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So, you've decided to get back in shape and learn a little self-defense. Or your kid has convinced you to enroll him in a martial arts program. But where do you start? As a newbie, what should you know before putting on that uniform and stepping out on the floor?
Here are 9 things to consider in choosing the right martial arts school for you and/or your child.
1. What do you want out of the program? Self-defense skills? Physical fitness? Tournaments? Self-confidence? A social activity?
All of those are available, but you should decide which are the most important. Some schools are competition oriented. If you merely want to learn a few self-defense skills because you're traveling more on business, you may not be happy. On the other hand, some schools practice the finer points of the art, but seldom go full speed. If you want to mix it up and test yourself, that may not be the school for you.
2. Watch a class. Most instructors will be glad to let you observe a class and then ask questions at the end. Watch and listen to the instructors' style. Do they have a good rapport with the students? Is there structure to the class? What is your gut feeling about how you or your child would fit into that environment?
3. Safety. Do people seem to get hurt a lot during class? Do they use safety equipment like pads, headgear, and mouthpieces? Do the instructors say anything during class about working safely or taking care of your training partner?
Sure, martial arts, by definition, is about defending yourself from an aggressor, whether by kicking, punching, throwing, gouging, (or even running away!). But training should be done safely so you're able to continue training -- and so you can get out of bed to go to work the next morning. So make safety a prime consideration.
4. Free Trial? Many schools will offer from 1 to 5 free lessons just to get you in the door. Like any promotion, if you like it, they've got you hooked. That's a great way to participate without having to pay any up front costs. They may even let you borrow a uniform to practice in. If there is no literature or poster advertising free introductory lessons, ask. It's very reasonable to ask if your child can try a week for free to see how you like it.
5. Be wary of long-term contracts. Think carefully before agreeing to a one-year contract. What if you don't like the class? What if your kid gets bored? What if you get hurt? What if you move?
Shorter contracts, 3 to 6 months, are generally better. Or some schools offer month to month dues. Some schools offer a savings for long term contracts compared to a monthly payment. That's fine after you've been there for a few months and plan to continue training.
6. What's your style? Not your personal style, but which martial art style do you prefer? Karate? Judo? Krav maga? Tae kwon do? There are dozens of martial arts and different styles or branches within those arts. Some do lots of kicking and punching. Others have no striking techniques at all. Mixed martial arts has become quite popular, combining striking, grappling, and submission techniques from a variety of arts.
Do some research on the internet about the martial arts you've heard of or are interested in. Ask other parents at work or church about their experiences. Your choice may be limited by where you live. Smaller communities may offer only 1 or 2 types of schools within a reasonable distance.
7. Cost. Cost is not always an indicator of quality. Some inexpensive programs at the YMCA or a community center are outstanding. But not always. You can expect to pay from $30 to $250 a month for martial arts instruction.
But also be prepared to pay for uniforms, testing/promotion fees, dues to a national governing body, tournament entry fees, and other equipment such as weapons or sparring gear.
8. Credentials. What are the owner's credentials? What about other instructors? Do they have Black Belt certificates from a governing body? Are they certified coaches through that system?
It's easy to print a certificate on a home printer. Or some styles are somewhat incestuous and promote themselves or their people to 8th degree Grand Master within just a few years. It's not disrespectful to tactfully ask the instructor what his or her background is in the art and in coaching.
9. Insurance. Does the school and instructor have insurance? Most good schools will have liability insurance in case of injury.
The benefits of martial arts training are many. Better fitness, more confidence, peace of mind walking down the street, and the sense of accomplishment when you earn that next belt! But investigate to make sure it's the right school and the right environment for you and/or your child.
