A fresh restart in Shotokan karate

[tallgeese]

Welcome to KF!

[Oshishinobu]

OSU! As Welcome brother from one sotkan guy to another! OSU!!

[sampionce]

Now, some really GREAT news!!!

I've just spoken with the Chief-Sensei in the Academy where I'd like to practice. I told him that I was Black-belt 25 years ago and that I'm willing to be back again in karate.

Guess what?! He told me that I could come with my Black belt to practice with them and that there's no problem.

I thought I'd be going it all over again from White belt...

Really great stuff!

[sensei8]

Now, some really GREAT news!!!

I've just spoken with the Chief-Sensei in the Academy where I'd like to practice. I told him that I was Black-belt 25 years ago and that I'm willing to be back again in karate.

Guess what?! He told me that I could come with my Black belt to practice with them and that there's no problem.

I thought I'd be going it all over again from White belt...

Really great stuff!

That is great news; congrats!!

It's of no real surprise that the CI welcomed you back and that you're allowed to wear your BB. After all, you were a BB through them before, so why not.

Oh, I'm sure you'll be under a really big microscope until their evaluation of you is completed. And yes, you'll be evaluated, trust me!! After that, you'll be allowed to wear your BB or you'll be given time to bring yourself up to their expectations. Until then, you'll not be allowed to earn rank via a testing cycle. Worse case scenario will be that after their evaluation, you'll be handed your new rank.

[sampionce]

Well, the situation is a bit different...

I come from another country which (unfortunately) doesn't exist anymore. We don't even speak the same language.

Well, in that country I had my BB (when I was 14-15 years of age).

And, my last practice session (or tournament, whatever it was...) was 25 years ago. This all I told (of course) to the Sensei. I even suggested that I'm willing to start it all over again (I already ordered a custom-made White belt). He said "Noooo, that would take too long time to come back where you were."

And yes, he added - "Don't rush. Take it easy. You'll need some time."

So, here I am. Honestly, I don't think I'll be under a huge microscope (as I forgot many things; katas mainly; I believe I'm OK with stances and other), but MOST OF ALL spirit is still there!

I'd say, stronger than ever! 'Cause, it's now that I understand what exactly Karate is all about...