At Bushido Martial Arts in Stockport, we believe that martial arts should be a lifelong journey of learning, exploration, and personal growth — and that doesn’t stop at the doors of our own dojo. One of the most valuable ways students can develop their skills is through cross training: training at more than one martial arts club to experience different styles, techniques, and approaches.

🤝 What Is Martial Arts Cross Training?

Cross-training simply means being a member of, or attending classes at, more than one martial arts club. For example, a student might train in Freestyle Karate at Bushido and also attend a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class elsewhere. Or they might study Japanese Jiu-Jitsu with us while exploring kickboxing or taekwondo at another dojo.

Far from being a distraction, this broader experience can significantly accelerate your growth as a martial artist.

🌱 Why We Encourage Cross Training at Bushido Martial Arts

At Bushido, we actively encourage our students to train across disciplines and dojos. Here’s why:

• 🥋 It builds your personal style. Every martial artist develops their own way of moving, reacting, and applying techniques. By training in multiple styles, you refine what works for you and evolve a unique skill set.

• 🤜 It makes you a better training partner. Students who bring new techniques and ideas into the dojo often help others learn and adapt. Sharing knowledge makes the whole class stronger.

• 💡 It deepens your understanding. Seeing how different styles approach the same problem — such as defence, striking, or movement — broadens your martial arts IQ.

• 🔥 It keeps training exciting. Exploring new disciplines can reignite your motivation and passion, helping you stay committed to long-term practice.

Our goal isn’t to create carbon copies of instructors — it’s to help you become the best version of yourself as a martial artist.

🚩 “No Cross Training Allowed” – Why That’s a Red Flag

From time to time, students tell us they’ve been warned not to train anywhere else. While every dojo has its own policies, we believe that a club that forbids cross-training is often protecting its ego, not its students.

A dojo that’s confident in the quality of its teaching shouldn’t fear outside influence. Martial arts have always evolved by sharing knowledge and blending techniques. The best instructors are learners too — and they understand that growth often happens beyond the walls of a single club.

At Bushido Martial Arts, we’re proud to be part of that tradition. We celebrate curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning.

👊 Build Your Best Martial Arts Journey in Stockport

If you’re passionate about martial arts and eager to explore more than one discipline, you’ll find a welcoming home at Bushido Martial Arts in Stockport. Whether you’re focused on Freestyle Karate, Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, or simply want to become a more well-rounded martial artist, we’ll support you in building your personal style — wherever and however you choose to train.

Train widely. Learn deeply. Share what you discover. That’s the Bushido way.