beaker

Thanks for the feedback guys! I have decided to leave the dojo I described in the original post. They're nice enough people but absolutely everything is geared towards competition, specifically competition kumite. I have found a new dojo 15 minutes away and they're a traditional Wado club so I am really pleased, and I cannot wait to start my training with them! :smile:

I come from a background of traditional karate and have been out of training for about 10 years. Recently I started up again at a new club - the only reason I didn't go back to my old club was that I've moved out of the area. I guess I'd describe the new club as more of a sport karate place - the emphasis is very much on fighting and there is very little kata practice. When basics are covered it is at random - at my old club we did them very thoroughly and in a specific order based on the syllabus. The combat is quite heavy at the new place and there are people there trying to get into the England squad. They are good fighters but the majority have no interest in Kata and as such it is rarely covered. Traditional dojo etiquette is also not really part of this club - we do not stand in grade order, do not perform the formal bows and we do not ever recite the dojo kun. When I was last training I was studying for the 1st Dan grading, for which there was a 1.5 hr written exam as well as the practical. At the new club there is no written exam and the practical syllabus is not exactly set and is instead chosen at the whim of the examiner. Someone told me it could be just a few minutes, or it could last a day depending on how he is feeling. Personally I do not think this is what karate is all about. I prefer the tradition and the structure. At my old club we had a very thorough grounding in everything. I have been at the new club for a month, and visited my old club once when I was in the area. I learnt more at the session with my old instructor, to be honest. What are people's thoughts on differing teaching styles?

Yeah, I was quite pleased. I have a letter from my old club and stuff. I think part of the reason I have come in at this level is that they only hold gradings twice a year, so it would have taken ages to get back to whereI was. I am very grateful! Lots of work to do now but I'm very up for that.

Hi guys, Well, I've just had my first training session after I think nearly 10 years, and it was very exhilarating, and quite tough! I used to be a 1st Kyu as I said, and the instructor said to come as a purple belt and then be assessed at the end of the year. That's a different hierarchy to my old club (we used embroidered stripes on our belts, two each on red, green and brown) and I am not sure where purple fits in in the hierarchy of this club. It's Higashi so it's Wado (my old style) in essence, can anyone tell me what Kyu grade a purple belt is? Obviously I will ask at my next training session on Thursday but it would be handy to know in advance! Beaker PS If someone could give me the full belt heirarchy that would be useful - I know this differs from club to club of course - at my new place, I don't think they have bluebelts, just yellow, orange, purple, brown? Actually perhaps they do have blue? I must sound so stupid - d'oh! Can someone please fill in the gaps? [ This Message was edited by: beaker on 2002-02-18 15:15 ]

Hey Doug, How did you find it then, did you start over from scratch? I am quite annoyed that I threw it all away, really. But I was only 15/16 at the time. I have got in touch with my old Sensei who has offered some really good encouragement. YODA, I used to train in Wado Ryu, and the club I am thinking of joining is a Higashi club, which I think is based on that. I'm going to get a new gi tomorrow - outgrown the old one a little bit! Thanks for the welcome guys.

I am a lapsed 1st kyu just about to start over at a new dojo in London. I am determined to actually get to my 1st Dan grading this time (schoolwork got in the way previously, but I'm 26 now) but I might need a bit of moral support in the meantime! I'm ready to start from scratch and excited about doing so, but also a bit nervous as it'll be a new club and I'll probably miss my old one. Anyway just thought I'd say hi!

Thanks for the info. Maybe I should try and dig mine out! Mind you, what do the other people at your dojo think about that? [ This Message was edited by: beaker on 2002-02-12 08:46 ]

Thanks. But what is the legality of that? I am actually in the UK but wouldn't have thought that was a difference ... how many clubs would let you whizz through the grades that quick? Or is it down to the individual instructor? I could probably get in touch with my old Sensei and ask him to vouch for me but I have lost my old paperwork.

How quickly could I expect to progress when re-starting karate after an 8 year absence? I used to be a 1st kyu. I know I would have to start again at a lower level but would I be able to take gradings more quickly than before? I will be starting at a new club but I have looked at my old syllabus, and the early grades are stuff I can remember easily.