
     In general, I would recommend waiting until at least brown belt level if not shodan (1st. degree black belt) level to try another martial art. The reason being is that below that, you probably do not know enough about Shotokan to determine if something you learn while practicing another martial art is slightly different, radically different, redundant or complimentary to what you are doing in Shotokan.  Furthermore, hours spent practicing something else are hours not spent making progress in Shotokan. Remember the parable of the man who chased two rabbits - he caught none. Additionally, I would recommend choosing a martial art that would be complimentary to what you are doing now.   For instance, I would not recommend cross training in Tae Kwon Do.  Much of the material would be redundant.   Rather, since Shotokan focuses on the striking side of things, I would recommend choosing a grappling art such as Jiu-jitsu, Aikido, Judo
or Hapkido.  This would truly compliment your arsenal of Shotokan techniques and give you valuable insight into interpreting kata sequences. 

     Years ago, when I was a 1st kyu, I cross trained in Tai Chi for a short time.  Since Tai Chi is so radically different from Shotokan, I don't think it was detrimental to my Shotokan progress and it may have even been complimentary. I don't know because I ended up not liking it so I only stuck with it for a few months.  I felt that it was for old people.  Years later, I learned that many of the instructors at the JKA also train in Tai Chi.  Again, cross training is not necessarily bad thing and it can even be a good thing. Remember to evaluate your training goals and choose wisely.

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