When is it better to change to dojos?

[MiddleEarthNet]

I appologise if this is in the wrong forum.

I have been practising Sankukai karate for 14.5 years. I am graded to 3rd dan. I do genuinely love doing karate (or any martial art really) and I think Sankukai is a good style and a style that suits me physically. But my dojo is struggling for numbers and has just closed one of the sessions I trained at, halving the amount of training I get. Plus I spend a lot of time teaching. We also have a new chief instructor. I used to think this individual was a good Sensei but now I'm not so sure. He wants to improve standards across all grades (don't get me wrong this is a good thing) but I am worried his method of doing it will wreck the clubs (ie he hates kids, gets cross with people that attend class because of the ones that don't attend, has a habit of getting fed up with dojos so just closes them, and basically boasts that he is the best in the association at kata and criticises anyone that doesn't achieve his standard in kata). Recently he has been coming down to the dojo I train at and along with the other adults, I am gone to train with him at one end of the hall. When he asks a question, I try to answer it as best as I can but everytime the response is a put down (even when I answered correctly). So now I feel like it is pointless to try and answer as I don't like the way he responds. I also have a minor physical problem which affects my stance. So many times he just says 'we all know what your problem is' and then doesn't teach me.

I've started browsing online for other dojos. But its not straight forward. I am part of the FEKO squad and being able to continue with this is important to me. Also a lot of the dojos I've looked at, the Sensei is a lower grade than I am which I figure would make most instructors feel awkward. Ideally I'd like to keep my grade but will go back to novice if I need to.

Within a realistic traveling distance there are a lot of Shotokan dojos but I don't think Shotokan is right for me. So I thought maybe I would fit in better with Kung Fu but there isn't much around.

I really don't know what my best option is. I want to train and progress but I am already unhappy with the new chief instructor.

Am I better staying where I am or finding another dojo?

If I find another dojo, is it better to go for a style that is likely likely to suit me or try a different martial art?

[sensei8]

When is it better to change dojos?

When it no longer serves your needs!!

[Nidan Melbourne]

I agree with sensei8 change when it is not serving the needs that you require.

Also I think if you feel like you can't learn anything or have an environment that you feel comfortable in or safe then it is the time to change

[hansenator]

Forgive me for saying but your chief instructor sounds like kind of a jerk.

If you shop around I'd say the instructor is more important than the style. I've trained in a few different styles over the years and enjoyed them all but some classes definitely had a higher level of instruction.

[MiddleEarthNet]

Thanks for everyone's replies.

When it no longer serves your needs!!

I can't argue with that as a response .

If you shop around I'd say the instructor is more important than the style. I've trained in a few different styles over the years and enjoyed them all but some classes definitely had a higher level of instruction.

Good point. I have other instructors in other martial arts and one in particular is strict but in a way that makes me want to do what he asks and to suceed. Another Sensei like that would awesome.

Thanks everyone. I think I have a clearer idea of what I need to do.

[Wastelander]

If a dojo is not fulfilling your needs as a martial artist, and the instructor can't (or won't) change anything that needs changing, then you will need to go somewhere else. Before you leave, I would recommend talking to the new chief instructor to see if he can rein things in, or at least explain why he does things the way he does. If you do leave, hansenator is absolutely correct--finding an instructor that fits you is better than searching for the ideal martial arts style.

Out of curiosity, what happened to your old chief instructor? You said you got a new one, but never said what happened to the old one. If he/she simply stopped running the school, perhaps you can arrange lessons with him/her? Of course, if he/she moved away, that wouldn't really be feasible.

[MiddleEarthNet]

The previous chief instructor sadly passed away and the new chief instructor was the next highest grade.

I certainly wouldn't do anything without talking to my Sensei. I have been at the dojo a long time and I respect them and all their teaching. I don't find the new chief instructor easy to talk to. I'd probably go through my Sensei.

I'm tempted to give it a month to see if things improve. Then I'll know that either it has, or its unlikely to. That also gives me time to see what alternatives dojos there are.

[sensei8]

Then, as it seems very important to you, give it a month to see if things improve!!

[joaolx]

MiddleEarthNet what i jerk your new instructor chief !!! Dont know him and already hate him after reading your post!! Good luck !!!

[armanox]

I can't condone someone who treats their students like that.

"Best Kata" doesn't mean too much to me. Kata isn't a static exercise, meant to be replicated a certain way. Kata change over time, and what's more important is you know the meaning (bunkai) of the kata more so then just the motions. Just being able to do the motions makes you a dancer, not a martial artist.