Switching karate schools

[u/lostsoul14808]

Hello all, I did traditional Japanese karate as a kid when I was a teenager for 3 years. I stopped training when I was in high school because life got busy. I’m in my 20s now and I wanted to go back to that same dojo but when I called and asked to see if I could come back the business person/ assistant to the sensei (not the owner of the dojo) said people who leave are not welcome back. I was also told by others who later tried to join the same dojo say that those who study other forms of martial arts aren’t allowed to study at this dojo. Is this common?

[u/Knope_Lemon0327]

It’s odd that they would not welcome back a student that left because life got in the way. If you left to go study another martial art, or with a competitor, I could see them not welcoming you back, but stopping as a teenager and not being welcomed back as an adult is weird.

We often have people go off to college, and come back to open arms, or leave due to work or family, and we are always excited to see them back on the mats.

[u/cpt_fwiffo → u/Knope_Lemon0327]

If you left to go study another martial art, or with a competitor, I could see them not welcoming you back

That just reeks of narcissism and insecurity. Having somebody go to a competitor and then coming back again should be seen as a good thing, every single time it happens.

We often have people go off to college, and come back to open arms, or leave due to work or family, and we are always excited to see them back on the mats.

And how do you treat people who simply want to try something else for a while? Aren't they as welcome back? If not, you're in a cult.

[u/Knope_Lemon0327 → u/cpt_fwiffo]

Some people are purists, but I have been part of an organization that fractured due to unethical behaviors, and or to gain rank…they are not welcome back without serious thought and consideration. Otherwise, yes, I agree with you. People can try new things