For the Beginner:
Some Advice On Choosing A Martial Arts School
By Victor Smith and Christopher Caile
Thinking of studying a martial art? Well, the first
big decisions are which art to choose and where to
train, As you've probably noticed, there are many
different arts to choose from. Finding the correct
art for you to begin is very important. If their initial
experience isn't good, students often find some other
way in which to pass their time. Most people have
one shot to enter the martial arts. If you've decided
to begin training, you want to do everything you can
to find the best school and martial art for you.
First, you want to look around the area where you
live and see what schools are in that area. Look in
the Yellow Pages (and your local newspapers) and see
which schools are listed. Then, talk with friends
and see who may have trained in the martial arts,
or whose friends or children have trained in the martial
arts. This survey should locate many of the schools
in your area. They may include commercial schools
with competitive pricing structures. However, don't
forget clubs with club fees, or local instructors
teaching from churches, schools, Y's or even from
their homes. These programs often charge less since
they have less overhead and may still provide a rewarding
experience. On the other hand, small home schools
and clubs do not support their teachers, and thus
change of jobs or interest or other factors affecting
the teacher may also affect the continued existence
of the school or class schedule.
Now that you have some idea of local schools, do
you have a specific art in mind? If you want to only
train in aikido, judo or a specific style of karate,
is there a school in your area? If not, are you willing
to travel further to find a school in the style you
want? Remember, training is an investment of your
time, your body, your mind, your pocketbook, your
friends and your family. To be successful you have
to address all of these factors in your choice.
One of the most important things is to train in a
school with the best available instructor or instructors,
where "best" means the best human being
you can find. Technical competence is important, but
this is second to the human qualities of the instructor
staff.
Talk to the instructor(s) in question, talk to their
students, watch some classes and form an opinion about
what you see. Did you like the training offered? Do
you think you can do it? Don't be put off if it looks
too technically advanced: everyone has to begin and
learn at some time. Advanced practitioners should
be able to do things you can't yet do.
Also, pay attention to your feelings. What do the
students say about the school? Does the school project
an overall feeling? Find a school where you feel comfortable
with the instructor and the other students. Among
questions you might want to consider are:
1. Does the school's philosophy match your own? For
example, if you choose to study karate, are they teaching
karate-do with the emphasis on self-development and
spiritual growth, or does the school concentrate just
on winning tournaments? Tournaments are fun, but there
is a lot more in the martial arts to learn. If you
like competition, then select a school that also teaches
traditional philosophy.
2. There is also the question of how the school conducts
its classes. Some schools are informal, without many
rules or formal etiquette. Others are more formal
and practice specialized etiquette. At first, the
formal schools may feel a bit uncomfortable, but over
time, you will find they teach values and help you
condition your mind.
3. A related question involves the teacher and his
or her style. We suggest looking for a traditional
style that is part of a larger organization. Also,
look for a teacher with credentials from a recognized
organization. If the teacher is a 25 year old tenth
degree black belt in his own self-created system,
or has high ranks in several different martial arts,
watch out. Even
obtaining a fifth degree black belt in a single art
within a recognized traditional system takes decades
of study.
4. Another sign to consider is the number of higher
belts and senior students, which may indicate that
the school has something that keeps students around.
If the students are all beginners, that may say something
too. In all likelihood, you will have to go back several
times, to make sure you are getting the full picture
of the school.
5. Does the school's training match your current
physical abilities? If you choose karate and the school
emphasizes hard freefighting even for beginners and
you are a professional interested in getting some
exercise, you might not wish to take the risk of getting
banged up. That would be a clear sign that another
type of school may be better for you. You might also
select a non-competitive art like aikido, or a different
type of competitive art like judo.
6. Look at the school class structure. Does it offer
private instruction? Does it offer same belt classes?
Does it offer mixed belt classes? Does it offer women's
only classes? All of these choices appeal to different
individuals, and taking the time to try to find a
school which meets your own goals will help guarantee
a successful choice.
There are also many personal questions to answer:
1. How much time can I spend training? Class time
and its travel will take up time during your week.
You have to budget that time for training if you are
going to be a successful student. If you have less
free time, you might have to choose a school closer
to your home to meet your training needs.
2. How much money can you afford to spend on your
training? With rare exceptions, most schools have
attendant costs. There are monthly or program fees,
plus other costs, such as joining the organization,
getting your uniform, belts and promotions. There
is a wide discrepancy between the different schools
and styles. In some programs you must commit to a
Specified period of time and sign a contract for expenses
over that time. Other schools may just require you
to pay by the month. In any case you must be able
to afford the costs of the program of your choice.
It is important to realize that free instruction does
not guarantee good instruction, nor does expensive
instruction guarantee good instruction. The true worth
of the training depends on the instructor, other class
members and your own attitude and perception. But
watch out if the school requires a significant or
long-term financial commitment. A one-year contract
is not uncommon but if your only option is a multiyear
black belt program, you might consider other
options.
3. Do you have any physical problems that may deter
your training? When beginning any physical program,
it is a good idea to be checked out by your physician.
This will make you feel good about your health, and
provide a benchmark for future physicals, allowing
you and your doctor to chart physical progress from
your training.
4. Are you willing to make the commitment? You must
be able to choose to train over other options, which
may present themselves. If you cannot train on a regular
basis, you will find your progress is very slow which
may cause you to drop out. You must be sure you wish
to commit yourself to this training. And, if you are
starting to train to achieve specific goals, you must
make an investment of time and effort to achieve them.
5. You must address the time training will require
with your family and friends. They need to understand
why you are choosing to spend time, which will take
you away from them. By involving them in the process,
you help avoid future difficulties with them.
Choosing a school and a martial art is not an easy
endeavor, and it is important to make the right choice.
A lot of students drop out because they made a choice
that was not right for them. On the other hand, others
find a school or organization to which they feel they
truly belong and make their study a part of their
lifestyle.
In every case, the choice to join a school and begin
training in the martial arts is a personal one. Take
the time to ask questions, look for yourself and think
it through whether this is training you want to acquire.
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