How to pick the right martial arts school:
How do I select the right martial arts school for myself or my kids?
1. Ask yourself what your reasons for wanting to train are. It is very hard to pick something without first defining what it is you want to get out of it. Do you want to learn self-defense? Do you want to learn how to be more confident or assertive at work or school? Do you need to work on your self-esteem? Maybe you just want to try martial arts to be like your favorite martial arts athlete or movie star?
2. Ask yourself what type of martial arts appeals to you. There are thousands of great martial arts out there, so it will help to narrow down your options to just a few.
3. Find out what martial arts schools are out there in your area to narrow down the search even more.
4. Once you find out what is in your area, see if any of the options line up with what appeals to you. It is a good idea to do an internet search to see any reviews or even videos of the particular school. If you do not know exactly what you are looking for at this point, it is also a good idea to check out the local schools and schedule a time to observe the classes, or even participate in an introductory lesson.
5. After visiting some classes, you should have a feel for what is offered in your area. After that, the last step is to choose which one is right for you.
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How to tell if a martial arts school is right for you...
1. Contact any martial arts schools you are interested in and schedule a time to either observe a class, or even participate in an introductory lesson if offered.
2. Once you contact a school, do not be afraid to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have. If a school owner makes you feel stupid for asking questions, then this is not the school for you.
3. Do the philosophies of the school line up with your own set of core values and beliefs?
4. Consider the price of tuition. Find something that fits your budget, especially at first when you don't necessarily know what you are looking for. You can go to a different school that suits your needs if needed once you have gotten a good martial arts foundation and are better equipped to judge for yourself.
5. Do you feel comfortable and safe in the training environment? This should actually be your #1 priority when you are visiting schools. Do the instructors promote safe training practices? If you get a weird feeling about a place, it is usually in your best interest to avoid it.
6. Does the school promote courtesy and respect towards others? Remember, a good martial arts school will not only focus on physical techniques, but also promote character development as well. A good school produces kind, but very capable martial artists.
7. Don't just talk to the school owners. Talk to the parents and even the adult students about the classes. If you are trying to select a school that will help teach your child to remain calm, for instance, ask another parent about how the school has helped their child's self-control. If you are looking for adult classes for yourself, don't be afraid to ask other adult students about what they like about the school and any other questions that may come to mind.
8. Relax. Don't rush into something you are not comfortable with. It is okay to take your time in selecting the right school for you or your child. You may even be able to find schools that do not require a contract and is pay by the month only. You could participate in the class for a month or two to get an idea if you like it or not.
9. Is the class fun? Once you have participated in a couple of classes, you should know whether or not you enjoy yourself during training. Martial arts is hard work, but if you are not also having fun with it, you are on the way to burn out and you will wind up quitting eventually.
10. If you find a school that you feel comfortable and safe in, fits your budget, and appeals to you, you have most likely found a place to begin your martial arts journey.
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