Silly old fool...I just came here and jumped straight in posting ..forgot that not everyone knows who I am.
Bernie is the name.
I hold a Nidan in Goju Kai(Yamaguchi) and a Shodan in GKR...although I have only recently returned to training after a 6 year abscence from the club.
I taught for GKR for a number of years in the old region 3(now region 27) under Sensei Joe Estrada.
I was taught my karate,initially,under Merv Oakley Sensei,Tino Ceberano Kyoshi and Neville Klein Sensei.
Over the years I have had the opportunity to be invited to open door sessions with Seido Kai,Kyokushin,Shorin Ryu,Meibukan Goju Ryu and Zanshin Shotokan.
I've returned to GKR as a 3rd kyu and intend to resit my Shodan grading due to my break from the club and the changes to the curriculum.
Glad to meet u all :thumbwink:

Hi Bernie

Post away mate, maybe it'll lure some of the lurkers out of hiding


Mick

You are indeed most welcome here. I'm looking forward to hearing about your experiences. Its interesting to see people returning to the club. Why only as 3rd kyu however? Was that yours or the clubs idea?

Did a bunch sensei's do like i little test or something to see how much u remember or did u just grab a belt and rock up to class B) ?

}\/{alice

Oh, and Welcome, heh heh

Heya guys...
Just slapped on a brown belt and rocked up to class. :thumbwink:
I could have just slapped on the BB and done the same...but there have been changes to the curriculum and I wouldn't feel right walking back in and not knowing them.
Totally my idea...after training for well over 30 years i care little what colour belt I happen to be wearing around my waist at any given point.
My RM knows my grades and often defers to me when working out self defense combos and the like...so they are happy to recognise my knowledge and for me...karate is all about the knowledge NOT the colour of one's belt.
Cheers guys...
Bernie

welcome bernie hope you enjoy the forums

Wecome aboard, Bernie. Arr.

I get the not caring about grades bit, but why pick 3rd kyu specifically as opposed to perhaps more appropriate 1st?

1st Kyu or 1st Dan?

The truth?
Far less pressure as 3rd kyu than 1st kyu.
3rd kyu gives me that little bit of extra time to pick up the kata "enhancements" that have been introduced since I stopped training.

Why do I find myself thinking more like the old guys?

Damn you old age, why are you stalking me?

I imagine having already got your black belt its easier to think that way . No Im not a belt chaser, but it would be nice to get it out the way - gradings are always in the back of your mind, especially when you havent done it for a while.

Sounds like enjoying training is the sole goal now. Half your luck

hi