Absence from Training in Martial Arts

[Ceicei]

I have noticed that many of you have taken breaks/absence for various reasons from your training and returning to martial arts (whether in the same style or a different one). My longest break was nearly 8 years for health reasons and to raise children. I have always remained within the same style and have trained at five studios.

- Ceicei

[47MartialMan]

People take absence for several reasons;

Injury is perhaps the number one.

Lost of instructor, moved residency are tied in second.

Burnout, maybe third.

[shesulsa]

I took a break in training to have and raise children, for a couple of injuries, because of tensions with (now ex-)husband/instructor and because of my own relocation.

Longest break: five years

[47MartialMan]

I took a break in training to have and raise children, for a couple of injuries, because of tensions with (now ex-)husband/instructor and because of my own relocation.

Longest break: five years
Those are many GOOD reasons.....

[Kempogeek]

Im currently on a break from my training. Mainly due working 3rd shift and wanting to finish up some financial responsibilities. The way things look now it could be by late September or early October when I can return. I do plan on going back to the same style of Kosho Ryu Kempo. I've had a blast and can't wait to go back. I talked with my sensei before I left and he told me that I could maintain my current rank when I return. But would have to be in a beginners class. To be honest, I wouldn't have mind starting over again as a white belt. I'll have alot of catching to do. All the best, Steve

[47MartialMan]

Im currently on a break from my training. Mainly due working 3rd shift and wanting to finish up some financial responsibilities. The way things look now it could be by late September or early October when I can return. I do plan on going back to the same style of Kosho Ryu Kempo. I've had a blast and can't wait to go back. I talked with my sensei before I left and he told me that I could maintain my current rank when I return. But would have to be in a beginners class. To be honest, I wouldn't have mind starting over again as a white belt. I'll have alot of catching to do. All the best, Steve
But how can you re-start in a beginners class? Surely you had to learn or acquire some abilities? Unless you hadnt trained that long with him previously?

[Ceicei]

It is possible to "re-start". I had to start over three times even though I had some experience carried over from previous studios. I think the emphasis on basics is an excellent way to review, since the basics are what makes the foundation of martial arts. Starting over also taught me humility.

- Ceicei

[Ping898]

I took a break to go to college and have continued the break cause of not finding a school that's a good fit yet.
The schools I have tried usually have had me in the advanced classes even if it was a new style, mostly cause basics tend to be standard with a few variations across most styles. Though admittedly the styles I was trying were still forms of karate, not anything completely different like say judo.
I have found though when switching schools and styles, being in the advanced class only works well in smaller schools where you have say a max of 8 to 12 students in a class cause then you are likely to get a decent amount of 1 on 1 teaching time and I have found they break people off into groups a bit less cause people are more often at different points in their training than if you have a class of 30.

[47MartialMan]

It is possible to "re-start". I had to start over three times even though I had some experience carried over from previous studios. I think the emphasis on basics is an excellent way to review, since the basics are what makes the foundation of martial arts. Starting over also taught me humility.

- Ceicei
How true. But it didnt take away previous abilities.

[Ceicei]

How true. But it didnt take away previous abilities. Not at all. It just reinforces what was learned by going through the material again--makes the motions more solid and enhances "muscle memory".

- Ceicei

[47MartialMan]

Not at all. It just reinforces what was learned by going through the material again--makes the motions more solid and enhances "muscle memory".

- Ceicei
Hmmmmn....

Kempogeek had said;
I talked with my sensei before I left and he told me that I could maintain my current rank when I return. But would have to be in a beginners class. To be honest, I wouldn't have mind starting over again as a white belt. I'll have alot of catching to do.

It will seem, although "starting over" will be a sense of rekindling humility and basics, perhaps doing so in a beginners class may cause confusion. Per the beginners may see/observe, his abilities, per confusing it with his previous training and their present training. Unless, he moves along at a better pace to get back to where he once was.

[arnisador]

I dunno...I generally kept training on my own when I was between instructors.

[47MartialMan]

I dunno...I generally kept training on my own when I was between instructors.
So for each new instructor had sensed your abilites and paced instruction accordingly?

[Sam]

bah, I'm stupid. I just voted, "a couple of weeks", but that was for vacation, a forced break. So I dont think that it counts. I didn't WANT to stop.

oh well.

[arnisador]

So for each new instructor had sensed your abilites and paced instruction accordingly?
Sorry, I don't follow this.

[47MartialMan]

Sorry, I don't follow this.
You said;I generally kept training on my own when I was between instructors.

I wondered;
So for each new instructor had sensed your abilites and paced instruction accordingly?

I took it that you did not stop training as you went from one instructor to another. Doing so, your new instructor had sensed your abilities and not had you start from a "total" beginner standpoint based upon your previous abilities. Sensing (or aware) that you had abilities and paced his instruction in accordance with said previous abilities.

[Tripitaka of AA]

I had to stop training when my Wife became ill. Since then, we've moved house and had children. I cannot return to my chosen Art (or any other) for the forseeable future.

I enjoy learning about all the "other stuff" that I never had time for when I was training. The any-time access that the Internet provides makes it possible for me to catch up on some of the history and the debate that rages in, on or about the various martial arts.

Clearly this is NO SUBSTITUTE for real training, and I would never suggest it was. It is all I can do at the moment, so I try to make the most of it.

My best wishes to those of you who are lucky enough - and those of you who have made your luck - to train in your favourite arts.

[terryl965]

I stop training in a Dojaang for political reason started training in my own Dojaang for my boy's would get the proper training not a McDojo that seems to be plenty around where I live. When the politics started in the eighties i myself wanted no part of it my school better than your our association is the best come to us and I make you a higher rank I know so many people that went from 1st to 6th over night giving each other rank that I was feed up with the whole brunch of people and some are around today with there own style and have a great following of people and made themself and school into a money making machine. I only have myself to look upon and the thought of my instructors rolling over in there graves with the thought of me selling out for maney.

Terry Lee stoker
Twin Dragons MAS

[Gemini]

bah, I'm stupid. I just voted, "a couple of weeks", but that was for vacation, a forced break. So I dont think that it counts. I didn't WANT to stop.

oh well.Why wouldn't that count? It was on there and there isn't any right or wrong answer. Don't be so hard on yourself, kiddo.

I've been very fortunate to be able to absob life's "curve balls" and not have to stop except of the occasional injury for a few weeks. I know I'm very fortunate and one day my luck will run out. But not today...:)

[The Kai]

When I had my acl done it took a couple of weeks! I remember doing a seminar with my leg still in the clunky brace

[BrandiJo]

im taking about 9weeks off cus of summer and work but thats not really by choice i wish i could keep training but im doing a camp thing and so its going to be a bit difficult

[searcher]

I have never really taken any time off since I first started training. I have however left several Dojo/Dojang in the past, but still trained on my own. The last one I stopped training at was for a differance in opinion with the head instructor. It was the best thing that could have happened for my wife and I in our pursuit of knowledge. That particular instructor was dead-set against the KMA and I was hardened against them. This has since changed for the better. My eyes have been opened to many other possibilities. It is a great thing.

[Sam]

Kma?

[donald]

CeiCei,

Did you break for 8 yrs. in a row, or all together through the years? Did you stop consistent training completely? I have been down about 4 years now, and I am having a hard time getting moving again. I have worked out very little over this time. Any suggestions? I have M.O.M.(means,opportunity,motive)but as I stated earlier I have become a serious couch potato. I am a single blue collar Dad, so alot of available time I do not have. Any believers out there? I would welcome your prayers in this regard. Anyway all reasonable suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
By GOD's Grace,
Donald

[47MartialMan]

A break now and then is beneficial.

[shesulsa]

Kma?
KMA = Korean Martial Arts

[Gin-Gin]

I had to stop training when my Wife became ill. Since then, we've moved house and had children. I cannot return to my chosen Art (or any other) for the forseeable future. I enjoy learning about all the "other stuff" that I never had time for when I was training. The any-time access that the Internet provides makes it possible for me to catch up on some of the history and the debate that rages in, on or about the various martial arts.
Clearly this is NO SUBSTITUTE for real training, and I would never suggest it was. It is all I can do at the moment, so I try to make the most of it. My best wishes to those of you who are lucky enough - and those of you who have made your luck - to train in your favourite arts.
Best Wishes to you too, David. :asian: I hope that someday you will be able to resume your training.

I voted for "less than a year" - was out for 4 months with an injury in 2001, then 2 weeks from burnout in 2004. I missed it so much though, that if I didn't find another Kenpo school that I liked (which, luckily for me I did :ultracool ) I would've tried another martial art of some kind [probably Tai Chi or BJJ].

[Ceicei]

CeiCei,

Did you break for 8 yrs. in a row, or all together through the years? Did you stop consistent training completely?I started in 85 and trained, then took an 18 month break in 87. I returned back in 89 and trained until 91. I stopped again until after my first child was born. In 94, I had my 2nd child and after his birth, I trained one more year. Tired of stopping/starting over and over, I then just completely stopped for 8 years in a row to take care of my health and add 2 more children to the family. By 2003, my older two children discovered my box full of karate stuff (uniform, sparring gear, belts, trophies, medals, and notebooks). They wanted to take up karate, so I looked around to find a good school and signed them up. Watching them train stirred up my memories. Gosh, I didn't realize how much I loved training and how much I missed those workouts! I knew I HAD to get back into it, so I signed up and haven't looked back since. It has been over two years now of continuous training and I do not plan on stopping for an extended time.


I have been down about 4 years now, and I am having a hard time getting moving again. I have worked out very little over this time. Any suggestions? I have M.O.M.(means,opportunity,motive)but as I stated earlier I have become a serious couch potato. I am a single blue collar Dad, so alot of available time I do not have.

Anyway all reasonable suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
By GOD's Grace,
Donald
it is hard to get back into it, especially after a few years or so. I think that an extended absence did me good as I am now more focused and stable, financially and socially, and my life is more established. I plan to be in martial arts for the long haul.

The hard part with returning to martial arts was the "how I moved" mentality to "what it is" reality. I knew stuff, but my body wasn't cooperating. I knew how I was supposed to move, but being out of shape, I couldn't move the same way. It frustrated me so much. My instructor told me to give myself time to "get there". My body will catch up with my mind eventually once I get physically fit. He was right.

My attitude differed from 20 years ago. Back then, I looked at belts as the goal. Now I look at how I progress along the way and take more time with what I'm learning. I am not in a hurry to get through. I just want to know the stuff really well.

Now your question: How to get back into it? Find a motive. Is this motive worth going after compared to being a couch potato? Do you want it badly enough? You have to want it for yourself. Trying to juggle in time to train and still focus on the family is very challenging. I still have to deal with this juggle and things can go crazy.

You also know "hitting a plateau" once in a while (could last a few days or weeks) while training is okay and normal. Almost everyone faces that at one time or another.

Good luck,
- Ceicei

[Kempogeek]

CeiCei,

Did you break for 8 yrs. in a row, or all together through the years? Did you stop consistent training completely? I have been down about 4 years now, and I am having a hard time getting moving again. I have worked out very little over this time. Any suggestions? I have M.O.M.(means,opportunity,motive)but as I stated earlier I have become a serious couch potato. I am a single blue collar Dad, so alot of available time I do not have. Any believers out there? I would welcome your prayers in this regard. Anyway all reasonable suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
By GOD's Grace,
Donald
From one couch potato to another, I can relate. I took time off from my training right around October because of my job. Until the arrival of Spring, I couldn't stay in practice because I workout in my garage. So I've been inactive for the first part of the year. Since my training was the only highlight of my day, Im busting at the seams to get back. If all goes well I can return in October after a year away. Im trying to stay in practice at home but it's not the same. Good luck sir and I certainly hope you can return. All in good time. On a side note, it's a shame that there aren't any EPAK schools here because what I've read on here and online, I wouldn't have mind cross training in Kosho Ryu and EPAK..........Steve

[Oleg]

When I first took TW my goal was to loose weight. In four month I lost almost 30lbs. I was taking classes 6 days a week, plus diet. Since I reached my goal back then, I decided to quite TW. Few years later I realized how much I am missing TW, every time when I was passing by my old school I was looking at it with nostalgia. So I came back to the school. I hope I am never going to quite TW again, and even if I will I am 100% sure that I am going to come back to it.

[TigerWoman]

I've trained my whole life in one thing or another. Running 5 yrs-10 K's/half marathons, tennis off and on, Jack LaLanne's health club workout 3 yrs., high impact aerobics 10 yrs, pregnancy, running again, pregnancy, running again, moved to Minnesota-inside treadmill yuck! I joined TKD and was out twice for about a month each for knee problems. I actually quit last summer due to my instructor but came back after two months when he apologized. But I continued my own workouts during the time I was out. So have been in TKD for 9 yrs. now. Exercise to be strong, is life-giving in return. TW

[chris...]

when i do arvo shift i cant train, 1 week every 5 weeks, does that count?
also holidays
other then that i've only taken a month off when i broke my hand

[SuperFLY]

trained for years when i was very young. i could have potentially been a Karate black belt at 12 but being a child i had gotten bored of it and wasnt interested in how close i was and ended up eventually convincing my parents to let me quit.

im now in my late 20s and i've taken up it again. been training for about a year and am back training for black again :) (didnt have to start from scratch as most of the techniques are ingrained into me already)

looking back i wish id never quit but at the time i remember i just wasnt interested any more.

[OKenpo942]

I was out of any kind of martial arts training for 11 years at one point. I went away for college in another state & got married. I later started practicing some BJJ and Muay Tai after starting a career in law enforcement. It wasn't until recently that I started back in my original style of Kenpo (EPAK). Still love it and hope to start my kids within the next couple years.

James

[seasoned]

Dropped back from time to time, but never quit. I always felt that training, as a way of my life, was a great way to keep my mind focused and my body active.

[KempoGuy06]

I have taken off several times...usually a month or so at a time. the longest was nearly a year.

I took off most recently because i broke hand. other reasons have be a new job, money and a knee injury. same style and same school

B

[Cyriacus]

I once Missed One Class. Because my Town was Flooded, and the Bridge leading to it was kind of Underwater.

:)