So i have a Pyracantha that has been in training. With set rules in bonsai i know crossing branches is a no no. But as said by many some rules can be broken and sometimes are even broken by masters. With this tree here i have some crossing branches, some part of me really likes them and wants to keep them but at the same time i feel like i should chop these. i have time but before i make my decision i figure id ask for your guys and gals opinion see what others have to say.

I would say ONE of those fat branches becomes your new trunk. The rest should go. Build your tree from new younger (thinner) side-branches. All branches on this look to me as too big to be used as realistic branches.

I think it looks messy the way it is now, but this is me being the "less is more" designer; there is no line for the eye to follow the way it is now, and as it is not a clump, I would clean it up.
Two side notes:
1-) I like the air-layer in the background.
2-) Are your Firethorn fruits yellow, orange or red?

leatherback wrote: I would say ONE of those fat branches becomes your new trunk. The rest should go. Build your tree from new younger (thinner) side-branches. All branches on this look to me as too big to be used as realistic branches.

Ah i definitely see where your coming from. i have some thinking to do.

clicio wrote: I think it looks messy the way it is now

i agree it indeed looks very messy.
they are red firethorn fruits

Looking at the pictures you don't have any choice but cutting back to the first branch. Otherwise you are going to get a reverse taper

well i got around to doing some hard punning this weekend. took what everyone said into consideration and this is the end result.