Returned to training Monday

[muttley]

Ok, so I returned to training on Monday night after several years out. I had gained my 1st dan before having to give up due to many reasons, work, family life, moving home and not finding a club to name a few.

Anyway, now I have a club that I like (after 1 session and a recommendation) and I am looking forward to my next session. The only thing is I do feel something of a fraud, I returned and as I only had my black belt to, I wore it but could only remember up to Bassai Dai in the kata which made me feel pretty bad.

Anyone else been in a similar position and does it take a while to get the kata's back in your head? Also, is it worth getting a book with the kata in just to refresh my somewhat jaded memory?

[darksoul]

I know exactly how you feel, but it's normal to forget things after not practicing it for an extended period of time. You'll notice it comes back fairly quickly.

As I've explained many times, on this forum (I feel like I'm sounding like a broken record at this point ) I got my 1st Dan through the USSD style of Shaolin Kempo. I am now training with someone who has a style that has evolved much further than the Shaolin Kempo taught by USSD. I still wear my black belt. I am still recognized as a 1st Dan, I just have to relearn all my DM's (called Combinations in this dojo) and all the new Kempos. I also need to relearn all the forms in their style.

Yes, sometimes I feel like a very crappy black belt. Do I feel like a fraud? No, I don't, because I have earned my rank. I just know it'll take me longer to reach Nidan and that is something I'm perfectly ok with.

[muttley]

Cheers, I am sure I will get there sometime.

[Dobbersky]

It is espected if you've not remembered all of them. but atleast you remembered some.

Guaranteed if we ask you in 6 months to a year from now you'll be fully absorbed back into the Dojo. Just enjoy your journey and welcome to the Forum.

Looking forward to some good posts & threads from you too

OSU

[DoctorQui]

Ok, so I returned to training on Monday night after several years out. I had gained my 1st dan before having to give up due to many reasons, work, family life, moving home and not finding a club to name a few.

Anyway, now I have a club that I like (after 1 session and a recommendation) and I am looking forward to my next session. The only thing is I do feel something of a fraud, I returned and as I only had my black belt to, I wore it but could only remember up to Bassai Dai in the kata which made me feel pretty bad.

Anyone else been in a similar position and does it take a while to get the kata's back in your head? Also, is it worth getting a book with the kata in just to refresh my somewhat jaded memory?

I know exacly how you feel. Having left a club where I was training for my 1st Dan (I was pre Dan) and having moved area, had family issues etc finally went back after almost 2 years but had to start a completely new style due to availability of my style where I had moved to. I was Wado now Shotokan. I started this new style at an advanced Kyu and had to play catch up with the Heian katas (I previously learned Pinans) which are generally similar. Picture a Brown belt who is still trying to master Heian Shodan...that was me!

In Shotokan, knowing all your Katas up to Bassai Dai after a long break is pretty impressive. Most Shotokan clubs don't teach beyond Bassai Dai until you reach 1st Dan.

Imo, you start to really learn karate at 1st Dan so you're not a fraud, you have simply delayed the beginning of your journey!

OSU

[muttley]

Thank you. I look forward to really getting back into it and hopefully progress

[jaypo]

Youtube them! It helped me.

Once you get your muscle memory back (which won't take long at all), your mind will put it all together. You will start getting the "feeling" of where to move.

Hang in there. I went thru the same thing a few months ago after a 22 year layoff!

[Harkon72]

I'm learning the Pinan Kata for Shukokai at the moment, but due to work shifts i can't train every week. I will train every month with the Udansha of the Association. When my shift changes I will go back to training every week. It's a challenge to match your grade with the hours you put in and returning to a class after a break is difficult. Good Luck, I hope things go well.

[pers]

Youtube them! It helped me.

Once you get your muscle memory back (which won't take long at all), your mind will put it all together. You will start getting the "feeling" of where to move.

Hang in there. I went thru the same thing a few months ago after a 22 year layoff!

Great advice , I was going to mention youtube ,all the katas are there by top people .

Congradulations on your return after 22 years , I recently returned to training after a long lay off ,it seems the bug never leaves your body !

[muttley]

Youtube them! It helped me.

Once you get your muscle memory back (which won't take long at all), your mind will put it all together. You will start getting the "feeling" of where to move.

Hang in there. I went thru the same thing a few months ago after a 22 year layoff!

Great advice , I was going to mention youtube ,all the katas are there by top people .

Congradulations on your return after 22 years , I recently returned to training after a long lay off ,it seems the bug never leaves your body !

It never leaves the body (or mind) it seems. I already feel like my, confidence is back, more relaxed, more "at one" I guess just after 2 sessions.