As deshi promote upwards to higher ranks a sort of entropy can sometime set in. Years of doing the same kata (basic, advanced, or otherwise) can create in one’s mind a sort of "over-familiarity" and the idea that not much is left to do, other than to go to the dojo and teach a few beginners before sushi and sake apres' dojo. Years of this entropic attitude can still keep the deshi active in the dojo but no real advancement in deeper knowledge can be realized.
In my martial career I have always tried and looked for other areas of study to look at. While I began in MA in Tae Kwon Do I found that I needed something more so I gravitated to Kodokan Judo, and then to Aikido. At some point years ago I found SMR Jodo (the Seitei flavor mind you) and then once introduced to SMR Jojutsu (the Koryu flavor) I changed to that as a fresh study that expanded my view of Budo but also began to answer questions that I didn't really know I had.
Here lately my interests have opened up to our new knife fighting class (a military style built by and for special forces operators) and police tactics (we are developing a small system and now have the opportunity to actively teach law enforcement).
While each of these areas are of interest and are a welcome change of pace from doing the basic Randori no Kata over and over again (no matter how much that work is still important) the real value in branching out comes from the realization that at its most basic level, true principles are universal regardless of what may or may not be in your hand, or no matter whether you take ukemi or not.
While it is true that in the beginning one needs to focus on the learning one's primary system (Aikido in my case) once you have moved beyond basic or intermediate levels and from there into advanced, branching out to look at a complimentary art can be a good thing. It can enhance fighting skills, and both broaden and deepen your view of Bushido.
L.F. Wilkinson Kancho
The Aikibudokan
Houston, TX
June 20, 2023
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