Should I go back?

[aigaios]

Should I go back to my old school? I've been really busy with school, and I haven't been back since the black belt test a while ago...

I mean, it sounds like a stupid question, right? But I'm curious what everyone thinks. I didn't have a great experience there when I was teaching, and it seems like it's turning into more and more of a McDojo every day... Should I just go back and deal with it, or should I find I new school?

EDIT: I guess I'm also asking if I should start from white belt again...

[The BB of C]

How long has it been since you were last there?

If you go back, I suggest picking up where you left off.

Can you give more specific details on what the school is like?

[aigaios]

Hmm, it's been about four months... and before that one time I went back it had been about three. Also, I would only consider starting at white belt again if I started at another HKD school... Sorry about that confusion.

The school since I got my black belt has been declining... My test was right after they changed the curriculum from the traditional stuff to a watered down, easier version. Also, they seem to be becoming a belt factory that extracts hundreds out of poeple a month for little classes that almost never cover something outside the norm. These things have changed big time since I first started.

[username8517]

Well if you're already questioning the decision this much ,along with the information you provided, I believe you already have your answer

What I would recommend is looking at all the places in your area and find the one that best fits what you're looking for, even if it's in a different style altogether.

[obiwansbane]

as soon as you said the place keepsgetting more and more mcdojo-ish you should have realised that it is not a place you want to be. Find a new school, and some will make you start from scratch anyways... i would say take another style, then you can get the best of 2 worlds and say you have a black belt in 2 styles

[IcemanSK]

You haven't given us a lot of info. (And quite honestly, you're asking complete strangers about what we think about something that only you are intimately involved with). Have you thought of asking your family? Training partners? Other friends that have been with you on your MA journey?

I'm not trying to be difficult, but I think you're asking the wrong people. It also does sound like you're looking for the courage to do what you want to do. You don't need our (or anyone else's) permission to leave. But maybe you should get advice from folks that are personally involved with you & your life. They love & care for you. We're just strangers on the street.

I wish you all the best in making your decision. I've had to make that coice a few times in my life. It's never been easy.

[DancingSteve]

Yeah..I agree. I think that if they are totally revamping the actual content of their art...just to bring in more money with less effort. Then obviously they don't have quality instruction.

Ultimately people do not pay for curriculum...they pay for instructors..and if they are losing money and have to McDojoize to keep up financially..then its not worth YOUR money.

I agree with Obi and say you should try out some other styles. Its a great way to get a different perspective. Just remember to empty your cup before you go.

[gzk]

I agree, leave, take another style and don't worry about starting from white again. What do belts really mean, anyway?

[aigaios]

Thanks for the responses guys... I was just curious what you guys would say about it, it's not like I haven't asked others closer to me about my situation.

I'll probably start looking for a new school after my mid terms finish.

[bushido_man96]

There is nothing wrong with getting a fresh start somewhere else. If you don't like the direction that your school is going, then go elsewhere.

Look around, though. Check out every school, even if it is a style you don't think you would like. You never know, it may be just what you are looking for.