I think i'm in a Mcdojo and i like it.

[Takeru69]

Yesterday i came to the sad realisation that my Karate school give new belt base on time and not on skill. I got verry desapointed because i feel that skill should decide if your ready to change belt or no.

On the other hand i really like my school, i enjoy going there, the teachers are great and there is always a positive feeling in the class.

So do i stick with this school and in 3 year get a black belt that i might not actually deserve, or i change school and take the risk to go to a place that i won't like as mutch as this one?

[GojuRyu Bahrain]

Hello Takeru,

Should you stay? That depends totally on why you practice Karate. There are many valid reasons, e.g. self defense, exercise, to be cool (nowadays Karate isn't cool anymore, though), for fun, to meet that girl/boy

etc...

If you feel good about it and get what you want, its probably the right thing for you. If you have doubts, visit other Dojos and see what else is out there. Then revise your decision. Best of luck and keep training - no matter what and where!

[JusticeZero]

Check out other schools, talk with others about your training and technique. Get an idea of where you stand with everyone else in ability. If you are progressing well in skill, there might be a mismatch with the belt but at least you are learning good skills. If people start pointing out massive and dangerous holes in your technique (locked joints, broken force chaining, sparring outside of encounter range, et cetera) then you should probably take that into consideration.

[lowereastside]

If you enjoy the classes - the school - the teachers - good for you - stay and enjoy. When its time to move on you will know. For the ranking situation look at the so called Traditional Schools - How many have gone to Japan/Okinawa/Korea/China and have come back with inflated ranks of some sort. How many have opened up Branch Dojo's After only spending a couple of weeks in training with a certain Sensei from a traditional school. Like i said in a previous post all of my students have tons of previous experience - some come from the so called Traditional background 7th - 8th Dans from other schools. It's not what I say its what they say - They feel like taking their High ranks and Certifications and throw it in the garbage. I guess what I'm getting at its not only the McDojos - In todays world its kind of the norm. All that being said there are exceptions to the rule.

[Takeru69]

Thanks a lot for the reply guys.

[MasterPain]

(nowadays Karate isn't cool anymore, though),

What are you talking about? You ever seen Dolemite 2? It doesn't get any cooler.

[mal103]

Keep training!

Remember that nobody forces you to grade so you don't have to be "given" a new belt if you feel you are not ready or worthy of it.

Remember also that you are still training in the basics and sometimes it's the right decision to keep grading students - partly to keep them motivated but also give them confidense - if it doesn't start slotting into place then they may be forced to skip the next belt.

Remember also that certain allowances can be given to disabilities like Autism, dyspraxia, dyslexia etc. Not all of these are obvious!

Keep training but at some point venture out and look at other schools/dojo's, look online at good video clips, try to get in and train with others. You should after a while get a good grasp on what standard students should be at for each Kyu level. We've had Purple belts join us that should be red/yellow, we've had green belts join that should be brown, i've seen Brown belts in other clubs that put me to shame, i've also seen Black belts that... you get my point.

So long as you think you've earnt it, if you get to brown belt and never had a wet Gi then maybe time to swap Dojo's!

[cheesefrysamurai]

wow these guys give such great advice I would just reread the previous replies.

If you are happy, stay. The best piece of advice i could give is

KEEP ON FIGHTING!

good luck

[bushido_man96]

If you are happy, then stay. As also suggested, checking out other schools and getting a feel for where you lie in regards to them might help ease your mind a little. But if its not a bother to you, then don't worry about it.

[Lupin1]

I agree with the person who suggested it depends on why you're studying martial arts. If you're taking the class to meet new people and have a good time, keep with it. You're obviously meeting those goals. If you're taking it to become a serious martial artist, re-evaluate the school, not based on how quickly they give out belts, but on the actual technique they're teaching you and the skill levels of some of the upper ranks compared to people with similar experience in the area. Then decide from there. So really-- you have to look at if your school is right for you and what you want to accomplish and how it will help you in meeting your personal goals. Don't worry so much about belts.