How to Choose a Good Martial Arts School

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

Rate: (8 Ratings)

How do you choose a martial arts school that meets your needs and is one of which you can feel proud? These steps show you how.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

  • Martial Arts Encyclopedias
  • Martial Arts Supplies
  • Martial Arts Videos

Step1
Check your telephone directory to see what kinds of schools are listed within a reasonable distance.
Step2
Phone the schools and ask whether they're affiliated with a larger organization, such as the International Tae Kwon Do Federation or the World Karate Association. If not, standards and methods for advancement may be inconsistent.
Step3
Determine your martial arts goals. Are you interested in tournament forms or self-defense? Do you want to become a black belt or to attend classes simply for the exercise?
Step4
Stop by several training halls to watch classes. Many schools have an observation area, so you can watch during class. Ask permission first.
Step5
Ask for permission to talk with students and instructors. Find out how students' experiences have been with the school and whether the instructors' styles will support your goals.
Step6
Assess the quality of teaching. What is your impression of the head instructor? Do instructors expect and show respect and courtesy? What is their experience?
Step7
Determine the school's emphasis. Does it advocate control or heavy contact? Does it stress tournament competition? How formal or informal are the classes?
Step8
Ask friends and work associates whether they've heard anything about a martial arts school you're interested in joining. Also check with the Better Business Bureau and your local chamber of commerce.

Tips & Warnings

  • Consider a month-to-month payment option when you first join a school. It becomes a probationary period you can use to assess the school as a student.
  • Consult your physician before beginning any exercise regimen. Also, remember that the practice of martial arts can be dangerous. Exercise caution at all times.

Comments

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Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Make sure to ask the head instructure of his training background and ask to see certificates.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 2/21/2006 Instructors do not want to see people who are there only to gain such materialistic items of status as a black belt. However, take your martial arts seriously, learn to master every aspect and technique associated with it. A true warrior will get his belt when he surely deserves it, because nowadays to protect yourself a warrior is what you must be. True mastery of an art, that should be your ultimate goal.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 2/6/2006 If you see 10 year old kids in the gym (or dojo) with a black belt, run and hide. Look at the history of the instructor; has that instructor actually even competed in fights? or competition? or are they just teaching the same theory they were taught without ever testing the validity of the theory?

Does the gym charge for belt tests? This could be a red flag, while it may be fees for the parent organization if one exists. Asking fees is sometimes a good indication that they may push kids into testing quickly to get the money.

Having a big organization behind the school doesn't necessarily mean much. Depending on your goals, if you instructor is a long time artist, knowledgeable and ethical, he will teach you the skills you need, some mugger, attacker or drunkard bar patron is not going to care if you are recognized internationally when you kick the crap out of him after he attacks you. The goal should be the skill, not the recognition.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 The ATA schools are OK if you are seeking rapid progress to a black belt, but you should get to know your Sensei. Are they of good moral character? Do they possess a teaching license? Do they make you feel comfortable for training? These are more important than a brand name school such as the ATA. There are hundreds of good schools, more bad schools, and a few exceptional schools. Settle only with the one that is right for you.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Pick a style that fits your physical dexterity and desires.
Decide whether you want to start with learning self defense or a more traditional style (i.e. Kendo).

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eHow Article:  How to Choose a Good Martial Arts School

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