If you are staying with your teacher out of a sense of loyalty and tradition, you are misguided.
The modern way is for the teacher to "keep" the student.
The "old way" is for the teacher to mentor the student through a lifetime of learning.
I began my martial arts training as young Marine stationed in Okinawa, Japan back in 1978. Since then have enjoyed the benefit of many extraordinary teachers. Each teacher had unique experience and abilities. Some were young (in their 40's) others were in their 70's and 80's.
I gained insight from each one of them and developed a broad understanding of sound martial arts principles in the process. I am the sum of many points of view, all refined to suit my abilities and philosophy. For along time, however, I stayed with one way and did not realize how much I didn't know.
Takamiyagi sensei, karate master, Palace Hand master ?
Many people stay with the same method and same teacher doing the same routines year after year, always hovering around the point of diminishing returns.
I am not suggesting that you should flit from school to school sampling a little of everything or looking for the "perfect" style (there isn't one). Nor am I advocating that you should learn a little of this and that to make your own style. You should develop solid basics in one good style before exploring other points of view.
I, for example, spent thirty years practicing Shorin-ryu karate. But while I was under the tutelage of Odo Seikichi sensei, I also was exposed to other Okinawan masters during this time- arranged by Odo himself! That is the Okinawan way, the way of traditional martial arts training.
A teacher worth sticking with is one who encourages you to grow. Many teachers, however, use payment contracts, guilt, or distorted concepts of loyalty (one-way loyalty) seeking to discourage students from expanding their horizons. This is just pure selfishness, often fueled by insecurity or greed.
My Zen teacher, Issho, guided me by describing how a tree that grows straight and tall eventually topples over, whereas a tree that grows broad has balance.
Issho was right, this was the traditional way. Every single of my Okinawan or Japanese teachers had several instructors. Interestingly, not one of my teachers taught me the style they first started with. Every single one of them had changed teachers and styles along the way. They had the courage to leave their comfort zone and to learn new ways. They were on a journey seeking knowledge rather than staying in one place stagnating.
Toma sensei, master of karate and Palace Hand
Here is a run-down of some of the people who have influenced me:
Odo sensei, my karate teacher, first learned judo. Takamiyagi sensei was an eighth degree black belt in Shorin-ryu karate before he switched to Palace Hand. Taira sensei was an instructor of Uechi-ryu karate in Kanbun Uechi's Dojo before switching to Palace Hand. Toma sensei was a 10th degree in Shorin-ryu karate and then learned Palace Hand. Miyagi -san was a Kodokan judo black belt before switching to Palace Hand. Noguchi sensei has both Kyokushin Karate and Palace Hand.
Each these people had unique points of view. If I had only received instruction from one of these people my experience and capabilities would be greatly diminished.
If you are happy with your current school, stay for a while. But if you are not growing, or you are being used as an instructor rather than a student, it is definitely time to move along. If your style or teacher just don't seem like a good fit for your interests, philosophy or physical abilities, it's time to move.
Let's face it, many schools have little to teach after the first couple of years. Have you learned anything that has opened your eyes to a new way of doing things, lately? Had any recent epiphanies? If you re just sticking around to learn another kata and get another promotion you have fallen into stagnation. If you are just staying out of a sense of loyalty you may need to find courage to move into something better. Just do it, you'll be fine.
Many of our students have come to us from other schools and find that Palace Hand is a very smart addition to most any other style. It has something new for anyone, as well as a lot that will be familiar to you. This means that your previous training will not be wasted and you won't be starting from the beginning.
If you are a soft stylist (judo, ju-jitsu, aikido) you'll hit the ground running in our throwing and joint locking techniques but will add a large new set of skills with our striking method. If you are a hard stylist (karate, kenpo, Muay Thai, Taekwondo) you will find that your kicks and punches will serve you well at Kodokai, and you will learn a wide range of new skills in our throwing and joint-locking methods. You will also lean to strike in a very quick and sensible manner.
If you have prior training in weapons or kenjutsu (sword) you will find our way very rewarding. It is different from what ever you have seen, yet, the principles will be familiar to you and it will make a lot of sense- especially with our focus on application rather than form.
← Taira sensei, Uechi-ryu master, Palace Hand Master
Come down to speak to us. We will not pressure you in any way. We will answer your questions, show you what our practice looks like and let you watch or visit as often as you like.
We want you to join Kodokai only if you feel it is the right place for you.
Ask yourself "Where do I want to be in my training a year from now? How about five years?" We are growing and learning in ways we never envisioned. Are you?
My main teacher, Master Odo, on Okinawa, at our last training together before his death. → He studied throughout his life under various masters of karate, weaponry, and iaido.
(401) 762-2201 175 Eddie Dowling Hwy. (Rt. 146A, Park Square) North Smithfield, RI 02895
