Learning yoga and martial arts simultaneously?

[seeker89]

Hey, hope everyone is doing well

I was just wondering if anybody here practices/has practiced martial arts and yoga at the same time? I don't mean literally doing them at the same time, but rather have a martial arts class one day and a yoga class the next, for example.

I suppose, in theory, the stretching of yoga would greatly enhance the flexibility needed in the martial arts which would be fantastic, but some martial arts (especially the more philosophical/spiritual ones) teach breathing techniques and basic energy theory/energy work as well. Lets say (hypthetically) I started learning and practicing both, do you think they would contradict or cause conflict with each other in any way? Is this a good idea?

Thanks for answering

I have trained Brazilian jiu jitsu for two and a half years and done yoga roughly the last 1½ year and could recommend everyeone to mix in a few yoga classes every week with whatever martial arts you do.

As in aspects of BJJ it helps me stay more relaxed, focused, centered, concentrated, it helps immensely with prevention of injuries (which is almost a definite if you train BJJ everyday) helps to connect more with the friends down at the training hall, makes my mind more clear and in some parts helps me make things in BJJ that unflexible sparring partners can't do which gives an great advantage into my BJJ game.

I think everybody should do yoga to complement whatever you do in life and can't think of a single thing other than time to be of an issue to incorportate it with a martial art.

Also, Yoga is not only something you do in the meditation room or at the studio, it's is a way of life, yoga means union and in that term everything you do in life leads to this union of body, mind and soul.

I agree with sleepy! i did shuri-ryu for almost 10 years and practiced astanga yoga for atleast 5. they both worked hand in hand for me. i highly recommend you doing them both. good luck!

that is what i have just started doing. i have been going to a kickboxing/ mma studio for several months now, and i really like it. however, i found that i am sore and need help focusing my awareness and learning to flow with my breath. i had done yoga in the past so recently i decided to pick yoga up again and i have already found it very beneficial. i very much agree with the other responses that they go hand in hand.