Quitting Karate?

Question

I have been doing karate for almost six years now, and I have devoted a great deal of time to it. I feel like in some ways I have "burnt out", but I feel like that does not constitute my major concerns. About 4 years ago, I was so encouraged by karate that I would have thought people would be crazy to quit. In the last couple of years, I have realized that what I loved because it lacked "drama" is actually consumed by it. The politics that are involved were enough to make me not only emotionally upset, but actually become bitter about some of the people I know (not everyone I have some great friends there) and training. If anyone has ever taken karate, I think they would know why it is such a hard decision to make. I feel like if I quit I am a coward for running away when there are hard times, that I would be leaving something that defines what I have been for a long time, and I would lose a lot of karate friends who don't understand why I am quitting.

I know it is my decision, but advise would be helpful.

Thank you.

I don't enjoy it anymore or love it at all.

I think that if I quit I would never be allowed to come back, and don't know if I would ever want to.

Answer 1

If you love Karate dont quite, find another school with hopefully less politics, some have more than others. OR train on your own.

Martial arts is a way of life, not just a structured class.

Answer 2

Hello,
I hate to hear stories such as yours , people leaving the arts because of politics within their schools or systems . I understand how that can be so much of a let down , especially after devoting your time , and money too it .
If you decide to quit , its fine , and no one should think anything less of you . If they berate you or try to pressure you into staying , that speaks volumes about the inaddequacies of the school or instructors .
Perhaps you should leave behind the school , but never leave behind what you've learned . In time you may want to rejoin another school , possibly in a different style . Your training would help you .
Quitting is up to you , and your friends should understand .

Answer 3

Any activity that involves 2 or more people has politics. The only way to avoid politics is to become a hermit. You don't provide specifics. How long have you felt this way? What are the politics that you don't like? How many times a week do you train?

If you are overtraining, that could explain your burnout. If this is recent, it may pass. What is your relationship like with your instructor? Are their senior students with whom you can discuss your concerns? Without knowing all this, it's impossible to tellyou what to do.

My advice is to think about the questions I've asked. Some of the answers only you can provide & they may help you make the right decision.

Good Luck.

Answer 4

If you enjoy it then stick with it. You may wish to look for a new training center and/or master.

You can also continue your training at home for a while and take a break from attending classes. Then when you are ready you will not have to start over to get back to where you were. You will stay in shape and maybe take some time to concentrate on some of the less physical aspects of martial arts.

Whatever you decide, peace be with you.

Answer 5

I know first hand how martial arts can get really odd at times. Politics at MA schools can be crazy. If i were you i'd find another martial art that you find challenging, and leave the karate kata behind. I dont think you are a coward if you "run away" its not running away if the politics disturb you. You didn't really specify what the politics were exactly... if you are being mentally, physically, or emotionally abused or manipulated by the instructor (as i was once) then leave. Its not worth the trouble that its causing you. In the end you are the one that suffers if you dont leave

Answer 6

maybe you just need a bit of a break,then have another look at it.politics has long been a problem in ma.take a break and do another style,like they say a change is as good as a holiday.if you lose karate friends well there not worth having anyway because there not really your friends?what is your definition of hard times?and your definintion of a coward?the questions are for you to answer? maybe part of the problem is a lack of support from the ppl above you?another common problem.do whats right for you.dont let it drag on to please other ppl.

Answer 7

There is one hard decision to make. Do you want to be happy?
You will always have your true friends, even if you are not in the dojo. The drama is not healthy. Find a place for your art, it sounds like it is not at that Dojo any longer.

Be well friend,

lr


http://www.pacificwingchunassociation.com

Answer 8

Every athlete in every sport experiences some form of burnout. And as human beings, we'll never escape drama, no matter where we go (there's even drama here on this forum). As for your martial arts, you're right, it is your choice, but I'd ask you what you study for. Competition? Self defense? Personal challenges? Whatever your reasons, they are yours, and nobody else can define them. Maybe you just need a break. Everybody does. I hope things get better for you!

Answer 9

why don't you try a different art?

Often karate schools that are so wrapped up in the politics of it all aren't teaching thier students properly and it does trickle down to them.

Have you ever cross-trained against another style or school full contact? (san-da/san-shou or muai thai or MMA rules not point sparring, that is not sparring, thats tag).

are people more concerned with ranks and spirituality than learning to fight?

Try another karate school or another art entirely.

Answer 10

I agree with G. Take some time off and maybe look at some different arts. Perhaps you'll find that the opportunity to expand your repertoire and make yourself a better rounded fighter will help with your motivation.

Good luck.