How to Choose a Martial Arts Program

Deciding to begin martial arts training can be one of the best decisions in you or your child's life. With proper training the student will learn self-defense, self-discipline, self-control, respect, and increase their level of self-esteem and self-confidence. Deciding to begin a training program is the easy part, picking the school and style to learn is something much tougher.

There are literally hundreds if not thousands of different styles out there to study, and a martial arts school on every corner. First, consider narrowing down the options by focusing on achieving goals rather than learning a particular style. There are strong points to every style. Over the many years of watching schools across the country open and then close and considering the limited amount of knowledgeable instruction available, you would do best to look for the right school or instructors rather than a specific style of martial art.

Be cautious of the instructor who boasts that he or she teachs it all or that their style is the absolute best...it's just not true. Ask if you can observe their classes. There should be no reason you cannot observe a class in action. If they refuse for any reason, search elsewhere. Some will say they don't want to "give away their secrets". If you can learn these supposed secrets by watching a one-hour class, they must not be that challenging or valuable. Be cautious of schools that do not allow parents to observe children's classes.

Bring up the subject of cost and contracts. Find out if they will allow you to pay monthly or require a year or two year long contract. Did you feel pressured by the instructor to purchase a program when you visited the school or were they happy to let the quality of their class speak for itself?

Find out about the particulars for rank advancement. Is it clear what the requirements for belt advancement are? An instructor should be able to tell you specifically what you need to know in order to move up in rank. Are you required to participate in tournaments to move up in rank? While that may sound fun for some, other students may not be interested in, or capable of the stress involved in competing. Can you advance in belt based on your knowledge, ability and individualized accomplishment? Or do you have to wait for a special time of the year? Some schools only offer testing four times per year so if you miss that test, you have to wait another four to six months before you have the opportunity to advance.

Ask about the experience of the instructors and the age of the school. Be wary of newer schools that offer unlimited classes. It is many times a lure to make you feel as if you are getting a deal, but will you still be able to attend those classes as the school grows? Is it even practical for you to attend so many classes? Our statistics have shown that students who train more than three days a week for an extended period of time burn out and never reach their goal of Black Belt.

Ask about the experience of the instructors. It is common with chain schools for instructors to have little teaching or training experience. Almost anyone that sticks with a given style long enough can become a black belt, but a superior teacher must be taught how to instruct and motivate not just perform a technique. Observe how the instructors and students interact. Is there a mutual level of respect and courtesy? Do the instructors show compassion and patience to the students and work as a team? Ask if the top instructor actually teaches the classes and then watch a few classes to see for yourself. Is the owner of the school mainly interested in money or does he/she teach and train him/herself? One of the functions of instructors is to be role models. If they stop learning, how can they motivate and inspire their students to reach for new heights? If the instructors are not furthering their learning, it is likely what they teach in the classroom is not the most updated and effective training regimen or self-defense techniques.

Take notes of the different schools you visit and weigh the points you like and dislike. After you have picked a school, pay for a month of tuition and try it out. Give it at least a month, and decide if it feels right to you. After you find the school that suits you make a concentrated effort to attend class regularly. Ask questions about anything you don't understand. Your instructor should be happy to spend time with you to make your experience a beneficial one. If at any time something happens that you are uncomfortable with, inform the instructor immediately. He or she should be flexible and willing to work with you. If your instructor isn't willing to hear your concerns and address them start looking elsewhere.

Beware Of These Things

• Someone guaranteeing you a black belt when you join
• Someone telling you they can make you a black belt in a short amount of time
• Telling you what you need rather than listening to what you want
• Long expensive contracts for beginner students
• Hard, pushy selling
• Someone who will not give you a price over the phone
• Someone who will not let you watch a class
• A teacher who belittles the students
• A dirty or sloppy facility
• A lack of supervision during training
• An emphasis on "shouting and emotion" rather than positive motivation and proper technique