| - What are the most important things to look for | | | | when there is more focus on one aspect of |
| when comparing martial arts schools? | | | | martial arts, other areas are compromised to |
| - What are the tell tale signs of a quality school | | | | some degree. |
| that you can spot immediately? | | | | - Forms and jump spinning kicks in the curriculum? |
| - What are the best questions to ask, and how | | | | You've most likely found a school with an artistic |
| do you know if they can really deliver? | | | | or traditional focus that may participate in |
| - What part of a contract can you negotiate? | | | | tournaments. If this is what you're after, the |
| These are just some of the important questions | | | | curriculum should consist of aesthetic techniques |
| you need to know how to answer before | | | | that have dynamic kicks and beautiful forms with |
| shopping around for a martial arts school. | | | | and without weapons. |
| A commitment to martial arts is an investment in | | | | - Are the techniques based on kickboxing and |
| time and money, so knowing exactly what to | | | | wrestling? A lot of sparring and no weapons in the |
| look for in a school, and knowing what questions | | | | curriculum? This is probably a school that focuses |
| to ask, will give you the clarity and confidence to | | | | on one-on-one sport competition. Schools that |
| make a smart choice. | | | | build towards competition usually emphasize |
| A bad choice in a martial arts school can be an | | | | physical conditioning to reach peak performance. |
| expensive lesson, so use this guide to educate | | | | Although physical fitness may not be the primary |
| yourself. | | | | goal in many styles, fitness is generally a |
| There is a huge variety of martial arts schools | | | | by-product of training. You get in shape by default |
| out there. Facilities range from expensive | | | | in martial arts practice. |
| health-club-like facilities to open space warehouses. | | | | The majority of schools have a curriculum |
| Martial arts schools aren't regulated to insure | | | | designed to provide a general overall perspective |
| quality of instruction or business practice. There is | | | | on fitness, sport competition and self-defense. For |
| no official governing body and no universal grading | | | | most people who are just beginning martial arts, a |
| standard in martial arts. Almost anyone can open | | | | school's curriculum and interpretation of martial |
| a school and appear to be an expert. | | | | concepts should be comprehensive enough to |
| What do you look for beyond price, amenities and | | | | support you through many years of practice. If |
| convenient schedules? While most people first | | | | this is the case, start to look into other |
| consider price and the facility, there are more | | | | components of the school like their class dynamic. |
| important factors that you need to consider first! | | | | For those who have martial arts experience, or |
| These 10 steps show you how to make the best | | | | seeking a specific area of focus, determine if the |
| decision in choosing a martial arts school: | | | | school's curriculum actually supports the emphasis |
| | | | you're looking for. |
| 1. Objective | | | | It's not uncommon for a school's true emphasis |
| 2. Instructors | | | | to be different from how they market |
| 3. Class Dynamic | | | | themselves. Take note of the techniques in their |
| 4. Student Results | | | | curriculum and their applications. |
| 5. Curriculum | | | | For example, let's say your primary reason for |
| 6. Style | | | | martial arts training is purely for self-defense on |
| 7. Facility | | | | the streets. You visit a school that claims to be |
| 8. Service | | | | proficient in teaching self-defense. Yet, they teach |
| 9. Price/Fees | | | | fixed stances and forms and only implement |
| 10. Instinct | | | | weapons training in advanced levels. |
| 1. OBJECTIVE: | | | | This is a big red flag! This doesn't mean it's not a |
| Before you start looking into martial arts schools, | | | | good school. It only reveals that their true |
| determine your true goals for martial arts | | | | emphasis is not truly combative. |
| practice. To get the most out of your training, | | | | 70% of assaults on the street involve some sort |
| clearly identify your real goals and the specific | | | | of weapon and over 90% of attacks go to the |
| benefits you want to have. | | | | ground. Any school that claims to teach true |
| Ultimately, you just want to feel good about | | | | self-defense while neglecting weapons training and |
| yourself and feel super confident, right? | | | | ground fighting is just plain negligent. |
| However, this is usually not enough of a specific | | | | You should seek elsewhere if this is your focus. |
| emotional motivator for consistent practice. | | | | Modern combative styles will implement training in |
| The majority of people who start martial arts | | | | weapons and ground fighting right from the |
| rarely make it past a few months of consistent | | | | beginning. |
| practice. It's not just a lack of motivation. Not | | | | Training methods also implement high stress |
| having clear goals is usually why people don't | | | | scenario drills with multiple attackers. You won't |
| follow through in practice. | | | | find fancy acrobatics in the curriculum. |
| To determine what you really want from training, | | | | Remember the old adage, "A jack of all trades is |
| start by narrowing down what you wish to focus | | | | master of none." Be cautious of a school that |
| on. | | | | claims to deliver health and fitness AND teach you |
| The focus of your practice can be broken down | | | | culture and philosophy AND turn you into a |
| into several areas. There's no right or wrong - it | | | | professional fighter AND prepare you for the |
| comes down to personal preference. | | | | streets AND promise personal or spiritual growth. |
| For starters, you can number these in order of | | | | 6. STYLE: |
| importance. | | | | Martial arts can be compared to a huge tree with |
| - Physical Fitness as the main goal, with martial | | | | many branches or styles. All "styles" are based on |
| arts aptitude as a secondary benefit. | | | | the mechanics of the human body. Every style |
| - Purely Combative Focus, with fitness and | | | | has strengths and weaknesses as they each |
| personal growth as added benefits | | | | focus on different aspects of the arts. |
| - Creative and Artistic Expression, aesthetics, | | | | The true measure of a martial art lies in the |
| beauty and WOW Factor | | | | practitioner, not the style. |
| - Competitive Focus, sports aspects such as one | | | | Having a general understanding of the different |
| on one competition | | | | types of styles and their focus will help you in |
| - Mental and Emotional Growth, catalyst for | | | | achieving your goals. In martial arts there are hard |
| self-discovery and spiritual growth, cultural and | | | | styles and soft styles. |
| philosophical interests | | | | - Hard Styles focus on striking techniques where |
| Ask yourself clarifying "Why" questions, so you | | | | the body is used as a weapon for attacking and |
| can identify what you're really going for. | | | | defending - force against force. Much of the |
| This is the first step in filtering the selection of | | | | training is external, based on physical conditioning |
| schools to choose from. Once you've identified | | | | for strength and agility. |
| your goals for martial arts practice and | | | | - Soft Styles focus on redirection and physical |
| understand why they are your goals, you're | | | | manipulation through leverage and positioning - |
| ready to search for a school. | | | | using an opponent's force against him. There is |
| 2. INSTRUCTORS: | | | | often more focus on internal training, training of |
| An instructor plays the key role in how you will | | | | the mind as well as developing the body's |
| achieve your goals. | | | | sensitivity to energy. |
| Finding a good instructor is more important than | | | | - Blended Styles incorporate concepts from both |
| choosing a style, and is probably the biggest | | | | hard and soft styles in a complimentary method, |
| factor in your decision to join a school. It's nice to | | | | flowing and transitioning from hard to soft and |
| have impressive amenities and expensive | | | | vice versa. |
| equipment, but ultimately a martial arts school is | | | | Depending on the area of focus, each style |
| only as good as it's instructors. | | | | differs in philosophy and training methods. |
| Being a black belt doesn't qualify someone to | | | | Applications obviously differ as well. |
| teach! | | | | Among styles the emphasis of training will |
| - A competent instructor is knowledgeable, | | | | primarily focus on one of the following areas: |
| experienced, and has the ability to effectively | | | | Artistic Expression - Schools with an artistic focus |
| pass on his craft. | | | | emphasize creative physical expression - the "art" |
| - A good instructor possesses leadership and | | | | aspect of "martial arts". Artistic styles implement |
| communication skills. | | | | forms or choreographed techniques in training. |
| - A great instructor will also display sincere | | | | They typically have more aesthetic beauty, as |
| empathy, showing a genuine interest in helping | | | | movements are fluid and graceful like a gymnast |
| you achieve your goals, bringing out your individual | | | | or dancer. |
| strengths. | | | | Tradition - Traditional styles are rooted with |
| Look for other attributes that increase an | | | | Eastern culture and philosophy. Traditional schools |
| instructor's ability to add value to your training: | | | | implement both external and internal training for |
| - Proven competitive track record, such as World | | | | the development of the mind-body-spirit |
| Champion Titles | | | | relationship. With this emphasis, martial arts |
| - A degree in an area such as psychology, sports | | | | practice serves as lessons for life skills. Practice |
| medicine, kinesiology or related fields | | | | may also encompass elements of spiritualism. |
| - Military, law enforcement, or security experience | | | | Competition - Competitive styles generally focus |
| - Involvement in a credible martial arts | | | | on the sports aspect of martial arts. Competitions |
| organization | | | | can range by category including weight class, level |
| - Extensive knowledge of a culture or philosophy | | | | of experience, geographic region and specific style. |
| that you're interested in | | | | The emphasis is on winning recognition such as |
| Although an instructor's experience and | | | | rankings, awards, and trophies that is based on a |
| background provides some credibility, don't be | | | | fixed set of rules. |
| overly impressed with awards and certificates. | | | | Combat - Combative styles focus on street |
| Their mindset and level of experience will be | | | | defense or military application, including law |
| apparent through subtleties in character and by | | | | enforcement. It's the "martial" part of "martial |
| their actions. | | | | arts". The emphasis is on practical application over |
| Quality instructors are sincerely interested in | | | | aesthetic form or physical conditioning. Training |
| helping You and won't feel the need to boast | | | | includes weapons and reality based scenario |
| about their own credentials or prove themselves. | | | | exercises. |
| Instead of boosting their own egos, high-level | | | | Fitness - Schools that focus on fitness use martial |
| instructors are very attentive on coaching you to | | | | arts as a catalyst for holistic health. Classes usually |
| achieve your goals. | | | | consist of fun, energetic physical exercises based |
| You can often measure an instructor more | | | | on martial arts techniques. Classes will typically |
| accurately by their students' results and | | | | implement a broad and general combination of |
| satisfaction than by credentials alone. The | | | | styles and areas of focus. |
| students themselves may be the greatest | | | | There are also Modern Styles, which are evolved |
| indication of the quality of instruction. | | | | blended styles that are the result of further |
| Just like a good business is constantly researching | | | | researched and developed methodologies. Their |
| and developing, high-level instructors research and | | | | focus can be artistic, competitive, combative, or |
| develop methodologies in order to continually | | | | emphasize physical fitness. |
| improve. A lifetime training in martial arts isn't | | | | While it may be a good idea to blend styles, it can |
| enough to reach human potential! | | | | be counter productive to combine your area of |
| A high level instructor portrays noble | | | | focus. Be clear on which area you wish to |
| characteristics of a role model and leader. | | | | predominantly focus on. |
| Confident instructors welcome feedback and | | | | Again, there's no right or wrong style. It's a |
| respond to your questions with patience and | | | | matter of personal goals and preference. |
| insight. They are usually very humble, and rarely | | | | 7. FACILITY: |
| speak negatively about any other school or style. | | | | The first thing to consider is the school's location |
| Also, find out if the school's head instructor is | | | | in relation to your home or workplace. |
| actively teaching. Some schools have classes | | | | Creating a new habit can be challenging, so |
| primarily taught by an assistant or senior | | | | convenience plays a big role in supporting |
| students, while the head instructor only makes an | | | | consistency. You may be commuting several |
| occasional appearance. | | | | times a week for training, so make sure the |
| While assistant instructors may be totally capable | | | | facility is close enough so it doesn't become an |
| of teaching, watch out for schools that "sell" you | | | | excuse for you not to go. |
| on the instructor but have someone else teaching. | | | | Martial arts schools come in many forms. They |
| 3. CLASS DYNAMIC: | | | | can be part of a franchise, belong to an |
| Make sure you know how to evaluate a school in | | | | organization, or be a one man show run by a |
| two parts, the content and the context. | | | | single instructor. They may resemble a fitness |
| The context of a martial arts school is made up | | | | gym, yoga studio, gymnasium or warehouse. |
| of the training methods and environment. What | | | | Don't judge a book by it's cover, and don't judge |
| kind of setting is the school providing? | | | | a martial arts school by it's facility. |
| A supportive learning environment is crucial to | | | | Although you can't measure the quality of a |
| maximize the assimilation and retention of | | | | school by the facility alone, it does reveal a lot |
| material. The context of training can be more | | | | about the owners mindset, aptitude, emphasis of |
| important than the content, (or material), intended | | | | the style and curriculum, as well as the school's |
| to be learned. | | | | level of professionalism. |
| Look for context such as: | | | | The degree of cleanliness may reflect the |
| - The collective mood or energy of the | | | | standard of service. You can get a good idea of |
| instructors and students | | | | the school's style and emphasis by the school's |
| - The class dynamic - structure and flow | | | | design. |
| - How the amenities and equipment are used | | | | A school should have the amenities and equipment |
| - The training methodologies | | | | that support the context of it's curriculum, such |
| - How the ranking system is structured | | | | as a cage or ring for MMA or kickboxing, proper |
| - The quality of service | | | | mats for Jiu Jitsu, etc. |
| One of the best ways to evaluate a school is to | | | | Consider what the school puts money into and |
| watch or participate in a class. | | | | determine if it actually adds value to your training. |
| You can watch videos, visit a website and read all | | | | Also notice the subtle details of the facility that |
| about the credentials and features of a school. | | | | may effect on your training. Does the air stink? |
| However, you can only get a true feel by "test | | | | Does the lighting or colors of the facility effect |
| driving" the actual group classes. Many schools | | | | your energy and mood? How's the parking? Is it |
| offer free consultations or introductory private | | | | noisy? |
| lessons. | | | | Remember, expensive equipment, and other |
| If a school allows you to watch, or better yet, | | | | luxuries equals higher tuition fees. Be aware of the |
| participate in a class without obligation it speaks | | | | costs of extra rooms and large offices that don't |
| highly of their confidence and transparency. | | | | directly add value to your training. |
| The class dynamic is the best demonstration of | | | | With a good instructor and some basic equipment |
| the instructor's martial arts aptitude and ability to | | | | you can practice anywhere! |
| teach. It reveals how the students interact with | | | | 8.SERVICE: |
| each other and the instructor. It's also the perfect | | | | Some schools have great sales and marketing |
| opportunity to see how their curriculum is | | | | techniques to get you to join. But, it's the quality |
| implemented into training. | | | | of ongoing customer service that really counts. |
| Consider the size of the classes and how that | | | | Choosing a school that's skilled in customer |
| may effect your training. The make up and flow | | | | service will potentially save you from a lot of |
| of the classes will either help your learning | | | | unnecessary headache. Poor customer service |
| experience or hurt it. | | | | can ruin your martial arts experience at any level. |
| Look for the following: | | | | Make sure that there are open lines of |
| - Is there a significant age difference among | | | | communication and that staff members are |
| students that may restrict your practice? | | | | readily accessible to answer questions to your |
| - Is there a significant difference in the students' | | | | satisfaction.You may be with a school for many |
| experiences or physical abilities? | | | | months or even years. Choose a school that |
| - How formal or informal are the classes? And, | | | | cares enough to build a relationship with you. |
| how does that effect your practice? | | | | Know how to distinguish sales techniques from |
| - How much supportive individual attention do the | | | | service. |
| students receive? | | | | As mentioned, some schools are great at getting |
| - Is there anything about the facility that'll hinder | | | | you in the door with attractive features and |
| your practice? such as cleanliness, stale air, too | | | | promotions. The question is, once you have signed |
| cold or hot, distracting noises, etc. | | | | up are you just another enrollment? |
| Many beginners prefer large classes. It can be | | | | A good comparison is the large franchised fitness |
| easier to follow along with the examples of many | | | | gyms. Their amenities, equipment and low |
| other students. There's also less intimidation as | | | | monthly fees are hard to pass up. However, once |
| the collective group dynamic can conceal individual | | | | you join there's virtually no service whatsoever. |
| insecurities and lessons the pressure to keep up. | | | | There are too many people who have gym |
| On the flip side, there is a key benefit to smaller | | | | memberships and don't use them. They already |
| classes that's important to consider. There is | | | | have your financial commitment - a contract. Rest |
| more opportunity to receive personal attention | | | | assured their service will pick up when it's time for |
| from instructors that can greatly accelerate your | | | | renewal. But is that service or just another sales |
| learning curve. | | | | technique? |
| Again, instructors are the backbone of a martial | | | | The level of transparency is the greatest |
| arts school. The instructor consciously, or | | | | measure of a school's integrity. It's a reflection of |
| unconsciously, dictates the energy of the entire | | | | their standards of service. |
| class. | | | | - Does the school fully disclose all the costs |
| Here are some other things to look for: | | | | involved in your training? Some schools have |
| - Does the instructor facilitate class with control | | | | additional fees, like mandatory programs or |
| and safety? (Notice if the students are enjoying | | | | association fees, that they don't mention until you |
| themselves or seem uncomfortable and hesitant). | | | | reach a certain point in your training. |
| - Is the instructor passionate and actively teaching | | | | - When you have questions, do you get a clear |
| or seemingly going through the motions and | | | | answer right away or do you get an evasive |
| mechanically calling out commands? | | | | response? The response you get is a good sign |
| - Do the students seem inspired? | | | | of what kind of service you can expect. |
| A martial arts school provides the setting of a | | | | - Many schools require you to sign a contract in |
| controlled environment where you'll train to | | | | order to take classes. Some schools offer a trial |
| overcome future or potential challenges. In order | | | | period where you can pay for a number of |
| to maximize results, good schools teach in a | | | | classes before you agree to a contract. A |
| context that anticipates and matches the actual | | | | contract is simply a written agreement between |
| environment of those future and potential | | | | you and the school, and it can always be |
| challenges. | | | | negotiated. They should be willing to explain the |
| The classes must simulate the intended | | | | details of the contract to your full understanding |
| environment and must provide the necessary | | | | and agree to make any changes you feel are |
| emotional stress in order to engrain instinctual | | | | important, as long as it's mutually beneficial. |
| trained responses. | | | | 9. Price and Fees: |
| For example: | | | | How important is price to you? For many people, |
| - If you're seeking a combative style for | | | | it's the only real limiting factor. |
| self-defense, look for schools that safely facilitate | | | | Since most people don't know how to compare |
| reality based, high-stress scenario exercises. | | | | value to price, martial arts schools generally don't |
| - If you're training to fight in a ring or cage, look | | | | advertise their prices - unless they're promotional. |
| for a school that teaches you how to maneuver | | | | Be honest. Before you read this guide, what's one |
| in the confines of a ring/cage under the same | | | | of the first thing you wanted to know about a |
| guidelines of the competition. | | | | martial arts school? |
| - If you're goal is to perform in tournaments, look | | | | Fees are usually priced by: |
| for a school that can facilitate your training in a | | | | - Term period - specified time period with |
| loud, distracting environment with large mirrors | | | | flexibility of the amount of classes taken, usually |
| and an audience. | | | | monthly or yearly |
| - If your goal is to have fun getting in shape, look | | | | - Number of classes - specified amount of classes |
| for classes that use good training equipment, have | | | | taken |
| high energy, exciting exercises and a social | | | | - Combination of term and number of classes - |
| atmosphere | | | | usually a monthly fee based on the number of |
| Pay attention to the flow of the class and notice | | | | classes taken per week |
| how much of the class time is instructional. Some | | | | - Specific Programs - packaged programs such as |
| schools implement a lot of conditioning drills while | | | | Black Belt Clubs, Instructor Programs, Certification |
| others teach with a lot of verbal explanations. | | | | Programs, Seminars, etc. |
| Notice if they have a lot of unnecessary "filler | | | | Tuition can range anywhere from $50 per month |
| time". | | | | to $500 per month, depending on the school. |
| It's also a good idea to inquire about the school's | | | | Nowadays, the average tuition is about $150 per |
| ranking system. Most traditional schools use some | | | | month for 2-3 classes per week. |
| modification of a belt system, but what's required | | | | Tuition isn't the only cost to consider. You will |
| to earn each belt can vary drastically from school | | | | eventually be investing in training equipment, to |
| to school. | | | | some extent. Keep in mind that some styles |
| Is there a clear standard for aptitude and | | | | require more equipment. |
| execution of techniques at each level? Or are the | | | | While price is important, a common mistake is to |
| requirements based on time and the amount of | | | | compare price without comparing value. |
| classes taken? | | | | Consider the previous steps and the benefits |
| Many schools test for promotions after a set | | | | before you focus on price. This way you can |
| number of classes. This gives the perception of | | | | place some sort of dollar value on each |
| building capable intermediate and advanced | | | | component of a school and then shop around. |
| students, which can be an important aspect of a | | | | Think of the convenience of schedule and location, |
| school's perceived value. Not to mention, belt | | | | the suitability of teaching style, class dynamic and |
| promotions are a crucial source of income for | | | | level of instruction in relation to your personality |
| some schools. | | | | and goals - can you put a price on that? |
| Remember that there's no official governing body | | | | With the knowledge you gained by reading this |
| in martial arts, so belt levels may not be valid | | | | guide, you can make an educated choice in "how |
| outside of that school or organization. | | | | to invest" in your training instead of "being sold" a |
| 4. STUDENT RESULTS: | | | | membership. |
| The students provide tremendous insight as to | | | | Most schools require annual contracts. The |
| the quality of instruction. You can often tell more | | | | contract should clearly explain the details of your |
| about a school by the students' results than | | | | membership. Generally, schools don't offer any |
| anything else. | | | | refunds on tuition. |
| The students are the products of the school's | | | | In most cases, a school will agree to make |
| training system and methodologies. If the | | | | reasonable changes to the contract if you ask |
| advanced students don't model your martial arts | | | | them. |
| goals go find another school! | | | | If you're committed to your practice and have |
| When observing the students, pay attention to | | | | found a school following this guide, signing a |
| the ratio of beginner to advanced students. It's a | | | | contract is usually not an issue. However, knowing |
| good sign if there are a lot of intermediate and | | | | potential costs and understanding school policies |
| advanced students. That means the school is able | | | | will help you negotiate any changes, if necessary. |
| to retain their students, and usually equates to | | | | What you're really after is "peace of mind", isn't |
| student satisfaction. | | | | it? |
| Just as you probably don't want to eat at a | | | | A contract should be mutually beneficial, so you |
| restaurant that's always empty, be cautious of a | | | | want to insure that the contract also benefits you. |
| school with a few students. What's considered a | | | | This can mean discounted rates, as an example. A |
| small student base? Depending on the size of the | | | | contract is also an incentive for you to get your |
| facility and how long they've been in business, | | | | money's worth by coming to class regularly. |
| classes that have less than 10 students is a | | | | Ask about: |
| pretty strong sign that there's something lacking | | | | - Price incentives for paying in full |
| in the school. | | | | - Discounts for family members |
| Consider the characteristics and personalities of | | | | - Training equipment - and if they have to be |
| the students as well. It's important that you are | | | | purchased directly from the school |
| comfortable with your classmates cause you may | | | | - Belt testing fees |
| be spending a lot of time with them. | | | | - Any federation or association member fees |
| - Are they the types of people you'd like to be | | | | - Cost for programs such as Black Belt Clubs and |
| around and train with? | | | | any other mandatory programs |
| - Would you feel comfortable and safe training | | | | - Membership freezes in case of travel, injury, or |
| with them? | | | | maternity |
| - Are the students supportive of one another or | | | | - Policy for relocation or moving |
| are they highly competitive and trying to outdo | | | | - Fees for early cancellation |
| each other? | | | | It's also a good idea to ask whether the billing is |
| The student dynamic may also reveal how the | | | | managed directly by the school or if they use a |
| instructor instills leadership and other life skills that | | | | billing company. Many schools use a billing company |
| you may wish to develop. Watch how the | | | | to help manage your tuition payments. |
| advanced students handle both challenges and | | | | If the school out-sources their billing, you will be |
| successes. | | | | dealing with the billing company for the payment |
| Take the initiative to speak to some of the | | | | of your tuition fees. The billing company will |
| students. Getting insight from existing students | | | | generally only contact you if you are late on your |
| can make all the difference in your decision to | | | | payment. If you ever have to deal with the billing |
| join. | | | | company you can expect the type of service |
| 5. CURRICULUM: | | | | you get from a collection agency. They can also |
| Remember that a martial arts school can be | | | | make negative reports on your credit. |
| evaluated in two parts, content and context. The | | | | A high-quality school has the confidence to earn |
| curriculum and style of a school make up the | | | | your business without requiring a contract. But |
| content. | | | | they are rare. These schools are clear about their |
| Whether they call themselves a martial arts | | | | role. They focus on their core responsibility of |
| school, studio, academy, gym, or dojo, they are | | | | providing quality instruction and guidance in your |
| still businesses. They will promote themselves in | | | | martial arts practice. Schools of this caliber don't |
| creative ways to gain an edge over the | | | | need to use creative sales and marketing |
| competition. You can expect them to entice you | | | | techniques. Their business is built by their |
| with price incentives, boast their credentials, | | | | reputation, word-of-mouth. |
| amenities and equipment, or make claims to get | | | | 10. INSTINCT: |
| you results in the shortest amount of time | | | | Pay attention to your intuition when visiting a |
| possible. | | | | school. While going through the 10 steps outlined in |
| Don't allow marketing tactics to distract you from | | | | this guide, you'll instinctively know when you've |
| determining if the school can actually support your | | | | found the right school. |
| training goals. | | | | - How long the school has been in business? Are |
| Whatever a school claims to provide in your | | | | they stable? |
| martial arts training, their students, classes and | | | | - Are you confident in the instructor? |
| curriculum will give you a good indication of the | | | | - Do you like the instructor's teaching style and |
| school's quality and true emphasis. | | | | personality? |
| The martial arts curriculum, (content), is made up | | | | - Are the students friendly? |
| of the techniques and material you will be learning | | | | - Did you have fun? Did you feel inspired? |
| at a school. | | | | Ultimately, we make decisions based on our |
| The focus of your training must be supported by | | | | emotions and we justify them with logic. |
| the curriculum and training methods. | | | | Your decision should be instant and definite. If you |
| There are key points to look for in determining | | | | find yourself thinking too much or having to |
| the quality of a curriculum. Begin by identifying the | | | | convince yourself, something is out of whack. Go |
| school's emphasis. Take into consideration that | | | | back to step 1 or keep looking. |