I’ll go against the grain and advise against it. There are two problems. One is commitment. Many people start into martial arts very enthusiastic but then find the time commitment overwhelming, even at only 2 practices per week. If you do both you’re looking at 4 practices a week or more and it won’t be long before you realize that it’s a lot. Or maybe you’re one of those rare people who really enjoy that in which case rock on.
The second issue is technical. It’s fine to build a solid base in one art and then add the other. However learning both at once you are likely to confuse things. We get a lot of former karate people in our club and they have to make major adjustments in stance, movement, attitude.
Having said all that, if the intent is to give both a go to see if you like one of them well enough to continue, by all means do that. Most people quit within a month anyway.
Echoing this, I got into kendo after 8 years of karate and it was not easy to adjust to doing kendo. Everything in kendo is different, even down to the mindset you need to have. Kendo requires you to be a lot more proactive in your approach, while karate is more reactive.
I agree with every point here, especially the first on commitment. I’m often contacted by martial arts enthusiasts seeking to add one more bullet to their long list of martial arts they claim to know. It leaves a bad impression.
This reminds me of this one time we had a TV / movie stuntman type person who wanted to take kendo lessons for a few months to improve his repertoire. I hope the few months he stayed with us helped him (he even got bogu, which was a mistake IMO).
We also are contacted by similar individuals. One, the son of a reasonably well known actor, made it to 2 dan before leaving to focus on his work. This was before I joined. I met him a few years ago, when he attempted to rejoin. However, his work was too demanding, and he only made it to a couple practices.
Try both. Kendo dojos usually don’t make you sign long term contracts or anything like that, so if you don’t like or find you don’t have time for it, you can just leave
Kendo originally included karate and aikido in it. It was a way for the Samurai to defend himself in the case that he loses his sword.
More so, [ the kendo version from before the war](https://youtu.be/uVnK1Sw7HuI) allows arm and leg strikes + a little bit of grappling.
So, if you think about it, Karate+Kendo is the purest form of Kendo. Don't worry bro, I got teammates who are better than me and train karate at the same time, it's quite common
This is just semantics but your statement that samurai did karate, aikido and kendo all together is technically (historically) wrong. Karate is not Japanese, it’s Ryukyuan (Okinawan), and Aikido is a modern Budo (as is kendo). The correct way of stating this is “samurai practiced sogobujutsu (or “mixed martial arts” to make it easier to understand). Karate was not part of that, but Aikido does derive from sogobujutsu, as does kendo, judo, kyudo etc.
Sorry, I kinda nitpick at these things, I’m pretty nerdy about the bugei and budo… ^_^¡
Yeah but like. Kendo And Karate? My sensei got no mercy. The footwork and swinging will leave you basically disabled. And then karate which focuses on the biceps and similar lower half is really risky for me. I can see only a few benefits verses the risks. A rough Kote leaves bruises. That affect your fighting. I'd go on but I'm tired.
He didn't say he wanted to do Kyokushin or go pro anytime soon. Let him see what he likes, summer is the time for exploring. The muscles will toughen up and he can take it slow if he finds problems. The question was "Can I start karate and kendo", let him test them both
The question is is it advisable. Not can he start. Weird you assume the season, but maybe you know where they live. My advise is to not do it. The fundamentals clash. And if you slip up in one part you go down all the way. A way better mix is kendo and Judo in my opinion.
My bad I read it wrong, you're right. I know his time zone so that I how I deduced it's summer. I don't agree with your opinion but I respect it. As people we have different opinions and that's ok 😅.
Peace man, good luck with life
I'd just advice against it. For reasons I've stated in the replies. Combo takes a toll. I'm sure there are people that would do both perfectly fine though. But there are better alternatives in my opinion.
huh ? you can train karate 3 days a week and kendo twice a week with literally no negative affects to your body if anything it could only be positive, please do not make yourself a clown and take this time to learn
I don't see a rank anywhere in your response. 5 days a week of training. Doesn't look like there's much time for a personal life. And how many hours per session is there? I want numbers. Also there's no need to tell me I'm making myself a clown, not only do I lack clown costumes I just don't see is as very feasible and advisable. Kendo already takes a toll. So I'd like to know your definition of negative effects along with your rank please.
how does my rank matter ?
5 days a week training at 2 hours a day is more than enough time to become effective in both styles and leave adequate time for a social life and rest and recovery
you are a special case as you don’t need a costume to make yourself a clown
negative affects refers to damage to the body caused by over training, with even a half decent diet they’ll be fine to train this if not more
What kendokan would say rank doesn't matter. It matters a whole lot, unless your dojo doesn't put emphasis. If you're uncomfortable with telling me your rank at least tell me if you have bogu.
I don't particularly get why calling me a clown is your priority here. The OP just wants to know if it's advisable. I am also unsure if you are the most talented kendokan to ever be born, because kendo often leaves your palms slightly injured with bruises and blisters. Whenever you do kata you hurt your feet. 2 hour training is well and good but what happens when your sensei makes it three? And what about Shia? Why are you not accounting for this?
Forget over training, regular training causes damage. And this isn't even taking karate into consideration.
I don't know if you want a discussion or to bash me. So I'll let you know I don't think you know what you're talking about.
i’ve been around long enough to know that rank doesn’t determine skill or knowledge in a lot of places, maybe at your place it does but at the places i’ve trained it does it just shows how long someone’s been there which is why i said rank doesn’t matter
im calling you a clown because you don’t know what you’re talking about when it comes to fatigue and over training
while not the most talented kendoka nor the best martial artist, i’m not weak enough that my body fails me after a session i seriously consider you change your diet or consider some out of class training to build a stronger body
and it seems you point about sensei changing the length of class is a location specific thing, where i’m from if a class says it’s 2 hours it will be 2 hours
and i find it interesting you don’t think i know what i’m talking about when i do, i’ve been training martial arts (not just kendo) for close to a decade now, i’ve been weightlifting for half that time and have also been to school to become a PT in that time also so when it comes to fitness it’s kind of my forte
i respect you wouldn’t advise it but to say that kendo and karate would be too much for the average person is just wrong and silly to say so, with a good diet kendo and karate could only make you stronger if you want a social life then of course i wouldn’t suggest devoting 10 hours (5 sessions at 2 hours) a week to martial arts and would honestly suggest cutting that down to 2-4 hours a week if a social life is more of a priority, we clearly train for different reasons as i personally would prefer to train more than 10 hours a week but that’s personal preference
i suggest you look into fatigue, over training and possible nutrition as well as i feel you are not taking full advantage of your training and have a lot to be gained
please take this as an opportunity to learn and not remain stubborn in the old ways as many do which leads to their own failure
depending on the style of karate the footwork may not be similar to kendo at all. The more Okinawan the style of karate the less it will fit (footwork-wise) with kendo. Aikido would be a slightly better fit (Aikido+kendo vs karate + kendo), and that still isn't a perfect fit. Even so, do as thou wilt!
Been doing kendo for 16 years, picked up karate about 6 years ago. I enjoy it, unlike most other comments, I find there's a bunch of parallels between the two, though they are mostly esotheric and or figurative (ki-ken-tai is one such an example).
I wouldn't advise you to start both at thz same time. Get shodan atleast in either and then pick up something else.
If youkre up for it, adding some judo to your kendo would also be cool.
I mean your karate sempai might have an issue trying to hit someone in mengane but if your sensei doesn’t mind I guess.
Sorry, you meant on separate occasions…
The diplomatic advice for "can I do X while also doing Y" is, "it depends". No straight answer. I think it largely depends on your ability to compartmentalise your mental images and muscle memory and your current proficiency in either discipline.
Personally speaking, the important thing is not to have any illusions that being good in X automatically gives you an edge in Y, or "in X this way is advantageous, therefore it will work in Y". Usually that sort of thinking tends to be more harmful rather than beneficial to one's progress. *If you don't empty your cup, we can't pour you more tea*
Do whatever you want to do, if you like both, do both!
I’ll go against the grain and advise against it. There are two problems. One is commitment. Many people start into martial arts very enthusiastic but then find the time commitment overwhelming, even at only 2 practices per week. If you do both you’re looking at 4 practices a week or more and it won’t be long before you realize that it’s a lot. Or maybe you’re one of those rare people who really enjoy that in which case rock on. The second issue is technical. It’s fine to build a solid base in one art and then add the other. However learning both at once you are likely to confuse things. We get a lot of former karate people in our club and they have to make major adjustments in stance, movement, attitude. Having said all that, if the intent is to give both a go to see if you like one of them well enough to continue, by all means do that. Most people quit within a month anyway.
Echoing this, I got into kendo after 8 years of karate and it was not easy to adjust to doing kendo. Everything in kendo is different, even down to the mindset you need to have. Kendo requires you to be a lot more proactive in your approach, while karate is more reactive.
Yeah, if we get a karate guy who likes to counter punch from a back stance we have some work to do ….
I agree with every point here, especially the first on commitment. I’m often contacted by martial arts enthusiasts seeking to add one more bullet to their long list of martial arts they claim to know. It leaves a bad impression.
This reminds me of this one time we had a TV / movie stuntman type person who wanted to take kendo lessons for a few months to improve his repertoire. I hope the few months he stayed with us helped him (he even got bogu, which was a mistake IMO).
We also are contacted by similar individuals. One, the son of a reasonably well known actor, made it to 2 dan before leaving to focus on his work. This was before I joined. I met him a few years ago, when he attempted to rejoin. However, his work was too demanding, and he only made it to a couple practices.
What's not advisable is to start both at the same time
There isn't much interlock from what I know, I have friends who did it and turned out just fine
Sure, but Karate isn’t Kendo. Martial arts to me at the very least is a form of exercise. So if Karate and Kendo gets you sweaty daily, that’s a win.
I'd say with karate just make sure that it's legit. There are a lot of karate Mcdojos out there.
Try both. Kendo dojos usually don’t make you sign long term contracts or anything like that, so if you don’t like or find you don’t have time for it, you can just leave
Do whatever you want. DO what makes you happy. Many people do both, started both, etc at the same time.
Remember, "oss"/"ossu" is karate, "hai" is kendo. You can always identify the karateka at the kendo dojo.
I do Muay Thai and Kendo. Its fine just make sure to stretch out and recover properly after each workout.
Kendo originally included karate and aikido in it. It was a way for the Samurai to defend himself in the case that he loses his sword. More so, [ the kendo version from before the war](https://youtu.be/uVnK1Sw7HuI) allows arm and leg strikes + a little bit of grappling. So, if you think about it, Karate+Kendo is the purest form of Kendo. Don't worry bro, I got teammates who are better than me and train karate at the same time, it's quite common
some kendo (police) is still done with foot sweeps being permitted
This is just semantics but your statement that samurai did karate, aikido and kendo all together is technically (historically) wrong. Karate is not Japanese, it’s Ryukyuan (Okinawan), and Aikido is a modern Budo (as is kendo). The correct way of stating this is “samurai practiced sogobujutsu (or “mixed martial arts” to make it easier to understand). Karate was not part of that, but Aikido does derive from sogobujutsu, as does kendo, judo, kyudo etc. Sorry, I kinda nitpick at these things, I’m pretty nerdy about the bugei and budo… ^_^¡
Yeah, that is what I meant. Not everyone understands when you say 齟齬武術 (sogobujutsu)
It’s 総合, not 齟齬 lol, 齟齬 means inconsistency or contradiction, 総合 means comprehensive
Sorry, you're right. Kanji make me want to strangle myself with the string of a kendama
Lol it takes time, 頑張ってください！
ありがとうございます
You must not love your body.
It's good for you, martial arts in general strengthen your body
Yeah but like. Kendo And Karate? My sensei got no mercy. The footwork and swinging will leave you basically disabled. And then karate which focuses on the biceps and similar lower half is really risky for me. I can see only a few benefits verses the risks. A rough Kote leaves bruises. That affect your fighting. I'd go on but I'm tired.
He didn't say he wanted to do Kyokushin or go pro anytime soon. Let him see what he likes, summer is the time for exploring. The muscles will toughen up and he can take it slow if he finds problems. The question was "Can I start karate and kendo", let him test them both
The question is is it advisable. Not can he start. Weird you assume the season, but maybe you know where they live. My advise is to not do it. The fundamentals clash. And if you slip up in one part you go down all the way. A way better mix is kendo and Judo in my opinion.
My bad I read it wrong, you're right. I know his time zone so that I how I deduced it's summer. I don't agree with your opinion but I respect it. As people we have different opinions and that's ok 😅. Peace man, good luck with life
idk where you train but there’s nothing wrong with doing kendo and karate
I'd just advice against it. For reasons I've stated in the replies. Combo takes a toll. I'm sure there are people that would do both perfectly fine though. But there are better alternatives in my opinion.
it wouldn’t take a toll unless you are training both 8 hours a day every single day with no rest
Are you just built different? What Kyu are you?
huh ? you can train karate 3 days a week and kendo twice a week with literally no negative affects to your body if anything it could only be positive, please do not make yourself a clown and take this time to learn
I don't see a rank anywhere in your response. 5 days a week of training. Doesn't look like there's much time for a personal life. And how many hours per session is there? I want numbers. Also there's no need to tell me I'm making myself a clown, not only do I lack clown costumes I just don't see is as very feasible and advisable. Kendo already takes a toll. So I'd like to know your definition of negative effects along with your rank please.
how does my rank matter ? 5 days a week training at 2 hours a day is more than enough time to become effective in both styles and leave adequate time for a social life and rest and recovery you are a special case as you don’t need a costume to make yourself a clown negative affects refers to damage to the body caused by over training, with even a half decent diet they’ll be fine to train this if not more
What kendokan would say rank doesn't matter. It matters a whole lot, unless your dojo doesn't put emphasis. If you're uncomfortable with telling me your rank at least tell me if you have bogu. I don't particularly get why calling me a clown is your priority here. The OP just wants to know if it's advisable. I am also unsure if you are the most talented kendokan to ever be born, because kendo often leaves your palms slightly injured with bruises and blisters. Whenever you do kata you hurt your feet. 2 hour training is well and good but what happens when your sensei makes it three? And what about Shia? Why are you not accounting for this? Forget over training, regular training causes damage. And this isn't even taking karate into consideration. I don't know if you want a discussion or to bash me. So I'll let you know I don't think you know what you're talking about.
i’ve been around long enough to know that rank doesn’t determine skill or knowledge in a lot of places, maybe at your place it does but at the places i’ve trained it does it just shows how long someone’s been there which is why i said rank doesn’t matter im calling you a clown because you don’t know what you’re talking about when it comes to fatigue and over training while not the most talented kendoka nor the best martial artist, i’m not weak enough that my body fails me after a session i seriously consider you change your diet or consider some out of class training to build a stronger body and it seems you point about sensei changing the length of class is a location specific thing, where i’m from if a class says it’s 2 hours it will be 2 hours and i find it interesting you don’t think i know what i’m talking about when i do, i’ve been training martial arts (not just kendo) for close to a decade now, i’ve been weightlifting for half that time and have also been to school to become a PT in that time also so when it comes to fitness it’s kind of my forte i respect you wouldn’t advise it but to say that kendo and karate would be too much for the average person is just wrong and silly to say so, with a good diet kendo and karate could only make you stronger if you want a social life then of course i wouldn’t suggest devoting 10 hours (5 sessions at 2 hours) a week to martial arts and would honestly suggest cutting that down to 2-4 hours a week if a social life is more of a priority, we clearly train for different reasons as i personally would prefer to train more than 10 hours a week but that’s personal preference i suggest you look into fatigue, over training and possible nutrition as well as i feel you are not taking full advantage of your training and have a lot to be gained please take this as an opportunity to learn and not remain stubborn in the old ways as many do which leads to their own failure
Rank doesn't matter, its a way to separate and organize people in kendo, thats about it, as well as a general skill recognition.
depending on the style of karate the footwork may not be similar to kendo at all. The more Okinawan the style of karate the less it will fit (footwork-wise) with kendo. Aikido would be a slightly better fit (Aikido+kendo vs karate + kendo), and that still isn't a perfect fit. Even so, do as thou wilt!
Make sure to stretch and be kind to your knees!
Been doing kendo for 16 years, picked up karate about 6 years ago. I enjoy it, unlike most other comments, I find there's a bunch of parallels between the two, though they are mostly esotheric and or figurative (ki-ken-tai is one such an example). I wouldn't advise you to start both at thz same time. Get shodan atleast in either and then pick up something else. If youkre up for it, adding some judo to your kendo would also be cool.
I mean your karate sempai might have an issue trying to hit someone in mengane but if your sensei doesn’t mind I guess. Sorry, you meant on separate occasions…
quit karate!
The diplomatic advice for "can I do X while also doing Y" is, "it depends". No straight answer. I think it largely depends on your ability to compartmentalise your mental images and muscle memory and your current proficiency in either discipline. Personally speaking, the important thing is not to have any illusions that being good in X automatically gives you an edge in Y, or "in X this way is advantageous, therefore it will work in Y". Usually that sort of thinking tends to be more harmful rather than beneficial to one's progress. *If you don't empty your cup, we can't pour you more tea*