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Here are some guidelines for those who wish to find a legitimate school.
SELECTING A SCHOOL
The first objective of the prospective student should be to decide what he or she is looking for in terms of a course of study. Are you looking for a sport, an aerobic workout, tradition, or strictly self defense? Although it would seem that all these criteria overlap, it is not necessarily so.
All forms of martial arts that engage in tournaments as part of their regimen supply a good aerobic workout and a sense of competition. If these are your primary interests, a kick boxing school or a traditional school that emphasizes physical conditioning will fit the bill.
The endurance training that is necessary for competitive success in a match measured by rounds is not essential to learn self defense (where a single confrontation requires explosive movements that do not take place over a measured period of time). Also, there should be no competition in a self defense school (how do you compete in defense?).
Many people make the mistake of believing what they see on TV or in the movies is real, and that the movements performed by actors (who are choreographed and have unlimited "takes" to get it right) can work in a real situation. This results in a prospective student trying to find a school that teaches whatever is popular at the time - there is no shortage of schools or "expert" instructors that will teach (sell!) you what you want.
Your only way to make a clear judgement is to visit the school several times to observe classes, and speak with the instructor. Make your goals clear, and based on your conversation and observation of the class, you will be able to make an informed decision.
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The following is meant to be a guideline for the sincere student in selecting a school:
What to Avoid:
1) Schools that will not let you watch a class or speak to the instructor instead of a salesperson ( what are they hiding? ).
2) Instructors (salesmen) who demand a large sum of money "up front" and then want you to sign a contract. This indicates that the school, much like a health club, expects a large dropout rate, and could care less if you show up for class - most schools of this type immediately sell your contract to a credit company! Some schools give a low "up front" price, and then hit you with fees for tests, belts, "clubs" within the school, and other hidden charges. Ask before you sign!
3)lnstructors who claim to be a Master of many different styles. This is simply not possible. It takes many years of concentrated training to be considered a Master in one system!
4) Promises of a Black Belt rank in a specific amount of time. All students progress at their own pace - a legitimate course of study cannot guarantee if or when you will reach a certain rank. If a Black Belt is your primary concern, you might want to rethink your reasons for deciding to study in the first place.
What to Look For:
1) Observe a few classes and determine what type of teaching methods are being used. Does the instructor seem to care more about what the students are learning than what he looks like? Are the students training in a spirit of cooperation rather than competition? Do the classes emphasize practical situations rather than mindless repetition?
2) How much experience does the instructor have? Where did he receive his training, and who promoted him? Does he exhibit a sincere enthusiasm in answering your questions or merely interested in showing off his knowledge (you can partially determine his ego quotient by how many pictures of himself are displayed around the school).
3) Is the school highly regarded by others in the martial arts? Do you have any friends who have studied there who recommend it? How many people involved in the various areas of law enforcement train there or would recommend it?
4) Does the school seem to cater to adults or children? Are classes separated according to age or are children mixed in with adults? Are the adult classes practical? Are the children's classes geared toward situations that a child might face in his daily life, or does it seem like the instructor is merely a babysitter?
Ultimately, everyone does what he or she feels is best. Hopefully, you will ask enough questions to be satisfied that you have made the right choice.
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