How to choose a Martial Arts School

Are you older, haveold injuries? Most schools will make concessions based on age and ability and it is not unheard of for someone in their 50's, 60's orr even 70's to earn a back belt. Do you want a less strenuous class? Then, perhaps Tai Chi is for you. There are hundreds of different martial arts out there, all having the same goals, and each only a little different from the other. The biggest differences are generally in the individual at the head of the class.

More than anything else, this is the person who will make your or your child's martial arts experience.

Looking for classes for your child? Then you are looking for someone who takes your child's safety and character development as seriously as you do. This will be someone who will work with you to create the best learning experience for your child. The instructor will be concerned with improving grades, bully-proofing your child and helping their self esteem and confidence grow at the same rate as their respect and martial arts skills. This person will also make sure their interactions are age appropriate. They are not there to be your child's friend, but rather an adult role model. Any extra curricular activities, will be open to parents, and will be well chaperoned, with multiple adults. There will not be sleepovers at the instructor's home, or video game parties, or even pizza parties, unless the parents and other family are invited or at least permitted, and multiple adults are there to act as chaperones.

Determine how far you are willing to drive and how much you can afford to pay. There are schools charging as much as 50.00 per hour and as little as 50.00 per month1. Consider the costs involved in running a martial arts school: not only is there rent, lights, building insurance and paying instructors, but also specialized liability insurance, years of previous training(if they are truly certified, it takes 4-10 years to earn one's 1st degree black belt, depending on the style) and continuing education. Thus 50.00 per month is about as cheap as one should expect in an area of low rental expense. Any less and you should ask yourself just what is the price for training at that school? Lack of experience, issues with reputation, or perhaps the instructors are desperate for students. Literally the worst price you might pay for a "discount" is that you or your child leave the martial arts because you had a bad experience. Of all children's sports, the martial arts have the lowest rate of emergency room admissions. This is due to rigorous training and experience on the part of the instructor.

Call first and ask basic questions. How much do they charge? What ages do they train? If you or your child have special needs, have they had experience teaching someone with similar issues? Is that person still training there, or is the instructor willing to have you speak to that person or his/her parent. Do their own students have any significant accomplishments? What dan rank(black belts are ranked 1st through 9th with 10th being an honorarium) are the instructors and the person(s) who certified them? Did they test for that rank in person of via distance learning? Who was/is their instructor and do they maintain contact with that person? Do they have references in the local martial arts community that you can contact. What other schools say about someone, or rather what they don’t say, speaks volumes. If a reputable school recommends that person, then take a closer look. Who do they train with now and how often do they themselves go to seminars and receive instruction? Instructors who avail themselves of frequent instruction tend to make their classes more interesting and varied, and also follow tried and true methods of instruction and technique. Ask about other styles. If they downgrade another style, or make claims of the superiority 2 of their style then it is time to seek another school if possible.

Having now narrowed down your choices, you should do is go visit and watch a class. Go early, not so much to talk with the instructors, but to watch their interaction with the students, and to talk with the families of students. You may call ahead and ask, or simply show up. Tell the instructor you want to watch a class first and then speak to them after the class. Either way, chances are, they will accommodate you. If they do not want you to watch, or if they interrupt their teaching too often to speak with you, consider it a possible warning sign. However, lets assume you are sitting quietly and comfortably watching the students enter and get ready for class. Take notes on the following: Is the dojo (gym or community building) clean? Is there enough space, and high enough ceilings to safely teach the art you have chosen to take(even ground fighting arts need high enough ceilings not to throw an opponent into the light fixtures). Is there a comfortable place for family to watch the class, if they so desire? Are students and instructor respectful to each other? Is there some down-time for more casual interaction and instruction, but without being too casual? Does the instructor discipline students matter of factly, or does he or she denigrate the student, calling them stupid, or asking them to "not be an %@$#." Respect is an art learned first by example, and thus mutual respect is important.

Finally ask if you can try a class free. If not(and no matter how inexpensive their program is), then it is time to thank them for their time and walk away. If they offer more than a few classes free, except during special promotions, again this is a potential warning sign.

The final thing to determine is whether you enjoy the classes and can learn from the instructor(s). If you find a place that you feel comfortable with, then empty your cup and prepare to receive the experience of your life! And you don’t have to take our word for it. There are many articles posted on line about choosing a martial arts school in addition to the two referenced above.

Ready to give it a try?

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