A Parents Guide to Selecting a Martial Arts School.
What to look for in a Martial Arts school.
Since I opened my school, I have been frequently asked by parents what to look for when trying to find a quality martial arts school. Many want to provide this information to their friends or family who can not attend classes at this school due to its location. And unfortunately, I have also been asked by my current students who are moving away. After much thought, I have come up with the following things that parents should ask themselves or look for in a martial arts school before enrolling.
The Instruction
The martial arts style is not as important as the instructor.
Look for a full time school with a full time chief instructor who teaches most of the classes. Because a certain level of maturity is needed to deal with the numerous life issues that students confront, the instructor should be married and over the age of 25.
Look at the actual teaching skills of the instructor rather than his/her rank. Provided that the Chief Instructors rank is at least that of 2nd Degree Black Belt, rank is really not that important. There are more false "Masters" of the martial arts than there are legitimate ones. Be very careful of this, or any other, title.
Make sure that all of the people who will be teaching are at least a black belt and have been certified to teach by some national martial arts group. Colored belts should only be used in supporting roles to keep order.
Find out how often the assistant instructors actually teach the class.
Do not be influenced by trophies or the instructor's tournament accomplishments. The number of trophies and tournament accomplishments of the instructor does not mean that the instructor can teach. Championships and trophies are not what true martial arts is about.
What was the chief instructor's profession and/or occupation prior to opening the school? What was the instructor's highest level of formal education?
Does the school teach weapons? There is no reason for children to learn weapons of any sort. Children lack the maturity to comprehend the moral significance of weapon usage.
Make sure the instructor is affiliated with some national martial arts organization that provides some sort of quality control.
The Classes
Inquire about the number of classes that you or your child can attend each week. The more the better. Anything less than three is too little. Make sure that the class times are flexible so that if a hectic week forces you to change your schedule that you can still attend class.
Make sure that parents and spectators are allowed to watch classes. A closed door policy is a red flag that something is wrong with the teaching methods in the school.
Are classes fun or is it the same thing day after day? While repetition is important, classes should be an interesting, fun learning experience.
When do students begin breaking wood or sparring? White belts should NEVER be asked to do either!
Children and adults should have separate class times. They should not be training together.
Can students get special help for free if needed? Whether the private help lessons are taught by fellow students or the chief instructor, they should be free.
Does the school participate in open tournaments or invitations? Open tournaments are usually a redneck festival worthy of a Jeff Foxworthy joke. Avoid them!
What activities does the school do besides classes, testings and tournaments to promote a family atmosphere? Look for activities such as lock-ins, parties, picnics, etc.
The School
Try to pick a school with a convenient location. If it is not convenient, you will not utilize it. However, this should be your last priority. Convenience alone is not a good method of picking a school. But at the same time, a school across town is not a good option.
Make sure that the location is clean and is cleaned every day.
Does the school sell any products unrelated to the martial arts or that seem out of place for the environment? If so, this is an indicator that the school is in trouble financially and may be saying anything to get business.
The Membership
One year memberships are standard in our industry among full-time instructors. Do not initially sign up for more than one year. If they pressure you for more, forget it. Leave. Never pay for your initial membership up front. Pay in monthly installments in case the school should close.
Ask how often the students test and how much testing costs. Specifically ask how much it costs to test for Black Belt (at some schools this could be hundreds of dollars). Also ask what equipment the students are required to have, when they are required to have it, and how much it costs.
Make sure that the rates are reasonable, but do not go to the cheapest place. Remember, you get what you pay for.