I’m 36 years old. I have a professional career, I pay my bills, and I’ve spent the last three years dedicated to JKA Shotokan. But after a recent gasshuku, I’ve realized I’m done. I’m moving to Seido, and it’s largely because the "traditional" environment has become fundamentally egregious.

The breaking point wasn't the physical training; it was the infantilization. At 36, I’m being spoken to like a disobedient child by 60-year-old instructors. We were at a seminar recently and they told us to get water, only to immediately start barking, "Come on, hurry up!" as we were drinking.

It’s not "character building." It’s a power trip. There’s a toxic culture where having a higher-ranking belt apparently gives you a license to be a prick to adults who are just trying to stay hydrated. I'm not interestdd in their shitty theatrics - I just want to study karate.

It’s not just the seniors.…