What exactly is “the crossover?” It is the point in your martial art path, or in your life, when you are redirected. It may happen if the status of your health changes, you move, or you make the choice to start a new career. A new situation or experience may seem scary or uncomfortable at first. Or, it can be invigorating.
What makes the difference?
Your perspective.
I began a journey in martial arts really by happenstance thirty years ago. My husband dragged me to a class which I initially hated. After a few classes, though, I began to enjoy what I was learning. I have been practicing and teaching ever since. A few years ago, I joined a Tae-Kwon Do class, hoping to advance and looking for fulfillment as a student again, but it was far away and I had difficulty keeping up. It did not work out. I was initially very disheartened, but I allowed myself to divert to a different martial art direction. I took Tai Chi and Kung Fu for a while before moving away and that crossover was exactly what I needed. It was a new perspective and challenge. While I love Korean martial arts, I also came to love these styles as well.
A martial art or life crossover is only difficult if you cannot “empty your cup.” You must rid yourself of some of what you learned in the past in order to open the door to something new. In the process, you realize how little you know. Being a beginner again in martial arts is very exciting. You grow in new directions if you are able to practice with an open mind. The same applies to life.
Life presents its own challenges and you may need to make decisions about a new direction. This is a life crossover and you will face such decisions many times over in your lifetime. How many crossovers happen in your life on any given day? You lose your job or you begin a new one. You sell a house you’ve lived in forever and move across country. You start a family, then the kids grow up and you begin a new journey. The triumphs and the challenges ebb and flow. You must adapt and cope, whether the changes are fascinating or painful.
Martial arts mimic life. In crossing over from one style or school to another, there is wonder, frustration, excitement, fear, acceptance, growth, perspective, anticipation, reward, and ups and downs.
A crossover from one journey to another is not necessarily bad. It just is. Accept it and move forward.
You will not always realize why your path changed. Be assured, however, that a crossover offers you the opportunity to know yourself better. It is an expedition into uncharted territory. You will figure it out and find your way. Keep positive and recognize the blessing of new beginnings.
Do not be discouraged if your situation changes. Embrace the crossover fully, be open to learning, and never let circumstances stop you from being the martial artist, or the person, you want to be.
xoxo
Andrea
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Pick up my motivational books and stay inspired!
The Martial Arts Woman https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Arts-Woman-Motivational-Stories/dp/1544916213
Martial Art Inspirations for Everyone https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Inspirations-Everyone-Andrea-Harkins/dp/150297830X
this is so timely for me. I am at a new starting place in my life. thank you
Hi Aleta, Thank you very much. I’m glad it was timely.
Well said, Andrea. I’ve crossed over in martial arts a few times–from taekwondo to karate in 2010, due to knee issues, then to weapons training in 2013, back to taekwondo briefly earlier this year, and now to arnis, which I believe is going to be my landing spot for the forseeable future. None of them involved a forced move, that is to say, moving my household to a different community. It was about minimizing the risk of further injury, then into a study that was more interesting than empty-hand, then to seek out a more comfortable dojo/dojang, and finally now, back to my roots, so to speak, with an instructor I first started training with in 2008. It’s a fascinating art and very practical–if you find yourself in a jam, you probably won’t find a pair of nunchaku or sai nearby, but you can almost always find a stick!
Hi David, Thank you for your great comments. I have always felt guilty about martial art “crossovers” because of tradition or expectations or loyalty. However, it all comes down to what works for you. I’m open to new beginnings in my practice and in life! Best wishes and thanks again.
Osu! Staring down a major crossover these days. Needed to hear this, thanks.
Hang in there Joelle! I’m rooting for you!