Sensei is turning sloppy

[sensei8]

Learning how to be late is just not what students are paying for!! Please, make your Sensei accountable. Just because there's no other choice where you live, doesn't give your Sensei the right to treat his student body as though they're unimportant!!

[devil dog]

First and foremost you do not need to be training with your Sensei to have your rank recognized. If you have your rank certificates and can show the new school you are at that level on the mat and have the knowledge they will place you at that rank regardless if you were still training with him or not.

You are describing what I have seen a few times in my journey. A more than qualified instructor turns complacent after achieving his goals and no longer trains, strives for excellence nor requires their students to strive for excellence. Since he no longer holds himself at a high standard he no longer holds his students at a high standard.

Bottom line... you are going no where with this instructor.

You have two choices. Leave or talk to him honestly and discuss your issues. If what you say is true, that you are his oldest student, then he should take what you say to heart as long as its constructive. If he does not then leave and find a qualified instructor.

A sub par instructor produces sub par students. Train on your own if there are no other clubs.

This is probably part and parcel why he has become complacent. There is no competition. I would find out where he trains and go there or just wait until you move to the bigger town and search for a dojo there.

However do not be surprised if you do not retain your rank. Not that it would have anything to do with you, but if what you are saying is true, the teachings and requirements of the new school may exceed that of your Sensei's. If this is the case their expectations will more than likely be higher and thus score you at a lower grade.

This is not a bad thing. You will be able to train with and learn from competent instructors and thus become a better martial artist.

Rank is not everything. In fact rank means very little without the knowledge and skill to back it up. Your only as good as the instruction you receive.

Search for the best instruction and you'll be on your way to becoming a better martial artist.

[Kanku65]

Certainly a sad and tough situation. Everybody here has presented you with good info and advice.

Listen to what your instincts tell you.

I don't want to tell you it would be a good idea to leave your sensei, because I know if I were presented with a similar situation, it would not be as simple as that.

Before making your decision, I think that you should really look hard. Look at your university's website or facebook page. Find out if they have any martial arts clubs. It's not that uncommon to find actually in University/college.

Also, congrats on your University plans. The mind is basically a void with which we can fill an infinite amount of knowledge.

Exploit that. For as long as possible, at least.

[bushido_man96]

When you train, and you can really only worry about yourself (until you start teaching). So, keep going to class, and set an example for how to approach learning and practicing. Make your own training as good as you can make it. Don't worry about the others not knowing your material; make sure you know yours. When its time to go to university, then find a place to train from there.

[cathal]

Cici118, I know a great deal of Shotokan practitioners, organizations, etc and help. I have taught as well and had a similar situation. Message me any time.