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9 Question You Need To Ask Before Training
February 2, 2006
Thinking of taking Martial Arts? Choosing a Martial Arts
school can be intimidating, but not if you do some research
first. Knowing these nine questions to ask before you pick
any school for yourself or your child will ensure a
positive experience.
1. Do you have belt test fees? And if so, how much are
they? If they do, make sure you ask what they charge for
each belt, so you know your true costs.
2. Do they mix adults with kids when training? Most schools
consider an adult to be 12 or 13. You do not want to pair
up with a youth if you are an adult. It slows down your
training.
3. Do they do tournaments? Many places will say yes, but
you don't have to participate. Well let me tell you, the
four weeks before the tournament, most schools are so busy
getting ready for it, you will be a punching bag until the
tournament is over.
4. Do they allow the public to watch the classes? I really
dislike being watched while I teach or practice. Do you
really want to be trying to learn an advance move that
looks real funny, with people on the side lines laughing at
you? Most of my students do not, so we do NOT allow it,
except during the kid class. All parents are allowed to
watch their kids if they want to. If the school does not
allow that - watch out.
5. What style do they teach? I am a traditionalist. I like
to teach and learn only one style. Many incomplete styles
have to bring in different systems to complete their style.
Not a good thing. Imagine speaking a quarter English, a
quarter French, a quarter Spanish, and a quarter Russian.
You would never learn to write. Try to stick to a complete
system that is not just the flavor of the month.
6. What type of screening process do they have? Can just
anybody train? Remember, you will be learning a martial
art, and in the course of things, someone will be punching
and kicking at you. It is nice to know that the instructor
screened his students (All my students go through an
ongoing screening process, starting with the very first
interview and first lesson).
7. How often can I come in? I allow my students full access
to the training hall all day long, five days a week. If you
can only come down twice a week, that is ok if that works
for you. I just know that working with adults, their
schedule is always changing, so we have to change with
them. Just be aware of what you can and can not do. If all
the sudden you cannot make your seven o'clock lesson, do
they have another time for you?
8. Who teaches the class? Are they paid instructors or just
teenage helpers trying to get their next belt? A paid
instructor usually knows that they are being paid by the
student. The unpaid teenager often doesn't care if you stay
or go, learn or not.
9. Do they have contracts? I love this one. I have done it
both ways. I have signed contracts and I have not signed
them. Let me tell you, the person that does not have a
contract is no professional. They usually are the worst run
schools. You must absolutely know up front what is expected
from you, the student, and what you can expect from the
school. How many times have you heard "get it in writing"?
Well do it. The only reason not to sign a contract is the
length of time you are committing to. Remember, they are
committing to you as well. Contracts are not one sided. If
you are not going to be in the area for the term of the
contract, don't sign it. All my agreements have a clause
allowing you out if you get sick or move. One last thing,
would you buy a house, rent an apartment, purchase a car,
or sell a house without some sort of contract? I think not.
So do not fall for "we don't have contracts here". A month
to month club is just that, a month to month club. It takes
two to commit. If the school is willing to commit, so
should the student.
There are many other things to be aware of, but I feel
these are the most critical. If you have any questions
about a school in your area or want some advice, feel free
to email me at the contact address below. I will be happy
to help you make the right decision.
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