Below is an exchange I had with someone on a martial arts forum recently. The gentleman asked about the various styles of martial arts I have studied over the years. Below is my answer:

Snapple,

You asked, "Do you try to learn every thing you can about that style or do you focus specifically on certain core stuff you want to learn that you feel is the meat of the system?"

Because I have been involved in twenty-five (25) different styles of martial art since 1981, I have a different perspective than many other people. While some have falsely accused me of "dabbling" in so many styles, I have actually done the opposite. I have delved quite DEEP into each art. How long a person studies a style has little to do with their comprehension or performance of the style. What matters most is where they dig and how long they stay focused on the "basics" of a particular style!

If you look at most martial art styles, the core of the system boils down to less than ten (10) techniques! I don't care what style you mention, it can be broken down into roughly ten techniques (or movement patterns) or less. So, instead of trying to learn every technique within the style, I look for "other" clues that tell me more about the style. These clues have helped my progress (as an instructor AND as practitioner) over the years. They have also helped me to "discover","adapt" and "personalize". I know a lot of people say they do this, but if you pin them down on what the core principles and concepts are of a chosen art, many will look at you with a blank stare. They do what they do, and they do it very well, but when it comes to transferring that information to others, they haven't taken the information down a very important path that will help them transfer the information in vivid and memorable detail.

So, because of my analytical mind (that doesn't stop analyzing), I have chosen to focus on just a handful of principles and concepts that I have gleaned from each art I have studied.

What I have learned about teaching / learning, I have organized and structured for my instructors. For the past twelve years, I have passed on much of what I have learned to them. In my upcoming DVD series, I will be passing this information (and more of what I have learned in recent years) on to everyone.

Roy Harris

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Mr. Harris,

Thank you for taking the time to in writing your reply.  I appreciate you sharing your experience with me.

"How long a person studies a style has little to do with their comprehension or performance of the style."

I definelty agree with you on that.  I like how you phrased it.  I seen those who have gotten good at a particular style in a short amount of time.  They are both understand it and are able to perform.
Also seen others who claim to have been practicing for many years and don't seem to "get it" both conceptionaly and in application. 

I like how you mentiond about 10 core movements or less for any style for the most part. I find it interesting.  I definetly believe that though.   

Will you take the time to list the 25 styles?  I am only aware of your FMA experience, Jeet Kune Do, and BJJ training, and  I believe you menionted you did Karate before but I am not sure of the exact style(s).

I look forward to your DVD's expounding on this.  Thank you Mr. Harris. 

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Snapple,

Here is a list of the styles I was fortunate to study:

1. Shooto
2. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
3. Sambo
4. Bando
5. Wing Chun
6. Pekiti Tirsia
7. Pentjak Silat Bukti Negara
8. Boxe Francaise Savate
9. Western boxing
10. Greco and Freestyle wrestling
11. Pankration
12. Thai Boxing
13. Balintawak
14. Le Canne
15. Wing Chun
16. Sho Shin Ti Karate
17. Judo
18. Doce Pares
19. Chin Na
20. Aikido
21. Aiki Ju Jutsu
22. Panantuken / Pananjakman / Dumog
23. Sugar ryu Jiu Jitsu
24. Chausson
25. Kalis Ilustrisimo

 
Also, there were a bunch of styles I wanted to study along the way, but I just never made the time for them. Here are their names:

1. Capoeira
2. Cornish and Devon Style
3. Glima
4. Hisardut
5. Hwarang-do
6. Iaido
7. Kalari
8. Krabi-Krabong
9. Krav Maga
10. Kuk Sul Won
11. Lua
12. Ninjitsu
13. Ringen
14. Schwingen
15. Shuai Chiao
16. Tai Chi

Good training to you,

Roy Harris