This is such a great question. People pick different schools for many different reasons: maybe you have a friend going there, maybe it's close to your house or work, maybe their class schedule is the most convenient for you. But if you're just starting your search and you have several options to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming to compare.
On our FAQ page we have a list a questions to ask yourself or the school you're checking out. I want to expound on that list here.
Instructors: Are you comfortable around the instructors?
There is a reason this question is first on this list. If you are not comfortable with the instructors (for whatever reason!) then you are going to have a hard time sticking with your martial arts training. A good fit is someone who puts you at ease immediately.
Do the instructors have energy?
Martial arts should be engaging. You are not going to want to stick it out with a boring instructor. But I should clarify: you want an instructor with good energy. Someone who is off the walls isn't necessarily going to be a good fit either. You want someone who helps you have fun, but also keeps the class focused and learning most of the time.
Is there a good student-to-teacher ratio?
This ratio varies. Big classes can be fun and have a lot of energy. But they tend to be a lot less focused. The younger the students are, the fewer there should be in class. But even as an adult you don't want to attend classes that are so huge you don't get any personal attention. These are my personal recommendations for student-to-teacher ratios in regular classes:
Students age 6 and younger: 10-1
Students age 12 and younger: 20-1
Students age 13 and older: no more than 30 students (less is ideal)
Are the instructors adult black belts?
You might be surprised by how many martial arts schools employ lower ranking or underaged instructors. There is some variance between martial arts as to the qualifications of different belt colors. But in most cases, martial artists who are young or who are still color belts lack the experience to make truly great instructors. Don't misunderstand me: there are some truly phenomenal teenage martial artists out there. But the sad truth is that many people are paying for martial arts lessons and all they're really getting is very expensive babysitting.
How long have the instructors been teaching?
This is tied to the previous question. Some people are born natural teachers and start as amazing instructors from their first day teaching. They are rare. Practice makes perfect for instructors as well as for students.
Are the instructors certified by a national and/or international governing body?
This is an important question to ask for several reasons. First, having the certification grants the school legitimacy. It means that your instructor is qualified to teach and that they have some degree of recognition for their skills. Additionally, it grants the individual students legitimacy. After spending so much time, money, and effort to get a black belt, you want it to mean something! Being certified by a larger organization means that your black belt is recognized outside the four walls of your school.
Facility: Is the school clean and well maintained?
Firstly, this shows that the staff are invested in their school. Secondly, this is for your health and safety.
Do you feel safe in the school?
This includes a lot of factors. Do you feel safe around the staff? Do you feel safe around the other students? Do you feel safe everywhere in the building? Do you feel safe in the parking lot before and after classes? If you're unsure about any aspect of your safety, I would steer clear.
Does the school have liability insurance?
It's unfortunate, but accidents happen. If you are seriously injured, you want to make sure that you have recourse. You should expect to sign a liability waver, but the school should nonetheless have insurance.
Financial: What does tuition include? How long are classes and how many can you attend per week?
Ultimately, you do need to find a school that you can afford. These questions should give you a feel for how the price compares to your other options. I don't believe price should be the first factor in deciding on the school but it does have to weigh in.
Do you have to sign a contract? How long is it?
Be wary of contracts, especially long ones (more than six months). If you decide to sign one, make sure that you review the cancellation and payment policies. Schools that lack integrity will try to keep you locked in or refuse to refund you, regardless of circumstances. It is my personal philosophy that contracts are unnecessary: either you will love my classes or you won't. If I try to keep you around when you're not enjoying my classes, all I will create is hard feelings and that doesn't do either of us any good.
Do the fees increase as you get higher in rank?
Unless you are getting more classes, longer classes, or some other tangible benefit, there is absolutely no reason lessons should cost more for a red belt than they do for a white belt.
What additional fees will you have to pay? (Fees might include belt tests, competitions, equipment, association fees, insurance, uniform fees, upgrades, seminars, merchandise, etc.)
This is just for your knowledge. Candidly, martial arts can be an expensive sport. You should be prepared up front for anything you might be asked to pay. Again, be wary of fees that increase for no apparent reason.
Vision and Focus: Does the mission statement align with your own values and goals?
Ask yourself what you want to get out of martial arts training. Do you want to be a cage match fighter? Then don't pick a karate school with mostly kids. Do you crave the traditions and history of old school martial arts? Then look for a school that incorporates those elements and can trace their lineage to the art's country of origin. Do you want to increase your fitness level? Then take trial classes and see if you get a good workout. It's all about what you're hoping to achieve.
Do they teach their students self control and respect?
This is so important. All martial arts inherently teach techniques that can be dangerous in the wrong hands. Make sure that self control and respect for others are part of the program. You don't want to be part of a system that creates bullies.
Can students continue to progress beyond first degree black belt?
Black belt should really only be the beginning of your martial arts journey. If black belt is the end goal, you will be missing out on so much growth that can only start there. Make sure that your instructor is qualified to continue your progression for as long as you want to keep learning.
Is the instructor someone you want to emulate?
If you don't look up to the instructor, then you're in the wrong place. Find someone who inspires you to be better tomorrow than you are today. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Most instructors are happy to answer them all! Good luck in your search for a martial arts school.
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