How to join a Martial Arts class

Walking on your way to work, browsing in a bookstore, and even picking up toothpaste at the health food market – you’re bound to see an ad for martial arts training in any of these places. But how do you know if these instructors or classes offer the real thing? Before you decide to answer the ad, review these steps to help you find the martial arts program right for you.

What kind of martial art is it? Do your research
There are hundreds of types of martial arts to learn. Some are more challenging than others because of various physical and mental requirements. It’s important to do research on the art because it will help you understand what’s expected in training and what you may achieve with proper instruction. For absolute beginners, The Martial Arts Encyclopaedia or Martial Arts for Dummies by Jennifer Lawlor are basic reference guides that provide initial direction on martial arts types and learning outcomes.

Why do I want to join? What are my goals? Make a list
Making a list of goals and reasons for learning will help you choose the martial art that best fits your needs. For example, if you want to learn how to defend yourself, but aren’t interested in participating in competitions, Wing Tsun may be more suitable for you than Kendo. If you want to earn “belts” or other markers of achievement, there are certain arts that offer these designations and others that don’t.

Ensure that you can also answer these basic questions:

• How much time can I dedicate?
• How much am I able to spend on lessons?
• Do I want private training or group classes?
• Where do I want to train? Am I willing to travel far for training?
• What do I want to achieve within a certain time period?

Be honest and realistic with yourself. Don’t expect to become Bruce Lee in a month because, in reality, these arts take a long time to perfect. Every martial arts type is great for personal fitness, increased self confidence, and even cultural knowledge, but it’s a more fulfilling experience when your personal goals and needs are met.

Where do I start my journey? Start at the top and work your way down
Legitimate and professionally trained martial artists are members of not-for-profit associations or international federations that regulate, promote, and develop the art. These organizations operate with executive level staff or committee and have an independent body (like a board of directors) that monitor the organization’s operations. Information about an instructor’s or school’s qualifications are usually available to the public and inquiries are welcome.

Contact these organizations for a list of local instructors or schools, keeping in mind that these references are just a starting point. Universities and colleges may have student level martial arts associations and federations that offer classes at campus athletic centres. Your city’s community centres may also offer programs or direct you to programs in your area.

Here are a few links to associations and federations found online:
Canadian Martial Arts Association: http://www.cnmaa.com/home.htm
International WingTsun Association – North America: http://www.wtdefense.com/
Wushu Canada – Confederation of Canadian Wushu Organizations: http://www.wushucanada.com/
World Tae Kwon Do Federation: http://www.wtf.org/
International Kung Fu Federation: http://www.internationalkungfu.com/

Online forums are another way to find instructors and schools, and get peer reviews of them. Links can be found on popular martial arts media sites (e.g., Black Belt Magazine: http://www.blackbeltmag.com/), university or college websites, and martial arts web portals like www.MartialArtsWorldwide.com and www.USAdojo.com. You may gain a better understanding of what you need to look for in a school and get first hand account of student experience.

Don’t forget to talk to your network of friends and family

Their connections could provide you with good leads to instructors, schools, and students of the martial arts.

Which one do I choose? Observe or participate in more than one trial class
Create a list of the instructors/schools, then and ask each one if you can observe or participate (Note: Only if you’re in good physical condition.) in a free trial class. Only by seeing a class live can you truly judge whether or not it’s right for you.

While your there ensure that you:

1. Review any legal or contractual documentation.
2. Review any certification from professional associations.
3. Review any school regulations, uniform requirements, and class syllabus
4. Discuss the costs of participation up front: fees, equipment, testing fees, extra costs outside of the class, payment methods and refund policy.
5. Understand the instructor/school expectations of students
6. Ask about special seminars, workshops, and testing

Judge each experience using your own criteria, which may include the number of participants, age and sex range of students, class environment, philosophy, rules, regulations, teaching style of instructor, and learning outcomes within time frame of the class.

How do I know it’s legit? Review the telltale signs
On your search, be aware of these telltale signs of poorly operated schools and questionable instructors:

Pressure to sign up right away
It’s not in your best interest to make a split decision unless you’re absolutely certain. Don’t sign up until you’re ready to do so.

Outrageous fees and hidden costs
Fees vary, but generally instructors and schools should offer a variety of fee levels (usually by year, month or number of classes), and outline all the costs of becoming a student. This may include membership fees, uniform costs, testing fees, and association or federation membership fees. Get this information up front and in writing.

Outrageous claims and advertising
Is it really the number 1 school in the world? Are those trophies and awards genuine? Can they really teach you to be an expert in a month? The truth is, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Any martial arts instructor or school that operates commercially, but honestly, won’t have to gain your attention with outrageous ads. The high quality of instruction and the genuine dedication to students is more important than flashy awards, titles or claims.

Unhealthy teaching style and class environment
Does the instructor remind you of John Kreese, the hardened and merciless leader of the Cobra Kai in the movie The Karate Kid? Are the students more interested in competing or collaborating with each other? Martial arts classes do have rules of conduct and etiquette that encourage respect and discipline; however, it shouldn’t feel like military school. You should feel comfortable enough to ask questions, make mistakes, and ask for help.

Unsafe location and physical environment
The location of the class should meet basic safety standards, including access to first aid, fire exits, and enough room to accommodate a number of people in class. Ask questions about the environment before you visit and bring a friend as a safety precaution – especially, if the class operates out of a private home. If you don’t feel safe, it’s not the place to be.

Am I ready to take the class? Always check with a medical professional
As with any sport or exercise, check with a medical professional beforehand to ensure you don’t have any prior medical conditions that may prevent you from safely participating in the class. If you’ve got the okay, you’re ready to go!