Things You'll Need:
- Martial Arts Encyclopedias
- Martial Arts Supplies
- Martial Arts Videos
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Step 1
Watch the instructors. If you're not a student, ask permission first. Do they demonstrate techniques and do they correct any incorrect techniques students perform, or do they simply give commands?
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Step 2
Determine the level of discipline used. Are they too lenient, just right or too severe?
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Step 3
Assess the extent instructors encourage respect for partners and opponents during drills and practice.
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Step 4
Identify how often instructors ask for student feedback. Are they open to suggestions and innovative practices within a structured curriculum?
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Step 5
Check with other students and share examples of good and bad instruction.
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Step 6
Ask the head instructor how the school's teachers are chosen. What qualifications do they have? Are they promoted in an accredited organization, such as the World Tae Kwon Do Federation?
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Step 7
Assess your progress. Have instructors provided clear direction when asked? Have they encouraged short and long-term goals for each class?
Comments
ihaw said
on 1/30/2009 I prefer martial arts that are more athletic, so when I go and check out a school and I see the instructor is overweight, and/or have a big gut, I leave.
finnviking said
on 12/12/2008 (cont'd from below) If you can't find such a master, then look for a person who has trained under a master. Surely that person knows something useful to teach you. So, ask around. Many skilled martial artists do not advertize, but most of us will have a spare saturday afternoon to give private lessons. In fact, that's how a lot of martial schools get started...
finnviking said
on 12/12/2008 A good instructor is only good for YOU if he/she is the kind of person you wish to become. Some people go for martial arts instruction where the school boasts a roomful of tournament trophies, the instructors shout like drill sargents, and the senior students go around harrassing other martial arts schools. If you want to do that, try the karate club at MSU. Otherwise, if you're like most people, find a soft-spoken instructor who has been training in a style for many years and has a roomful of students who have earned their black belts. A good teacher has good students who have trained a long time and progressed. I personally prefer a school which emphasizes learning and practice over winning a tournament, and I've always enjoyed a cup of tea or a glass of beer after practice with the adult students and teachers. A good martial arts teacher can be a mentor for life. If you can't f
Larryemj said
on 9/14/2008 TKDLarry From my personal point of view as an instructor in the Arts. I find many instructor teaching what they can not do them self. Also I find there are many ways to motivate a person who is slow but is willing to learn. A good instructor first leads by example in class and outside the school.
TKDSaDahn said
on 9/12/2008 From my experience, instructors who regularly meet together and with the head instructor or school owner can ensure they are all on the same page and teaching consistently.
Also, there are specific ways of managing a classroom environment that lend themselves to a better learning environment. I personally don't like down time for any student. Keep them active, keep them busy.
There are different ways of motivating students, and distinct differences between the way kids and adults learn. Everyone likes personal attention.
A qualified instructor should know how do perform the techniques they are teaching, and be able to explain this in terms all can understand. It would be nice if the instructor can actually perform the technique, but I don't necessarily think this is a requirement - especially for more advanced techniques (know, understand, relay the mechanics then be able to a