Training and grading in more than one style?

[Samn01]

Hi all,

My first post. I am a returner to Karate after a few years out. I trained up to 2nd kyu and relocated to an area where there are no clubs in my previous style (Ishin-ryu), so I have joined a small shotokan club that train once per week. I would like to train up to black belt so need to find more places to train. There is another shotokan club close by where one of the guys at my current club trains. The thing is, my current club is great but very focused on the application of karate as well as basics and kata etc, the other shotokan club is also very much focused on basics and kata (I am told), when I trained Ishin-ryu we obviously focused on those areas but I also enjoyed free sparing and competition style sparing (more than anything else actually). I am occasionally in the area where I used to train and I hoped to go back and do some sessions with my previous sensei. (sorry for the long winded back story), my questions are: What is the etiquette around training with more than one club? Each is with a different association, is it okay to do? Do I need to buy a licence from each? What is the etiquette about training in more than one style? Should I grade to 1st kyu in shotokan or should I continue grading in ishin-ryu (I will not be able to attend my ishin-ryu club weekly, more like a couple of times per month), and if I grade in shotokan will I be welcome at my old club?

Sorry lots of questions, hopefully non of them too silly. I know that karate has lots do's and do not's and I don't want to rub anyone up the wrong way, I just want to train! thanks in advance.

[Harkon72]

I had a break of 6 years before moving area and starting again in another style.

I started from white belt again. Different style; different syllabus. My Sensei never asked me to empty my Karate cup; we learn from eachother. 18 months later and I'm going for my 4th Kyu tonight. I was a 2nd Dan in my previous style, and a 3rd Kyu in another. I still hold these grades; but in a new style, white belt is where I started, great respect has been shown to me in my new association, I have a licence only with them. I will be asked to Sempai the class in January.

It doesn't make your Karate less valid if you wear whatever belt you are given at the time. Good Luck, Osu!

[Samn01]

Thanks for your response. My new sensei has been quite happy for me to wear my brown belt. There are only higher grades in the club currently (all black and up) apart from me. Apart from the kata the syllabus is quite similar. I am not sure how I would have felt about putting on a white belt again (as I wasn't asked to do so), but well done for you for doing it again.

Still not sure I have any answers to my questions though

[Harkon72]

You can train with different clubs, what you do outside one Dojo or another is your business. It's best to train with complimentary styles, Karate and Ju Jitsu for example as I have found that training in two similar styles at the same time can be confusing. Good Luck, I wish you success.

[mal103]

...What is the etiquette around training with more than one club? Each is with a different association, is it okay to do? Do I need to buy a licence from each? What is the etiquette about training in more than one style? Should I grade to 1st kyu in shotokan or should I continue grading in ishin-ryu (I will not be able to attend my ishin-ryu club weekly, more like a couple of times per month), and if I grade in shotokan will I be welcome at my old club?

Sorry lots of questions, hopefully non of them too silly. I know that karate has lots do's and do not's and I don't want to rub anyone up the wrong way, I just want to train! thanks in advance.

I don't think there is a set ettiquette, it may be polite to talk to both Sensei to explain your reasons and their advice. If they have major issues then you may question why, some clubs/people have a problem with their students cross training, most should be quite happy with it.

With the licence it depends on the politics of the associations, in theory the insurance and licence should be transferable.

How you grade is up to you and your Sensei, any training is good training, what you learn regards to style is up to you.

Your main statement of "I just want to train" is a good attitude and should see you okay in whatever you do or where ever you train.

[brickshooter]

IMO, until one is in the brown belt area, it's probably not a good idea to train in different schools of Karate.

But there's no etiquette even though most seasoned Karate instructors can recognize not only that youve trained in another style, but he or she can also identify the style.

If you insist on continuing in two styles, better to tell the instructor so that he can explain the difference so you won't be confused.

[Samn01]

Thanks for all the responses!

[bushido_man96]

If you are really concerned about the etiquette, then I would speak to each of the instructors you would be working with, and tell them your plans. Personally, I think what you spend your time and money to do, outside of anything illegal, is your business. If one instructor only offers class once a week, then I don't see any issues in seeking training the other days of the week.

Also, welcome to the Forums. Glad to have you here.

[Hawkmoon]

You can train with different clubs, ... It's best to train with complimentary styles, Karate and Ju Jitsu for example as I have found that training in two similar styles at the same time can be confusing. ...

100% yes.

For example:

Kyokushin has roots in Shotokan, and was the reason, when I was unable to train in Kyokushin I worked mostly with Shotokan clubs.

Bad Idea! Fun and well worth the experience but a bad idea all the same.

The little differences between some of the basics really stand out when you are the only one doing it 'wrong'!

Edited June 24, 2013 by Hawkmoon

[sensei8]

What is the etiquette around training with more than one club?

Etiquette is decided by the individual, imho, for the most part. However, checking in with the individual school should be a consideration.

Each is with a different association, is it okay to do?

Again, individuals have to decide for themselves.

Do I need to buy a licence from each?

Hard to say because the rules and regulations that govern them will differ widely for whatever the reasons might or might not be. Again, check with them for the needed information.

What is the etiquette about training in more than one style?

That's, imho, a personal decision that a practitioner has to make for themselves. Give respect to each separate style as they deserve and be loyal to them all, knowing that when at one style, the other style(s) will have a different mindset across the board. One has to be considerate across the board.

Should I grade to 1st kyu in shotokan or should I continue grading in ishin-ryu (I will not be able to attend my ishin-ryu club weekly, more like a couple of times per month), and if I grade in shotokan will I be welcome at my old club?

Grade as you see appropriate. Grade in both if you desire, no matter how long it might take because rank isn't set on a time schedule; it'll happen when it happens and not until then. If you respect both styles across the board to the best of your abilities, I don't see any reason(s) that you won't be welcomed at both. Respect goes along, long way.

I believe that you'll be just fine. Why? You've taken the first steps in considering the big picture towards betterment. Good luck, hang in there, and train hard!!