Can I still become great at it?

Question

Over the past few years, the focus of my school has gone from the martial art of karate itself to tournament/sport karate. Due to this, I see that a lot of the newer students would get their butts whooped in a real fight. It saddens me that it's become like this.

However, I am nearing my black belt (I'm a brown belt) and am one of the best students there regardless, and I can defend myself in a fight. This is probably due to the fact that I was there when they still focused on the art itself.

The black belt instructors are great and can really fight. The master of the school was also inducted into the world hall of fame.

Does this factor plus the fact that I know how to train in the martial art for real make it plausible that I can become a real great black belt like my instructors?

Or does the stench of the Mcdojo-like atmosphere harm my chances?

Answer 1

sparring is important....kata is important (in karate anyway)

sparring is what you will be doing (fighting) when your initial self defense techniques (kata) fail.

one leads to the other.

during the first few seconds of an attack when for example someone grabs you...you know the kata bunkai to defend it. and that is what kata was designed for..those first few seconds. ...if that bunkai (application) fails....well now you're "fighting"...and this is where sparring comes in.

you're so close...give it an honest chance and see if you may come to like it! if not...then you can always try another school.

Answer 2

You make it sound like you have pretty good teachers there, so I wouldn't worry about it too much.  But if you really ever feel like your training has become stagnant and the school has nothing more to offer you, seek out a new school!

Answer 3

If you have been there long enough and you have faith in the instructors as well as your training, you will acheive your goals. Sometimes it's also best to lead by example - if someone in your school is seeing how hard you work at being the best you can be, it may just make them work harder, creating a domino affect among the students. When all is said and done, be true to yourself and if you feel you are not getting what you want, cross-train at another school or start a club with like minded people.

hope this helps.