What to do?

[TheAikidoNinja]

Has anyone here taken classes from someone that did not have a BB?
My teacher is having to close up shop due to life circumstances. I have been with him for over 5 years. 5 years 4 months to be on point. Anyways, I want to continue training in Aikido, however there are really no Dojos that have the same teaching methodology that I have been following. That being said, I am a brown belt, I haven't tested in 2 years, so I "could" be a BB if I had passed my tests and all that. I plan on continuing training, but to do so that means I have to teach.
I have a lot to learn in this aspect, such as looking for small details in others technique, rolling, so on and so forth. I don't have a lack of faith in my Aikido, but I have never really been a leader. That and the fact anyone seeing that I don't have a BB I am afraid it will discourage people from wanting to learn or train with me since I can't test people either. Any advice would appreciated. Also any ideas as to where to look for a good "beginners" dojo to open or lease? Money is an issue, to a degree, I know I heave at least 3 guys that will continue training with me in the park but we are going to need indoor space before weather gets bad. HELP, lol. Thanks in advance,:bow:

Nate

[shutterspeed]

Nate,

The aikido instructor at the local university is a brown belt. However, he teaches under the umbrella/guidance/approval of a more established school out of New Orleans.

[edosan]

Nathan,

I noticed that you were in Missouri. I don't know how far you are from Columbia, MO but we have a small dojo here associated with Aikido Schools of Ueshiba. Our Sensei has recently returned to class after a 2 year break following back surgery, during which time our senoir brown belt taught class. I mention all of this because as a "newbie" (only three years ) I found him to be a fine teacher. Did he know everything...no. Did he keep me improving... yes. My personal opinion is that you will have a hard time recuriting serious students over the long term without being able to test them, but you could likely keep a small group of interested people to train with.

I ask how far you are from Columbia because if you are not too far away and have certificates to verify your rank, our Sensei has accepted students in the past from other dojos and allowed them to test as is appropriate for their skill level. Obvisously, she does this on a case by case basis after working with them. Perhaps you could come visit us, finish your training to Shodan, then consider your options from there in regards to opening your own dojo.

I wish you good luck in your training and hope you find a path that works for you.
Respectfully,
Edo-san:bow:

[Michael J. Bray]

:bow: Hello Nathan. I understand your dilemma. The last two styles I have trained in are actually unranked systems. Some students/teachers need a belt and some don't. Some want belt rank, some don't . It's not really a big deal unless it is made to be one. For instance, what belt rank did Bruce Lee hold? Money being an issue with keeping a dojo, I offer one consideration. How many nights/hrs. will you be teaching? If you aren't teaching nightly classes it makes little sense to pay nightly rent. Look for somebody willing to share dojo time/space. Yes, they will want a slice of your $$$ pie but that is entirely fair. For my training and students here, I found a dance studio willing to rent me time on an hourly basis. I still carry dojo liability insurance and there are minor inconveniences that arise from time to time with special scheduling needs. Be a little flexible and let your students know that they must also be. On the downside, I have to use folding mats because I am not free to set up the space entirely for my needs. The facility I found actually works out better than anything I could likely afford on my own at this time.

[uchi_deshi]

three are some schools be willing to send a teacher to work with you so as you can teach. i know my teacher travels alot all over the place doing demos and sim's...he does go from Cali to Windsor... even to Eruop... from what i understand long as you pay for what is need for them to travel...

i know you can teach as a brown belt from this org. but you can only test 2 lvls below your own. if your interested in that i can give you the info as well...