How to choose a martial arts class

So, you've decided to take the plunge and try a martial art. Good for you! People decide to try martial arts classes for different reasons. While I can't cover every possibility, I hope to give you a few pointers on how to pick out a quality class. And here they are, in no particular order:

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• martial arts class(es)
• eyes
• ears

1. Find a martial arts class. Look through your phone book or better yet, get a referral.

2. Know your intention. What do you want out of this? Are you looking for a serious challenge? Do you want to be in shape? Do you want your friends to think you're a bad ass? Do you need external validation, or could you really care less what other people think?

3. With that in mind, when you visit this class, meet with its instructors and talk with its students, does this class fufill that intention? Will this meet your needs?

4. What is your gut feeling of the instructors? Are they respectful to you, a complete stranger? How do they carry themselves?

5. How many children are in the school, and how many childrens classes are there? Children and childrens classes aren't a bad thing, but they can be a big money maker for instructors. If you suspect a school caters to children for this reason, move on. You won't get the attention or the quality of instruction you deserve.

6. How do the instructors, the senior students and the rest of the class interact with new students? If the instructors and senior students set aside time to teach new students, this is a big plus.

7. Instructors may expect new students to work harder, sometimes much harder than they expect. Are new students given time to adjust, or are they expected to sink or swim? There are advantages and disadvantages to both, but it's important that both students and instructors have the same expectations.

8. If the school has a ranking or promotion system, what does it take to become a black belt? Does this school give a black belt to anyone who stays for 18 months, or is promotion based on merit?

9. If there are children around, how do they behave? Are they respectful? Do they run around between classes, or are they attended to?

10. If you're familiar with other sports, pay attention to the footwork of the advanced students. Do their feet put them where they need to be, or is it sloppy?

11. Do the senior students seem like they might be good leaders in their own right? Good leaders make more good leaders, so this is a big plus.

12. How many egos are present? Do certain people seem to carry themselves like they're more important than the rest? Do you see any pretense or posturing? These are big warning signs, especially in senior students. Cockiness is okay to a degree, but be wary of any posturing, tension, or attitudes. On the other hand, if everyone in the class seems completely laid back and comfortable, that's a plus.