Joining new style. Offer self demotion?

[bushido_man96]

I would go have a talk with the instructor about it. Tell him your training history and rank, if he doesn't know it, but tell him you want to enter the school at the rank he determines you should work from.

I've been in a similar situation, and started over in a new school from scratch, at white belt. The instructor then evaluated me as I went along, and moved me up in rank accordingly throughout certain testings. It worked out well, and it didn't really change much for me, as I was still learning and getting better. Either way, I think it'll be much the same for you.

Best of luck!

[Bulltahr]

Update? How did you get on at the new dojo?

[Spartacus Maximus]

Starting at the beginning should be expected if one is taking up a new martial art. It isn’t unheard of, but this might apply when changing instructor within the same style. To the new instructor, the student is unknown and time must be allowed for the instructor to observe and evaluate, regardless of previous experience said student may have. It is best for the student to approach it as a true beginner and set aside previous experience if the student is truly committed to training the new system under the new instructor.

[Melau]

On my end, it would help me train without feeling like a fraud, and also give me focus and drive to learn the new kata and slight differences in technique

So that gives you the answer in itself I'd say. Your goal is to learn and progress as a martial artist, and that is all that is important. Whatever belt you're wearing isn't going to influence that.

If you feel more comfortable going in with a lower belt, while still keeping your 'Shoshin' (beginner mind), all power to you! If the instructors decide otherwise on whatever belt you wear, because they see a white belt is not what you are in skills, they'll tell you and come up with a way to show.

[rhilllakefield]

Thank you gentleman. As a follow up, I am now training (virtually) as a Goju Ryu white belt! I'm happy about it!

Once I'm fluent in the dojo etiquette and culture, along with Kata, I'll wear my current belt once again. I'm honestly enjoying time as a white belt again!

[sensei8]

Thank you gentleman. As a follow up, I am now training (virtually) as a Goju Ryu white belt! I'm happy about it!

Once I'm fluent in the dojo etiquette and culture, along with Kata, I'll wear my current belt once again. I'm honestly enjoying time as a white belt again!

Sounds good, rhilllakefield!!

Did that CI approve that you could wear your current belt once again??

[bushido_man96]

Thank you gentleman. As a follow up, I am now training (virtually) as a Goju Ryu white belt! I'm happy about it!

Once I'm fluent in the dojo etiquette and culture, along with Kata, I'll wear my current belt once again. I'm honestly enjoying time as a white belt again!

It is kind of refreshing. No responsibilities except to learn!