n4tive

Loyalty is something that I've always believed in. This is why it is so difficult for me. I gave it my all, helping him in any way I could (see previous discussions for details) sometimes even as far as working some extra hours so I could give him something "on the side." ... and then the dojo closed. Words cannot describe the amount of dissapointment I felt. Not for the money (investment - I could care less for the money) but for the fact that my teacher, may did not have the same amout of respect towards his student, friend, and human being. To this day I still believe I may have failed on something, he just never bothered telling me.

So... as I feared. The dojo closed. Its been almost three months since. Being his only student, I felt extremely dissapointed, fustrated, and even guilty. He gave no prior notice, not a call, not a message, just a note on the dojo door. I called, no answer, I sent emails, no answer. throughout those days I felt as if maybe its was my fault, maybe I wasn't "cutting it" maybe I wasn't up to his standards, I feld pretty bad... until he finally replied. I felt relieved (did worry about his health), but at the same time quite angry, being his only student the least he could have done (out of respect and consideration) was to talk to me, letting me know he was going to "retire" for awhile. Now, I'm having second thoughts about returning (reopened the dojo) He did finally found a job, seems quite content, but this could happen again, and I don't think I could handle another dissapointment. A good friend of mine introduced me to another martial art, and I'm quite interested, but the problem is the enrollment fee is quite expensive besided the fact that is a commercial location and I'm a bit cautious when it comes to "commercial martial arts." I'm a bit confused, what would you guys do if you where in my place? Thanks for the help, and sorry for posting kind "personal" issues on the boards. But I couldn't find a better place.

Hai, been doing exactly just that. Helping him any way I can, from promoting the dojo to getting some of his papers published. I have paid my dues months (normally twice the amount - although sometimes he refuses) in advance, as well as gifting him with several household items that he could either use or sell. But then problems hit, and he is back again at the bottom. I myself do not have much, but what I do have I do not mind sharing it with good people. I thought about the bussiness suggestion, but he does not believe in "commercializing" Karate, he has given Karate lessons for free for many years only rescently forced to charge a small amout due to his economic situation. Thats why I admire my teacher. Sometimes (very seldom) the only thing he can offer me is to study Karate history and philosophy through chat or email because of him feeling emotionally drained. I'm going to keep trying to publish his papers Promoting the dojo and finding quality students (he usually spend some time with them to determane how serious are they to train, if not he very politely sends them to another dojo). Help him any way I can. I understand we are all human beigns, times had changed, not neceserally for the better. Life nowadays is so complex and full of stressfull situations, that we get easily caught in its web. I do get dissapointed, but I'm sure it will pay off eventually.

My current teacher (Sensei) has been very honest and straightforward with me ever since we met (met him on a seminar in Oklahoma) I'm his only student (he accepted me) at the moment, and through time we have developed this kind of teacher-student relationship, like family or best friends (in the dojo we keep it very formal). The thing is, he's been having a plethora of family and personal issues, his situation has only worstened due to lack of income. He has become a distant a times, sometimes suspending classes due to him not feeling emotionally well (he does makes up for a single 3 or 4 hour class) I know I'm being selfish fearing that he might close the dojo, as I do not want to learn from anybody else. But I also worry about him. I have offered him advice, but I'm sure he has heard it all. I've been trying to help him any way I can (even monetary) but his situation only gets worst and worst. I do not know what else to do. What this happed to you? to your teacher? what do you guys think? And now, a little background on my teacher. Hes been studying MA since a very young age (he is now close to 50) he is a member of several prestigious okinawan karate organizations, traveled to okinawa on several occasions (showed me documented proof) Hes a very modest and humble man, in fact, he charges me less than 30 dollars a month (even with is economic situation) He can be a little bit controvertial often disliking modern or sport karate, but he is VERY knowledgeable. And is well known in the local area. Not sure if this is the correct place to post it.

Life is full of descisions. We have to look into what is most important for us first (usually family, if one has one), and then things have to filter in from there. Practicing solo can be a trial at times, but it can be done, but it is never the same as a session at the dojo. Personally, if you've got an option that isn't going to cost you anything, then you should go for it, even if it isn't what you really want to do. It would be better than nothing, keeping you in shape and your technique up, and you can work to better your financial position while saving that $65 a month. If better opportunities present themselves, then you can change. Order your family life first, and then let the rest fall into place. Best of luck to you, and I hope everything works out for you. Stat positive! Thank you for the support

Sixty five ($65) for two sessions. Normally three sessions per week.

Might (eventually) practice Shoto/Nippon Kempo in addition to Goju.

Pretty much what sensei8 said. Karate is everything to me. It had taught me many things, and it continues to do so, even spiritually.

It is very though, thank you for the support

Yes, Karate means a lot to me. It keeps me mentally, physically and even spiritually grounded. At home I've been doing hojo undo (supplementary exercises) as well as kata. But its hard at times when all of the sudden you hear your wife calling, or when the baby needs taken care of, etc. Wife and I got into a bit of an argument because its been extremely fustrating for me not being able to practice for several months now, money goes so fast it does not gives me enough time to do a budget. I'm slowly coming to realize it might be a long while before I will be able to resume practice

I remember having to quit as a teen also, as my parents could no longer afford it. The sensei allowed me to stay and help him around the dojo (cleaning, building, assisting in clases, etc.) but one day he approached me asking me to either pay or stop practicing (I think he was having issues paying the rent) it was the most disheartening and dissapointing feeling ever, but I understood and stopped practicing. Its been eighteen years since, and I'm finding myself almost in the same situation.

Hojo Undo http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Hojo-Undo-Traditional/dp/159439136X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392319657&sr=8-1&keywords=hojo+undo Shin Gi Tai (Body, Mind and Spirit) http://www.amazon.com/Shin-Gi-Tai-Karate-Training/dp/159439217X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1392319671&sr=8-2&keywords=hojo+undo Bubishi (a must for any serious Karateka) http://www.amazon.com/Bubishi-The-Classic-Manual-Combat/dp/0804838283/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392319706&sr=8-1&keywords=bubishi Miyagi and Me http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Miyagi-Me-James-Lilley/dp/1477521720/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392319788&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=miyagu+and+me Karate: My way of Life http://www.amazon.com/Karate-Do-Way-Life-Gichin-Funakoshi/dp/1568364989/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392319753&sr=8-1&keywords=karate+my+way+of+life Will soon buy Okinawan Karate: History of Styles and Masters Volume 1 http://www.amazon.com/Okinawan-Karate-History-Shuri-te-Shorin-ryu/dp/1478188634/ref=pd_sim_b_3 Volume 2 http://www.amazon.com/Okinawan-Karate-History-Antecedents-Goju-ryu/dp/147838316X/ref=pd_sim_b_2

Hello, I've been experiencing some mild depression/fustration as I haven't been able to practice due to family and work responsibilities (economic reasons as well) I've been practicing at home (hojo undo) several times a week for about 30 - 45 minutes. Eventually fustration kicks in and lately I've been lacking motivation. At home I have too many distractions (son, wife, family, etc.) whereas in the dojo I can fully focus on Karate (Goju). To add to my fustration, money is becoming an issue as well, as paying $65/month for two sessions (all that I am able to attend) is, to say the least, affecting my budget, so there are times that I have to make a desition to either pay bills or Karate I've been searching for other Dojos nearby (bit more affordable), but no luck. I was lucky enough to find a Dojo close to home, though classes are free as the Sensei (apparently quite a few years of experience under his belt) is government sponsored. The problem is its Shotokan, though I highly admire and respect Funakoshi Sensei, it is not the style of preference. But I figured, practicing some Karate is better than no Karate so I'm going to give it a shot. In the meantime I having a bit of hard time trying to cope with no Karate, or no Dojo. Just wondering if any of you had (at some point) to cope with a situation similiar to mine. Thanks!

I'm with you... Bad first impressions are difficult to overcome. Do the same instructors always teach the same classes? If there's opportunity to experience different instructors, find an instructor or instructors that work better for you. If not, give them a chance. If it turns out they're just a pessimistic, rude lot, then it might not be the dojo for you (not sure it would be for me, either... ) There are several, yes. Some nicer than others. But after a few minutes of traquil meditation I came to realize I may have overreacted a bit. Normally I tend not to pay mind to small stuff like this, but lately I've been going through a "tough times" and been more "emotional" than normal. Thank you all for the advice, it has been a learning experience for me.

Then don't. You shouldn't have to train in a place that you feel uncomfortable training in. That being said, as a new student in the dojo it probably wasn't the best idea to remind (or correct) the sensei on bunkai. It doesn't come across as helpful from a new student and not a lot of sensei (or people) know how to take it in stride without feeling like it was an affront. Again, if you feel uncomfortable then just find another dojo. We learn better in a place where we feel comfortable with our surroundings and you will end up enjoying your training more. Agreed... How well do you know your new instructors? How well do they know you? Usually, as an instructor myself, when I'm confronted with a "new" student (I know you said you're a returning student) that attempts to help/suggest/correct me, I usually respond with something like, "Thank you, we instructors will handle it..." in as professional manner as possible. It's not that we're trying to discount input from new students; we're trying to establish credibility as instructors, as well as prevent "too many cooks in the kitchen". It's the same line of reasoning why we don't allow advanced kyu students to teach kata to any less ranked/experienced students. They can help other students with kata, but cannot teach kata. Only black belt / instructors may teach kata to students, but I digress... The instructor could have had a bad day and let it get to her (yes, not professional, but we're human, too), or whatever. On the other side of that, there are instructors that are just egotistic and rude. Either way, if y'all don't know each other well enough, yet, give it some time to get to know each other. Then, misunderstandings from attitudes, emotions, etc will happen much less. Agreed. It wasn't my intention to "correct" the sensei, I thought she may have lost track of the step we where in, just as she was having a little difficulty remembering some steps. I barely know any of the instructors, but the seem not the "friendly" type, even amongst themselves, and not the "too friendly" type. I'm friendly (prudence) person myself, and tought to have manners (I'm of native american descent, we are tought to be humble as child into adulthood) I greet hello/welcome and goodbye/farewell (in and out of the dojo [not during practice of course]) sometimes I feel they become a little impatient as if having trouble repeating steps for those having trouble understanding. This may be a temporary thing as they get to know me and me them. But that small incident left a bad taste, any other person would've just left the dojo and quit.