Getting back to training but a bit scared...

[WayoftheSpirit]

Oss!

I hope everyone is doing well. I'm a karate practitioner who for about three years have studies and practice the way of Karate-Do in the DFW area of Texas. I had a wonderful Shihan, who trained us hard, tough but fair. I got to brown belt, taught the children classes, which needless to say was an honor being entrusted to share the knowledge I had accumulated thus far.

My fellow Karate students, along with our Shihan and Sensei's were my karate family. I enjoyed time spent with them. When Shihan got you on the phone and called to you to duty, such as loading up the rental van and driving for five hours to set up for a tournament, you did it. lol, it was a challenge, but really helped define a mans character, and reshape him into an example for others. I won't forget those times.

I had to leave last October due to medical issues. I had infections which caused other issues, and needed rehab and therapy. I'm finished with it all, as painstaking as that alone was, and am cleared to rejoin in my training schedule. The thing is, I have been out far too long, I feel. I have to confess, I can't go back. I would assume it's an assortment of issues, from being scared, to being a bit more out of shape, etc.

I am wondering, anybody else ever face this issue before? Can anybody in here relate to the fear or anxiety of getting back into karate, when you haven't seen those people in a while?

Thanks everyone for your time.

[pittbullJudoka]

First off welcome to the forum. Secondly I know exactly how you feel. After training BJJ form almost a year I got an abscess in a couple teeth. Long story short I was out for six or seven months. I call my instructor up front and let him know my situation, and like wise when I got ready to return. I was welcomed back with open arms. I was out of shape and out of practice since I had not got to roll for the entire time I was off due to having total dental reconstruction in those six months. You instructors should be understanding in this situation, it's not like you just took a break. But just jump back in there and start training again the cardio will come.

[WayoftheSpirit]

Thank you for your response. I appreciate it. I suppose you are right, on that aspect. They will have open arms, and will welcome me back. Why I can't force my butt to get going, i don't know. I suppose it's a bit cowardice.

[Wastelander]

They say that stepping on the mat for the first time is the hardest step in your martial arts journey. I would argue that stepping BACK on the mat after an extended absence can be even harder. The things holding you back are all in your head. You're afraid that you might be thought less of for your absence and current physical shape, or that you'll be called upon to perform in the same way you did before you left. You have to remember that you are not the first person to come back after a long time off, and you won't be the last. They will welcome you back with open arms, I'm sure, and they will help you get back to the level you should be at.

[mal103]

As with a lot of these scenario's you need to make an appointment and go and speak to your Sensei and/or instructors.

Ask to go back and just do basics until your fitness returns, even offer to wear a white belt until you are ready to train at the previous level, he/she should be glad to have you back and will either accept your offer or just accept that you will train lightly for a while. Being away due to illness then there is NO way you should even consider going back and trying to train the same.

If you are mebarressed or aprehensive about how the other students will treat you then ask your Sensei to explain briefly your situation, that way there will be no high expectations and you can enjoy getting back into it.

My son is about to return after having his appendix removed, I will have to warn the others to not punch him even in fun sparring, also that he will be training slower and maybe resting more until he's back up to speed.

If anyone has a problem with that then it is only them that have the problem...

Fix a date to return, speak with your Sensei and get back on the horse - so to speak - just don't expect to gallop straight away.

[andym]

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:

First welcome to the forum and congratulations. At least you admit your difficulties. Most would not even face that and walk away from the martial arts. Here's my tale to help you. In 2003 no one expected to see me back in the Dojo. I had been hit by a van while cycling to work, damn near killed me. Right leg smashed : now held together by metal. I was in bed for a month. Couldn't walk for 5 months. On crutches for 6 months. Off work for 7 months. It was 6 months before I could do any form of training. I was 43 years old, I lost everything. I was out of Dojo training for 9 months. It was nearly a year before I could kick and 18 months before they'ed let be kick a pad ! But I did all that. The only thing I could not get back was my suppleness. Speed , strength, skill, stamina , all returned with time and effort. Remember - Time and fate break everything.

[bushido_man96]

Going back seems to be the hardest thing for lots of MAists to do. I've talked to some who have been and quit, and when I mention coming back, they either want to have things memorized again before they come back, or want to get into better shape, or some other excuse. I think most of the time, its pride that gets in the way. People know when they go back, they won't be as good as they were when they left, and those that were below them that stuck around will be better. I think most often, its ego that doesn't let some people come back.

I'm not saying ego is your problem here. Don't let the little things that pop into your mind bother you. GO BACK! You will thank yourself for it.

[sensei8]

I've not experienced that for myself before, but from time to time, I've counseled many students who have. Albeit, I've tried to retire once before, but after a short absence, it was as if I never really left; I was welcomed back with open arms across the board.

The horse is only as scary as one allows it to be. Hence, getting back onto the horse is, according to the experts, the only was to lessen ones anxiety. You'll have rust, and it's to be expected, but serious practice will remove the tarnished surface.

A few classes back on that horse will seem like not such a big deal, and that is because it's not a big deal...unless...you make it a big deal.

Hang in there and TRAIN!!

[Nidan Melbourne]

Welcome back.

I know exactly how you feel. I trained for 7.5 years and was well trusted by my sensei to take classes on my own (even the adults classes when i had just received my black belt) then I had to stop because of my knee giving me so much pain and that i had severely broken my radius and ulna so I was out for 4 years and got back into training late last year).

I was so scared that i had forgotten everything and that i wouldn't be at the same standard that i was at when i was forced to stop.

But when i got back into it i was exactly at the same point that i was at when i stopped, albeit a bit rusty and just needed a little bit of a refresher of the pre-arranged sparring and more advanced kata but otherwise same point.

Once you get back into it you will feel right at home again. A lot of us have been in the exact same boat as you