Basically, it's a time factor with me. I incorrectly assumed that I could essentially walk into a Kickboxing fight with little to no cross-training and do okay. Last night taught me that, although there is some overlap in technique, Kickboxing differs significantly enough from Karate that I would require extra training. I would say, optimistically, that I could be ready in maybe two years after training 3x a week. That would require me to give up training at my current Dojo, which I'm not willing to do. As far as conditioning goes, I think I could get to the level of fitness required. Although, I really need a goal to focus on in order to commit. As intense as my Karate classes are, I normally don't get a lot of supplemental conditioning besides hiking with my dog. I also drink heavily and don't have the best diet. If I have a goal to focus on, I supplement my normal training with cardio and strength training 3x a week. (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: Karate Classes. Monday, Wednesday, Friday: strength/cardio) I maintain a strict diet and completely cut out alcohol. That will usually get me into "fighting shape" after 6-8 weeks. I incorrectly assumed that I could do that and be reasonably competitive in amateur Kickboxing. Maybe I could talk to my instructor about it and see what he has to say.
I can understand that, having a family and making time for training is a balancing act. My message was more directed to Moriks scenario. I've been in a similar scenario to you and I ended up cycling classes round so 1 day a week was MMA/muay Thai/wrestling instead of my usually 3-4 days a week kungfu. My predicament was different however as my club had a lot of changes (including stopping sparring for months, replaced by wushu) so it was easier for me to make that decision. I also did the same with supplementing training with weight lifting and running in my lunch break, which was the only other time I had available.
It's all good. My reply was pretty much directed at Morik as well. The only reason I can pull off so much supplemental training is that I'm allowed to train at work. What does your current training schedule look like? Do you actively compete?
I haven't competed for over 10 years. Since I had children I've only been back to classes in the last few years. When I used to do most competition I was single, 4x 2-3 hour class a week (extra on the run up to completion), 2 lunch break runs, 1 lunch break bag work 2 weightlifting. It came to about 20 hours a week: I don't think that schedule works for us now plus in my 20s everything healed much faster! These days it's 1 class a week, and like you, I do supplementary training in the day (on lunch break). I most likely won't compete again, I couldn't say for certain as I like the idea of it, but realistically my asthma is too volatile so I don't have any plans for it.
That's quite a schedule you had back in the day. I couldn't imagine going twenty hours a week. The training regime I use to get into "fighting shape" works out roughly to about ten hours a week. I need to find some more time to train when I prepare for my next tournament. Maybe I'll start running to work or something.
A good use of time, I used to run to work and back at lunch some days- when you're 20 something your body adapts well to it, now at 37 I need a couple days rest from a heavy 2 hour session
At 36yrs old, I plan to compete this year and as much as possible next year. I'll have some thai smokers this year and if they go well I'll be competing at an amateur level in 2019. If they go poorly I'll just keep plugging away until they don't.
If whinging your style too much is a problem maybe go for WKA kickboxing. Much closer in style to karate and much more achievable maybe.
He's Kyokushin so should be used to contact, low kicks etc. Have I missed why you can't compete in Kyokushin Jaydub? How keen are you? The keen people in my group will compete at large tournaments every 6 - 8 weeks, including nationals and internationals. Many also compete in open kickboxing, some go on to the Olympic programme (which is really professional level training). I suppose what I'm getting at, and not having a go at you, is that these people live and breathe competition. I know people who travel hundreds of miles to train with a respected coach in the run up to championships, who are training 7 days a week and living clean just normally. So I'd look at Kyokushin competition first, then be honest about how far you want to take it either within Kyokushin or elsewhere.
Oh, I actively compete in full-contact Karate. I'm going to be gearing up for a competition in April. My issue is that I wanted to get into competitive Kickboxing as well. I was hoping that my skills would transfer over with minimal cross-training, but there is a big hole in my Boxing game. My style is Seienjuku. It's an offshoot of Yoshukai, and very similar to Kyokushin. Seienjuku Canada | No Finish Line Training
