cobrakai

almartin wrote: Shorin Ryu Matsumura Seito, Okinawan Kobudo, and Tuite here also.

I too had to pay test fee's which ranged from 30.00 to 150.00 for my 1st Dan test. I would not be too overly concerned about the fees. Ive seen fees much lower and I've seen them much higher, as much as 500.00 per Dan Level. The thing that alerted me was the annual dues you mentioned. Its not my intent to start a riot with this statement, but here goes anyway !!!! If it were me "and its not" I would find another dojo ! I under no circumstances would commit to annual dues for anything. In my opinion, this is a tactic to keep the $$$ coming in and lock you in to that dojo much like a finance contract. What happens if you get injured there or else where or even become seriously ill, heaven forbid, and cannot train. What happens ??? You've lost all that money If you are already there and like it - stay !!! No harm no foul !!! Only you can decide. Ask your sensei to let you pay monthly or even quarterly, maybe they will......

I understand your question and I'am currently in this same situation. I previously studied Japanese Self Defense, as it was called, but when you compare the kata to others, its definately Shotokan, or a derivative of Shotokan. Curently Im studying Matsumura Shorin Ryu. The stances and kata are definately different. Even though the kata patterns are the same the stance are not. Shotokan stance tend to be deep and wide and the Matsumura Shorin Ryu Stance are more narrow and shallow. But I have not found the change to be hard to adapt to.

you mentioned you were 15 years old, correct ? What does your parents say. Im sure you had to get their permission to study martial arts in the first place. I think you should seriously set down with your doctor and you parents, all in the same room, maybe the doctors office and have it explained to you again. Maybe you already done this. Since you are 15 - you have many years ahead of you to study martail arts, don't be in a hurry !!! I have two kids of my own, Im also a karate student of 6 years and my 12 year old son is a Black Belt. He hasn't been to the dojo in about 6 months, but he previously never left the dojo in about 5 years. Maybe its time for a break, especially if you are having health problems. Listen to your parents and your doctor, they will not ill advise you... You can always practice your kihons and kata on your own during your break.......

Since you found out the instructors sensei , call that Sensei on the phone and ask questions of the club you found. You can always go to that dojo as well, if its in a reasonable distance. The "Master" should be receptive to questions and should be happy to assist you. If it were me 'and its not' I would ask the Sensei at your club, what his rank is, ask to see his last menjo "certificate of rank" and look for the other Sensei name, on the certificate. This way you can be sure that there is a clear path to rank/promotions within your organization. One thing you should avoid like the plague, is ANYWHERE that the instructor is not whom he or she claims to be. If they get offended by yor questions, move on !!!! Thats not the place for you. Since there are no laws or regulations governing martial arts clubs or teachers, here in the US, anyone can open a dojo and claim to be any rank they want, you can even do this. Ask the questions and don't be intimidated by the belt color. If they are offended or give excuses, RUN DON'T WALK, to the nearest exit.... And above all else, no matter where you go - don't sign any contracts, pay monthly. Your not financing a car, its karate lessons.....