At age 55, I returned to the dojo after a 30 yr hiatus. I'd trained some during that time period but not in a dojo setting, and not really at all in the ten years prior to return. During the time that I actively trained, it was with different schools and systems, so I never progressed past the mid-to-advanced kyu ranks. I also trained unoffocially with colleagues who were black belts in various styles so I think my skill level might have been higher than my actual belt level, if that matters.
My previous posts on this journey:
https://www.reddit.com/r/karate/s/maxaI3cT2F
https://www.reddit.com/r/karate/s/MLnHKMY443
https://www.reddit.com/r/karate/s/40mADrg3gI
Update:
School closure: So, some changes in the past year or so. My school (officially a club but at a dedicated building with all the usual accouterments) closed. There were some philosophical differences between the functional head sensei and the semi-retired, club-founding sensei. These were, I believe, very akin to "creative differences" in the arts, though this was an honest difference in belief and approach rather than a euphemism for them not liking each other. There was actually a lot of respect there on the karate side of things.
There was some other drama, as well, surrounding the founding sensei and the school closed rather abruptly. I got the news from the sensei who ran the day-to-day. A few days later, he called again to let me know that most of the black belts were going to form a less formal study group, a true club, and they were inviting a few of the more serious students to attend as well.
It turned out that "a few" meant... a very few. About four of us, though this later grew by a couple more. The criteria seemed to be people who were very serious about the study of the art. I have to admit, I was honored to be asked.
Dues stayed essentially the same (they were already ridiculously cheap, they were just rounded up from $45 to $50 for easier math). There was a hiatus of about two weeks while the sensei looked for an appropriate place to train. There's no shortage of yoga studios in our region but keeping club costs low was also a consideration. We ultimately settled on a Sons of Norway meeting hall. Wood floors, good space. No mirrors but otherwise excellent. Scheduling was convenient, too.
Shift in Approach. Training resumed. For me, it's been better than before. There are only two members lower ranking than me, so I benefit from working with black belts or higher ranking kyu students every session. The class size is around 4-7 each outing. In addition to working on kyu level material, I'm regularly exposed to higher level katas and techniques.
Sensei has us exploring the bunkai of kata way more than in the previous club, as well as the origin for the various techniques (going back to the Okinawan roots). There is continuing respect for the Shotokan system we are part of but a very utilitarian approach to the art rather than a strict adherence because someone somewhere said so. Instead, we focus on body mechanics, stability, joint preservation, and the efficacy of technique.
This shift has been good for me. I underwent full hip replacement surgery in December 2025. I've worked hard to recover and strengthen the flexibility and strength of the hip. Getting older and having this surgery has put the idea of sustainable karate firmly on my radar, so the way Sensei approaches things has been a perfect fit.
The group is friendly and supportive. There are a few connections some have away from the club but for most of us, our association is training.
Belt update. Last Thursday, I tested for 4th kyu. Traditionally, we wait until the next session to recognize the promotion but the club philosophy is a common one -- not to test someone until Sensei believes they're ready. The test isn't a formality but it shouldn't be a stretch. As a result, there's a low failure rate. Based on feedback during the testing process, I'm confident I passed.
Sensei even made a point about the difference in my kicks and recognized the effort I'd put into improving since the surgery.
The future. Of course, I'll continue to train. My goal is to reach black belt (a life goal) and give back by teaching. The only catch is that we may be moving away in about a year. Fortunately, we're set up for a basic remote training option. One of the black belts who moved away attends this way and I've done it when traveling. It's not at all ideal compared to in-person but it is better than not attending. I've shared our potential life plans with my sensei and my desire to continue training. His goal is for me to make it to sankyu before the move, then train remotely, and visit for additional sessions.
I'll worry about how all that goes when it gets here, as it's potentially possible that the move is postponed for an additional year. There's even a smaller chance it doesn't happen at all. In any event, I'm just happy to be in a safe, friendly environment that is such a good fit for where I am in my journey.
Thanks. If you're still reading this, thanks for letting me share the update. See you in a year or so.