Karate conundrum

[eveglass]

It's been about two months since I last attended classes at my new (Shotokan) dojo. I'm trying to decide if I want to go back. On the one hand, if I continue in Shotokan, I'll eventually (probably) get my black belt and my teaching license, and be able to teach. This is a happy-making thought. On the other hand, I'm not particularly crazy about the way the classes are run, and I'm not certain that Shotokan is the right style for me.

Another option I've considered is returning to Sensei Don's (Chito-Ryu) dojo. The more I'm away, the more I realize that I really like the way Don runs his classes, and I always feel that there's more to learn. (A feeling I don't get at the Shotokan dojo, mostly because of the way the classes are structured.) If I ever teach karate, I want to run my classes the way Don runs his. I also think Chito-Ryu's a better fit for me than Shotokan. On the other hand, I'll probably never reach black belt at Don's dojo and I'll probably never teach. One further consideration: while I'm technically a blue belt at Don's dojo, I've forgotten a lot, and even with some intensive practice at home, I'd need to relearn most of the more advanced stuff (i.e. green- and blue-belt techniques) and I can imagine a few awkward moments at the dojo as I'm relearning.

Finally, there's the option of just not going back for a while. As things stand, my Wednesday nights and Friday nights are booked, as are every other Thursday. And if I get a 9-5 job again, I might not be able to get to evening classes anyway. I stopped going regularly to Don's dojo when I started working at Softitler and found myself in the office every day until 6:30, which conflicted with most of the classes.

So... I don't know. I'd really like to start moving again, especially now that Marc's all muscled after his fire season. I just don't know what I should be doing. Anyone want to chime in with their two cents?

Comments

[squidmark.livejournal.com]

That's definitely true; emphasis is placed on technique, not on strength. Are you interested in the spiritual/philosophical aspects of aikido or more in the practicalities? The schools of aikido often branch out according to where O Sensei Ueshiba was at when his students were encouraged to spread the style. For example, Yoshinkai (aka yoshinkan) was at the beginning and deals with the practicalities/physical alone. Later styles like aikikai will incorporate the ki breathing and philosophies as they were developed after Ueshiba had his 'spiritual awakening' (you will hear people often refer to aikido as a religion more than a martial art for this reason; some styles put more emphasis on spirituality than the physical training and outsiders mistakenly believe this is the case for all aikido). Another thing to keep in mind is whether or not you might see yourself in competition. Many styles of aikido are non-competitive, but if you would like to compete, styles like shodukan (no to be confused with your current style of karate :P) might be the best fit. Hope that helps, sorry for the filibustering!

[eveglass.livejournal.com]

Thanks for all the great advice! I had no idea aikido was divided into styles the way karate was. Good to know, and definitely food for thought.