Dojo Dad here. My son has been invited to test for for 1st Kyu this week and could theoretically reach Jr Black by next winter (based on the progress of his older teammates). After that will be long period without obvious progression until he can test for 1st Dan at the age of 14. My question for the sub is this...how would you keep motivated?

More background. This isn't a McDojo by any means. His Sensei was named USA Karate's Coach of the Year sometime after Covid, and the school is represented on the US National team. It is very much focused on competition, though there are many students who do not compete.

My son started at 5 in kiddie classes, joined the main class at 7. He's now 9 and I see a few options.

One is to focus on competition. He has won his division (kata & kunite) in the last two regional tournaments, and took double bronze at the USA Open in April. Competing in advanced categories would force him to continue developing and learning difficult katas, hopefully preparing him for the eventual black belt exam.

Another option is to learn a new discipline. This school has partnered with Drysdale BJJ and begin training at age 10. I would love to see him in wrestling or judo.

A third option is a completely different sport or actively. Soccer, flag football, etc.

All suggestions and questions are welcome!