One of the questions I’ve been asked over the years is, “Why do you keep training in different martial arts?”
It’s a fair question.
After all, if you’ve already found a style you believe in, why spend time studying another one?
For me, the answer has never been about replacing one style with another. It’s never been about chasing the newest trend or collecting black belts.
It’s about learning.
When I first walked into a Kyokushin dojo, I wasn’t looking for a lifetime journey. I simply wanted to learn martial arts. Like most beginners, I assumed that if I trained hard enough and earned a black belt, I’d eventually know what there was to know.
The longer I trained, the more I realized the opposite was true.
Every answer seemed to uncover another question.
Every skill I developed revealed another weakness.
Every accomplishment reminded me there was still another mountain to climb.
That realization changed the way I looked at martial arts.
Instead of asking, “Which style is the best?” I started asking, “What can this style teach me?”
That simple shift in thinking has shaped my entire journey.
As opportunities came along, I began studying Combat Kenpo. I learned new approaches to self-defense and striking that expanded the way I thought about movement and application.
Later, Shinko Jiu-Jitsu introduced me to another layer of martial arts. The emphasis on throws, joint locks, and controlling an opponent added pieces that my earlier training hadn’t focused on in the same way.
Kickboxing sharpened my striking and footwork. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu forced me to become comfortable in positions where punching wasn’t the answer. Kobudo reminded me that weapons training isn’t just about learning to use traditional weapons—it’s about improving body mechanics, coordination, timing, and discipline.
Now, years later, I’ve once again become the beginner by stepping into another martial art with a white belt around my waist.
Looking back, I don’t see separate chapters in my martial arts journey.
I see one continuous education.
Each style has challenged me in a different way.
Some exposed weaknesses I didn’t know I had. Others reinforced principles I was already learning. Many confirmed that although martial arts may look different on the surface, the fundamentals of balance, timing, distance, discipline, and perseverance are remarkably consistent.
That’s one of the things I enjoy most.
When different styles arrive at the same principle from different directions, it gives me greater confidence that I’m learning something important rather than simply memorizing techniques.
I’ve also learned something else over the years.
Good instructors don’t spend much time telling you why everyone else is wrong.
They’re too busy helping you become better.
The instructors I’ve respected the most have never been insecure about learning from other systems. They understand that every martial art was developed by people trying to solve problems. Some emphasize striking. Others focus on grappling. Some prioritize self-defense. Others emphasize competition. None of them contain everything, but nearly all of them have something worthwhile to offer.
That doesn’t mean every technique is equally effective or every training method is appropriate for every situation. Part of growing as a martial artist is learning to evaluate what works, pressure-test your skills, and think critically.
But you’ll never discover those lessons if you’re unwilling to learn in the first place.
As instructors, I believe we owe it to our students to keep growing ourselves.
If I expect my students to stay curious, I should be curious.
If I encourage them to ask questions, I should be asking questions.
If I tell them that learning never ends, then my own training should reflect that belief.
That’s one of the reasons I don’t mind tying on a white belt again.
Every new lesson makes me a better student.
Every good instructor makes me a better instructor.
And every style I’ve studied has helped shape the martial artist I am today.
I don’t believe I’ll ever reach the point where there’s nothing left to learn.
Honestly, I hope I never do.
Because every style has something to teach you…
…if you’re humble enough to learn it.
-Sensei Brian