Training with multiple clubs part 1

Most people who train in martial arts end up training with multiple clubs. Usually this is sequential, that is they train in one place, then another. Some people, such as myself, train at multiple clubs concurrently. When you train at multiple clubs here are some tips that might come in handy:

1. When you start you are probably going to be at the bottom of the class. This is especially the case in different styles of martial arts, although it also applies across different organisations/affiliations. Each club has its' own expectation of standards and its' own interpretation of whatever curriculum they follow. The instructor will probably not know where you fit in. You might have a black belt and 20 years experience, but it may turn out that you dont know a critical part of their curriculum. 

Also, rank is often an indicator of social status within the club (wether or not this is a good thing is a different question) and so students will not want to 'lose status' to a newcomer. If you have the skills that the club is teaching you will advance pretty quickly anyway, so don't worry. 

Also, use the experience of being 'at the bottom' to work on basics and things that you might ordinarily neglected, and to train without having any of the responsibility that sometimes comes with being more senior of rank (such as supervising junior students).

Finally, use the oppertunity of being 'at the bottom' as a lesson in humility, because there is always more for you to learn, and there is always someone out there better than you.

Osu!