Question for ya'll please

[savedbygrace]

This type of question is probably gonna get old, but I would really like to hear ya'lls opinions. First off I really enjoy class and my instructor. We only have class once a week and it lasts around 2-2 1/2 hours. During the summer we will sometimes go to 2 days a week. May of 07'will put me at a year of learning. We work very very hard in class and I work hard at home. My instructor has a full time job and teaching karate is more of a second job. He is a 5th degree black belt and he is a very knowledgeable instructor. Our style is Shotokan. After speaking with him, just him and myself, he feels that if things dont change and I continue to work hard, I could possible test for my black belt in 2 years. Now I know that the color of the belt is just the color and doesn't always determine how good you are, but its still a black belt. I guess I dont have alot of confidence in myself, and dont see myself being able to test for my black belt in 2 years. I know that if I tell him that he will respect that and allow me stay where I'm at, but that also makes me wonder how much I should question him, and if I just really dont have alot of confidence. Our system of rank is white, yellow, blue, green, purple, brown, black. Classes are $25 per month and grading tests are only the cost of the new belt if you pass, which is $10, so I know he is not out for money, but I still question myself. Also we have no contracts to sign and currently we are only running about 2-6 people per class. I live in a very small town.. I guess I really dont have a particular question, I am just needing to vent about my situation and wondering ya'lls opinions. Thanks.

[Sohan]

Becoming a black belt after only 3 total years is a little quick for training in class only once per week, but as has been mentioned here before, every system, school, and instructor is different, and black belts represent different levels of proficiency depending on where you train.

In my school we actually study three styles, Shorin Ryu, Shudokan, and now, Hung Gar, so when we receive our black belt we are considered that level for all three disciplines (of course, in reality Kung Fu has no black belt). This is why in my school you can come to class 3-4 times a week and it will still take you a minimum of 5 years to receive your black belt. Sensei even made the comment to me the other day that my grade would likely be 2 dan higher in another school that only studied one system.

You sound like you are diligent in your training and approach it with great integrity, and it seems your sensei recognizes that. I think you will do fine to trust your sensei's judgement and just keep your head down, train hard, and let the belt levels arrive as they will. Accept the recognition of your hard work, and keep your eyes on the true meaning of your training.

With respect,

Sohan

[savedbygrace]

Becoming a black belt after only 3 total years is a little quick for training in class only once per week, but as has been mentioned here before, every system, school, and instructor is different, and black belts represent different levels of proficiency depending on where you train.

In my school we actually study three styles, Shorin Ryu, Shudokan, and now, Hung Gar, so when we receive our black belt we are considered that level for all three disciplines (of course, in reality Kung Fu has no black belt). This is why in my school you can come to class 3-4 times a week and it will still take you a minimum of 5 years to receive your black belt. Sensei even made the comment to me the other day that my grade would likely be 2 dan higher in another school that only studied one system.

You sound like you are diligent in your training and approach it with great integrity, and it seems your sensei recognizes that. I think you will do fine to trust your sensei's judgement and just keep your head down, train hard, and let the belt levels arrive as they will. Accept the recognition of your hard work, and keep your eyes on the true meaning of your training.

With respect,

Sohan

Thank you Sohan, that means alot coming from you. I guess what confused me the most that I have heard (not just on here but from different places) that you need at least "X" amount of years training to test for your black belt. Most of the "X" have been 3 or more years, so I had that on my mind. The other thing was that I trust my instructor and I know without a dought he is not in it for the money (I mean classes are only 25 a month and tests are only 10), so I should fully trust his judgement, but then there are the majority of the opinions that contridict that....but what you said made very much sense. Thank you.

[username8517]

Well as you mentioned your sensei is not teaching to make money so the idea of promoting you to black seems honest an sincere. While you may doubt you abilities now, your sensei is probably making a judgement based on how much you've improved over the course of this year and how quickly you're picking up on things.

Perhaps you just need more confidence in your abilities--and that's just something that's going to come along in time.

[Sohan]

SBG, my karate instructor charges only $30 per month, and we have no belt test fees. My sifu trains us at our school for free. On the other hand, my BJJ and MT instructors set me back nearly 4 times that, plus testing and competition fees for BJJ.

I get incredible instruction from both. Don't worry what the other guys are doing--if you enjoy your school, trust your sensei, and respect the people you train with, then just do your best and forget what is happening elsewhere. In the end, it's really more relevent what you know than what is tied around your waist.

With respect,

Sohan

[savedbygrace]

SBG, my karate instructor charges only $30 per month, and we have no belt test fees. My sifu trains us at our school for free. On the other hand, my BJJ and MT instructors set me back nearly 4 times that, plus testing and competition fees for BJJ.

I get incredible instruction from both. Don't worry what the other guys are doing--if you enjoy your school, trust your sensei, and respect the people you train with, then just do your best and forget what is happening elsewhere. In the end, it's really more relevent what you know than what is tied around your waist.

With respect,

Sohan

Again, that makes alot of sense. Thank you, and thank you all for your replies.

[bushido_man96]

I think that Sohan and bearich have both made really good points. If you want to take a little longer, ask your instructor to do so. Otherwise, it sounds to me like you have a great school and instructor, and he will know when you are ready.

You have also stated that you spend time working out on your own, and this could be something that he is taking into consideration as well. He can probably tell how hard you work.

[danbong]

One 2 1/2 hour class a week is about the same training time as 45 minutes 3 times a week. And people who go to class 3 times a week might practice at home less often as those who train once a week. So I don't think lack of training time should be a factor. nstructors, especially in large school set up rigid testing cycles. In those schools, really good students might be promoted slower than they should and weak students might be promoted faster than they should. You are in a very small school and so testing is probably based on the progress of each individual student. Are there any senior students in your school? If there are, do they show skill level appropriate for their rank, if they do, don't worry about being promoted too quickly.

Shotokan is known for having lots of part-time instructors who believe in doing things in a very traditional and high quality way - it sounds like your instructor is one of those, so again, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Is your school in an association? Many shotokan organizations have black belt promotions supervised by higher ranked black belts, which again, ensures high quality.

And lastly, if you enjoy your school, get along well with your instructor and feel that you are getting high quality training, don't worry about how fast or slow you get promoted - it's only a piece of cloth.

[BLueDevil]

I assume your working at home, if your training everyday or at least 5 days per week I dont think its out of the realm of reality to be testing in 2 years. But Im sure when the 2 year mark comes closer you'll be more sure in your skills and so will your instructor.

He may also be trying to set you up with a goal. You never know with those karate guys

[obiwansbane]

this is gonna be repetitive but im gonna say it anyways

if you feel that your instructor knows what he is doing as an instructor, and that you are in a good solid dojo. If your instructor feels you are ready to test, you obviously are ready to test... nobody said to get a blackbelt, but to prove why you are ready for your blackbelt, he is telling you that if you continue as you are now, he feels that you will soon earn the priviledge of showing him how well he has taught you and how you can apply that to teaching your own classes one day..

i say continue to train hard, dont let it phase you, think of it as a goal now, your sensei has said it is possible, and honestly hes the only person whos opinion matters on this, he knows you, knows your skill, knows your dedication, we dont...

good luck with your training man