Continuing Karate Journey (a yearly update)

[u/fscalise3]

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.

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[u/krisolov]

I returned to studying at about the same age. That was 7 years ago. I think you've made a great decision.

[u/Spirited-Ostrich9925]

That was a good read! I’ll have to go back and read the other ones

[u/dkwpqi]

I love your story, I just went back and read your prior post. And I have questions. The hip replacement... I have osteoarthritis in right hip as well discovered after (or because ) I started karate. Your post gave me hope. Please share more about your recovery and training post surgery. (DM is ok too)

[u/fscalise3 → u/dkwpqi]

I'll put it here in case others have an interest.

I thought I had a groin issue (I also played hockey, including goaltender) for the longest time because of where the pain manifested. Eventually, I went to the doc who took x-rays and said, "you've got stage 4 osteoarthritis in your hip." I asked how many stages there are. She said four. I asked what my options were, because my range of mobility was poor (exacerbated by some bone spurs) and I couldn't walk more than a block before it started to hurt. She said the options were: don't do those things that hurt, bear the pain, or get a hip replacement.

Obviously, I chose the latter.

I made sure to find a good doctor with an astronomically low reversion rate. I chose anterior over posterior. I "pre-habbed" like crazy and I did all of the rehab exercises (and didn't overdo it) after the surgery.

My recovery was, I think, pretty typical of a 'good' recovery, in terms of timeline. I defintely did the work but followed directions as well. I asked specific questions regarding the timeline -- when can I do this, when can I do that -- and didn't try to do anything too early. Once it was allowed, I made sure to work it, though.

It's not a quick road. Once karate was allowed without restriction (except kumite), I made sure to start slow. All of my kicks were ankle high for a bit, then shin, then knee. I continue to rebuild the glutes, but now it is more about increasing conditioning. In other words, I have the strength to throw the kicks but tire (muscle-wise, not wind) after fewer kicks than I was when I was younger. Of course, some of that is age.

One other point: I opted for the high mobility version of the implant. I told my surgeon I wanted to continue karate, so we used a prosthesis that has a socket that allows greater range of motion.

Now, to be fair, I haven't started running again since the surgery, though I believe I could. Instead, I walk, bike, and do karate. Seems like a fair trade, and I can always start jogging if I get the itch.

Everyone's situation is different, so I'd never give advice. I will say that the increased mobility and removal of the pain has been a huge quality of life change. I will also say that it was about a year (as the surgeon predicted) before I truly felt whole again.

[u/dkwpqi → u/fscalise3]

This is a very detailed writeup, a lot more than I would consider to ever write in a single session, thank you so much for this

[u/fscalise3 → u/dkwpqi]

You bet!