I switched martial arts schools, what should i do?

wel i switched schools recently becuase i moved and the new school as a whole new set of hand and foot combinations and the order in which you learn the forms is all diffrent. when i test for my black belt its going to be the same stuff but the order in which i learn it is COMPLEETLY diffrent. ive been training in tang soo do for a long time, but i have SO much new stuff to learn here, i really dont want to start over but im so confused, they said i would not have to start from white belt but im starting to wonder if i should. for my rank im supposed to know ALOT mre forms than i know and the onces i do know are supposed to be learned later on (P.S im 4rth gup)

I switched martial arts schools, what should i do?
That's a good question Freak and I would start from the beginning and ask them if they can accelerate some of the testing or if a double promotion is possible. That way you don't miss anything and at the same time may be able to lessen the impact of having to start at a new school and style. You may find this is possible and since you are already an intermediate student you have a little prior experience and knowledge to aid you in learning the new system. This is much harder for a younger student but you sound like you are old enough to use your prior skill and experience to learn the new style and the things that they will require and this way nothing should get missed and there will be fewer surprises when you test for those higher belts later on.
Reply:tell them what you know so thye can put you in the right class
Reply:Start from the beginning. With your skill set, and knowledge of martial arts, you should progress quickly and smoothly through the belts.





Besides, as Mr. Miyagi said, "Karate not here, karate here."





it's not your belt, it's your heart, your brain, and your body.
Reply:I understand how tough this must be for you, having earned your black belt and now feeling like you're a beginner again, but it only goes to show you the old adage is right: A black belt is only the beginning of learning.


So I suggest you make the best of this and take a positive attitude. This is a great occasion to really master those skills you've been taught up to here. You now get to learn them anew in a whole new way. So in the end, you should end up with a much greater understanding of what you were doing.





Remember what Mr Miyagi said: In Okinawa, belt is to hold up pants.
Reply:It was like that for me too when I switched schools, but because I'd been training for a while, I was able to pick things up fast. Talk to the head instructor about what you know, and ask if you should begin at one of the lower ranks. You'll probably find that no matter where you start at, you'll move up quickly. Just relax and learn.





Good luck!
Reply:Your new school has what is called a rotating curriculum. I can understand how you feel. In fact, I had to re-read your post because I thought you were one of my students who is dealing with the exact same issue. You've identified the downside... confusion on where you stand with your rank. Here is the good news, by the time you get your Black Belt, you'll have more knowledge than the average Black Belt in your current school. I know it's exciting to go after that Black Belt, but keep in mind the real objective and that's to learn. Good luck to you!





Respectfully,





Duncan Richardosn
Reply:I know what you mean, for I see it all the time at my dojo. New people come in, many with years and years of martial arts experience. Many with various backgrounds in various styles. Even though it may be that schools "white belt kata" don't think about it, think about it being a new kata you need to learn. You already know and probably perform exceptional strikes, blocks, and kicks from your previous training. Personally, I think the more kata you know, the better your blocks and strikes will flow in sparring. If your sensei is like mine, they'll work with you in finding your spot in the dojo. You may not be a black belt, but I'm sure they'll belt you appropriately for the skills you do have and work with improving where it is needed.





I also know at my dojo, many of our higher belts are just starting to master and become confident in some of the lower belts kicks. It takes time.





***edited to add*** Oh, and don't try to learn the complete form in one session. We usually divide ours up in parts and when the student is ready we'll add more parts to the kata.
Reply:I have trained in a few different systems of Martial arts. The first thing that I do when attending a new school is show up in regular workout cloths. I tell them that I have dabbled in the arts in the past. When time comes that I wear a uniform, I wear a white belt or whatever the lowest rank is for that school. Because I have previous experience, I usually move up in rank fairly quickly. Don't worry about what rank you are. Rank is just mile markers to your ultimate goal. (to learn the system not get belts)


I'm sure that you will move up quickly in the new school. The training may be a little different, however you have already trained and have a better idea about how to train and what to do to gain results.


Good luck
Reply:As long as you have your papers from when you leveled up the next school you go to will give you the same rank that you had from the last school but if it has been over a year then you may have to show what you can do to your teacher to see if you can keep your rank or have to start over
Reply:quit that crap and join a mma or a boxing gym. You'll thank me later