Returning to Shotokan karate after a 10 year break?

Question

Having been awarded Shodan 12 years ago and continued practicing and teaching (helping my instructor) as a black belt for almost two years after recieving it, I then quit at age 18.

I'm now 29 and would like to return to training in karate. I have been doing kickboxing and TKD on and off since this then to stay fit so I have no problem executing all the moves.

My question is: Would most Shotokan karate schools make me start again or let me come back in as a black belt even though I only have a vague memory of all the katas, the japanese, one step sparring etc...

The idea of starting again isn't an appealing one...

Answer 1

Well you should have proof of your rank..then take the time to learn the kata

Answer 2

I run my own shotokan karate club. If you came to me I would simply evaluate your current ability (knowledge of kata etc should come back quickly), and place you in the appropriate group. I would then allows you the train for 3-6 months and simply allow you to grade up to shodan (depending on your progression).

Don't lose sight of what is really important. The most important thing is that you are getting good training for your ability and given the opportunity to train the other karateka at your level. Your skills and knowledge are the most important thing not the colour of your belt.

Bottom line: you will be better after your first lesson back (even at a lower grade) than you are now. But you almost certainly will not have to start again, and should have the opportunity to regain your black belt quickly..

Answer 3

I'm sure they won't put you back with the white belts! The schools I've been to have grouped several belts in larger groups anyway, so you might join a slightly lower group at first but if you pick up the stuff quickly (which I'm sure you will) you can move up.

If you're really unsure just ask the instructor in advance, it's up to them but I've generally found them to be nice and accommodating people :) Hopefully you can shop around and join a school that won't be too rigid.

Answer 4

What was your instructors rank ?You may find a 3rd dan may have a problem putting the student of a 5th dan in a lower rank class.

Also a quick glance at shotokan kata on you tube will refresh your memory and it will all come back to you rapidly and that one steps are no longer an issue in favor of more "alive" training.

Nothing exists in a vacume all things change.

Answer 5

As someone who was a black belt, consider this...

Why would a sensei want to let someone who hasn't been training in the style for awhile just hop back in as a black belt?

From the teacher's perspective:

1. Higher chance of injury to "returnee" (ie: you)

2. Higher chance of injury from "returnee" (lack of control, ego, etc)

3. Students could just come and go asTHEY please (increasing potential of injuries, etc)

4. Regular students could feel a lack of respect or appreciation as a result of the "new" black belt (shouldn't happen but it does... seen it happen a lot at one very good dojo).

etc...

And in some cases (such as a tournament, seminar, etc) the teacher is then also "responsible" for that returnee black belt. So they become HIS (the new teacher's) black belt...

So, in the end, a consciencious teacher will usually evaluate a new student very seriously before they just let that new person come in and wear a black belt in their class.

It isn't a one-way street. The teacher has a much bigger situation to deal with.

The student is coming back to train and learn. They should just get in line and accept the way the cookie crumbles.

Answer 6

As long as you have your certification, and it's from a legitimate organization that your new school recognizes, you should still be a black belt.

James

Answer 7

There is a old axiom in traditional Japanese and Okinawan martial arts that says the only belt you can not take away is a black-belt.  You can demote an under-belt but not a black belt.  Shotokan while still a strongly organized style has shown some lack of consistency and lack of everyone all being on the same page of music the last ten or fifteen years and belonging to the JKA.  A lot will have to do with who the instructor is and if he is an independent school and instructor or if he is one of the old guard and belongs and follows the JKA rules which state that you retain your black belt status for life and that it be recognized at any JKA affiliated school.

Answer 8

you should not have to start at white belt but you may have to show proof of rank.

Answer 9

That depends on a few factors and I will try to cover them all.

If you are returning to the SAME DOJO and TEACHER they will keep your rank and reteach you the Kata.

If it is a NEW Shotokan school they will most likely TEST you to place you for Rank in their system and not all get a BB that had one so you could start as a Green or a Brown for example but even in some traditional schools you wear a white belt period.

I was a Nidan in Kenpo when I started Shotokan and I started as a white belt and am a Sandan now in it.  

SOME schools will give you HONORARY recognition when you are older and a Master but that is not typical among young BB's.

So if it is a new school ask them, I bet they will want to test you.  You would not start from scratch even if you had a white belt, you still know what you know, a belt is just a belt.

You can always learn more from a new Sensei.

Answer 10

Talk to the Instructor before you start,

Let him know your situation,

It would probably be best to go over the fundamentals for a few weeks to start with anyway as you likely will be a but rusty.

But once you have remastered the basics at all levels then you should be able to jump straight back into the advanced class again,

You should be able to decide how long you need after a few classes.

Answer 11

At my school you train with a white belt until both you and the sensei felt comfortable with your ability being back up to a shodan level.  At that point you would start wearing your black belt again.   No test or grading required, it is mostly an informal understanding between student and teacher.