Would you stay or go ?

[karatekid1975]

I really couldn't say if I would stay or leave. Early in my MA training, I was all for rank. I couldn't wait to get the next belt.

 

As of now, I have been a red belt forever. I started at this school (after moving to NY). I quit at blue belt. I went to another school and made it to red belt (last May). Then I quit there because I realized that I didn't earn any rank I got there (I passed for barely knowing my stuff). So I came back here knowing I DID earn every rank I got here (I'm kicking myself for leaving in the first place LOL). I had to start back at blue, but made it back to red in three or four months. I've been a red belt ever since.

 

I am supposed to test for high red in the spring but I don't want to, because I don't know my form and some of the requirements well enough. I rather have the knowledge and know my stuff and pass, than passing for barely knowing anything.

 

So, my attitude on rank did change. I probably won't get the chance to test again till November (There's a rumor of my instructor adding one test for red and black belts this year, but I probably won't test till Nov). As of now, I'm happy where I'm at. I could care less if I'm a red belt for another year.

[Kurazaki]

My dojo, thankfully, focuses on ability to grant belts. My sensei would happily fail a student if he/she didn't prove him/herself worthy of the belt. In his words, "Any Karateka who walks out of my dojo with a rank given by me - will be able to fight like the rank he's been given."

 

He failed 5 15-16 year old red belts recently, but that was obvious, because their kata was so bad it paled in comparison to an indian kid who was like, 10 years old.

 

He's also well-known to fail the brown belt senpais repeatedly for not performing up to par. It's really strict, but all I can say is that it's a good thing, because I detest having some kind of false security like a black belt; and then getting beaten to a pulp by street thugs while being unable to defend myself at all.

 

And, in my own words, I'm there to learn to fight; not to collect belts. =)

[cross]

What, do you mean to test and not indicate the result?

 

The indication of archievment is that you have progressed since last time you were 'tested', you dont need to be given a title to indicate a result.

[cathal]

I would still train there, sure, so long as the instructors were letting me actually train and advance on in learning the techniques.

[ShotokanKid]

Well, it's going to be 2 more years before I can test for the rank I already have and then 2 more after that to advance but I'm more worried about learning than advancing.

[cathal]

What kyu or dan are you at, and can you explain why it would take 2 years to test for the rank you already have? It sounds like there is more to it maybe?

[strangepair03]

I believe in the saying -Rank follows the man(or woman)not the other way around. As long as I am still learning new things, I would never leave, it is in my soul. Keep all the belts, gi's, certificates, etc; I just want to train, for me; Not my parents, wife, sensei, or my sensei's sensei...just for my own health, benefit, and enjoyment

 

Just more of my mindless ramblings...Oops..... gotta go, the Doctor. is bringing me my medicine

 

Have fun everybody!!!

[karategirl06]

Forever, Rank means little to me. Its not the rank that counts is what you learn and how much you enjoy karate!

[malanovaus]

I came back to the dojo after a leave of absense (academic reasons). I started back up wearing a white obi. After a short time I was given the priviledge of putting my black belt back on. I didn't care if I ever progressed in rank, I just wanted to continue my training.

[JusticeZero]

The only issue I can see is if it included an eternity of "I won't teach you more until you are high enough rank."