Things You'll Need:
- Common Sense
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Step 1
First you'll need to do some research on a Martial Art you would like to study. Now there is no such thing as a superior martial art just superior martial artist. So consider what you'd like to learn. If it's flashy kicks and alot of aerial moves try Capoeira or Tae Kwon Do, if you want to learn hard style blocks, punches, and kicks try Karate, Or if you want to learn soft motion blocks and using momentum to gain positioning try Japanese Ju Jitsu, Kung Fu, or Hapkido.
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Step 2
Once you found a Martial Art that has your interest look around for a school near you, try recreational centers or go to an actual martial arts school.
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Step 3
Once you've found a training hall check the place out, be careful to not sign any contracts and make it clear you were just there to watch. Some places will try to get you signed up right away and sign a several month contract forcing you to pay whether you go or not.
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Step 4
After you've gone to the school look around ask yourself a few questions. How many Black Belts are there? How old are these Black Belts? Are they Kids? Are there Alot of them? If the answer to these questions are "Alot of them. There are children black belts" then turn around and leave.
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Step 5
Most likely a school with plenty of Black Belts and Children Black Belts is what we in the Martial Arts World refer to as McDojo's. Basically a School who's main focus is profit and will promote anyone to a black belt to get money. Any Martial artist knows a Black Belt is a sign of serious training and being able to defend properly against one or more opponents, and there's no way a 6 year old girl can fight off a grown man let alone 3.
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Step 6
Don't be discouraged there are good Martial Arts schools out there, some key features to look for are- Very few Black Belts. No contracts, month by month payments are the best. An Instructor who is serious about what he teaches you and has no problem getting out there and working with you. Full contact sparring, it will do you no good to learn how to fight and the first time you need the training you pull your punch resulting in the guy just looking at you because you can't train for real situations.
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Step 7
These are just some examples of what to look for in a good Martial Arts school. Just remember the basics, make sure they are serious about the training and you will be good to go.
