How to choose a martial art school.

1. Determine your martial arts goals. Are you interested in tournaments and forms? Do you want to obtain a high degree of proficiency in the art? Are you just looking for a good workout? Are you interested in pure self-defense? Some schools are geared for competition and some are only towards self-defense. There are others that are a bit of both. Determine what it is that you want to get out of attending classes.
2. Check your telephone directory to see what kinds of schools are listed within a reasonable distance. Remember that just because a commercial school has a big ad it doesn’t mean that they are necessarily better. Some instructors teach in a non-commercial and more informal setting out of their backyards or at a park. Sometimes these schools are better if you are looking for more individual attention and a less commercial environment.
3. Phone the schools and ask whether they’re affiliated with a larger organization. If not, standards and methods for advancement may be inconsistent.
4. Stop by several schools to watch classes. Many schools have an observation area, so you can watch during class. Ask for permission to talk to students and instructors. Find out how students’ experiences have been with the school and whether the instructors’ styles will support your goals. Be wary of schools that do not allow potential students to observe a class. What are they trying to hide?
5. Assess the quality of teaching. What is your impression of the head instructor? Does the instructor expect and show respect and courtesy? What is his experience? Remember that trophy’s, rank certificates, and pictures with masters don’t mean anything unless you see the instructor teaching and demonstrating with a high degree of skill. Be wary if the instructor is seriously out of shape.
6. Determine the schools emphasis. Does it advocate control or heavy contact? Does it stress tournament competition? How formal or informal are the classes?
7. Ask friends and work associates whether they’ve heard anything about the martial art or martial arts school you’re interested in joining.
8. Consider a month to month payment option when you first join the school. It becomes a probationary period you can use to assess the school as a student. Be very wary of instructors that try to pressure you into signing a lengthy and expensive contract without a probationary period. Remember, once you sign on the dotted line you are committed to paying the fee every month for the length of the contract.