Moving on to a new Dojo and skipping grades

[quinteros1963]

I am still looking for a new dojo as i have relocated. After training at several dojo's in the past month I have realized that my old dojo curriculum was a head of the ones I have been to in my new State. I would be able to test for 1st kyu. I dont feel like I deserve this because when I go back home to visit I know I will feel like I've cheated or something by skipping grades. The bottom line is I won't in my heart feel like a black belt if I should make it here. What do you all think?

[Ichi_Geki]

I quote confuscious

"Whever you go and whatever you do, go along with all your heart".

You should do what you feel is right in a moment like this, because obviously its a internal conflict with what you think is right and wrong.

[joesteph]

After training at several dojo's in the past month I have realized that my old dojo curriculum was a head of the ones I have been to in my new State.

The curriculum my teacher has for us has requirements that have been in advance of what my art's federation requires for each rank, too. I just consider myself fortunate to have her, as I'm sure you feel about your past sensei and training.

I would be able to test for 1st kyu.

Are you sure you'd be allowed? I'd think you'd likely be held to the same rules of time and present rank to be allowed to take this test. Have you checked with your sensei, or just found out you were ahead? Did your present sensei inform you of this and say s/he's willing to vouch with an organization your school is affiliated with regarding your ability?

A fellow student at my school was allowed to enter a forms competition, but he knew the forms higher than his rank. He was permitted to enter at his rank level, not higher, even though the regional judge passed him for the rank he was at based on the requirements of our teacher, not the federation.

The bottom line is I won't in my heart feel like a black belt if I should make it here.

The rank you speak of is an extremely important one, a threshold to a new begining. In the future, you want to be able to look back at such an honor and feel honorable. I agree completely with Ichi_Geri's quote of Confucius, who wisely advises us to follow our hearts.

[isshinryu5toforever]

Take into consideration everything that's been said here, and call your sensei. It does sound like you have an internal conflict of sorts happening, so ask the person who can settle it for you. We all seek approval from our teachers, you're just seeking a true affirmation. If he affirms you, and allows you to test, you then have to figure out whether you truly feel comfortable testing. From the doubt in your heart though, I'd say that you should stay at 2nd kyu for a little bit longer.

[mr_obvious]

At the end of the day -- does it matter? Find a place you like / want to train at, and do just that, "train." The color belt around your waist doesn't change your knowledge or capability, does it?

[Ichi_Geki]

At the end of the day -- does it matter? Find a place you like / want to train at, and do just that, "train." The color belt around your waist doesn't change your knowledge or capability, does it?

Just as an example...

How would you feel with a Mcdojo Kuro Obi around your waist?

[still kicking]

Quinteros1963 wrote:

my old dojo curriculum was a head of the ones I have been to in my new State.

It sounds to me that the real issue is that you feel that your old dojo had higher standards than what you have been able to find in your new location. I might as well state the obvious, but have you looked around thoroughly in your new home? Would it be possible for you to find a school with more demanding expectations for each rank, even if in a different style? I do think it is more satisfying to achieve a rank, whatever it is, if you know it was hard won. On the other hand, if you are in a school that you like and respect, I would go along with whatever my current sensei thinks. If you don't trust his/her judgement, I would keep looking!

[quinteros1963]

Thanks to all for your words. I will continue to train no matter what, my issue is more a matter of pride. My dojo back home was old school, and rank was earned. I've seen a orange belt more than hold his own with a brown and black belt from other schools. I just want to be worthy of my rank. I've found a dojo and I'll train and let the chips fall where they fall. I'm in it for the journey and hope to become an instructor someday. The new style will only make me a better MA.

[Lupin1]

If you find your new dojo isn't working for you, don't forget to look at un-offical classes, as well. In my opinion, our tiny class at the local boys and girls club is the best around. Like you said-- I've seen orange belts from our school hold their own against brown belts from other schools (in fact, when I was an orange belt I placed 4th in a kata competition against blue and brown belts from other schools). The un-offical classes tend be more old school and also tend not to cost as much, if they cost anything at all (ours is free). You have to look pretty hard, though, because the best ones usually don't advertise and are usually put down by people at the "real" karate schools.

[quinteros1963]

If you find your new dojo isn't working for you, don't forget to look at un-offical classes, as well. In my opinion, our tiny class at the local boys and girls club is the best around. Like you said-- I've seen orange belts from our school hold their own against brown belts from other schools (in fact, when I was an orange belt I placed 4th in a kata competition against blue and brown belts from other schools). The un-offical classes tend be more old school and also tend not to cost as much, if they cost anything at all (ours is free). You have to look pretty hard, though, because the best ones usually don't advertise and are usually put down by people at the "real" karate schools.

Thats what I'm looking for, I don't care about any associations or about how often the Sensei goes to Japan. The proof is in the pudding, I just want to train and not spend hundreds a month to buy a belt. I'll see how the next few months go where I am and go from there.