10 Tips on How to Choose a Martial Arts or Combat Sports School

We understand that convenience and price are the concerns when choosing a school. But what exactly are you paying for? If you were buying a car, wouldn’t you want to know whether it was a Rolls Royce or a Yugo?

In the case of children, this question becomes even more important. Understand that once you learn something you can’t unlearn it. So, if you child is young beware of entering your children into schools that don’t know the difference between aggressiveness and assertiveness. There are many that entertain, but don’t nurture.

We live in a time where martial sport overrides marital art. The difference is huge but either way, do your research when seeking a school. Just because someone opens a school or gym doesn’t immediately qualify them as a competent teacher and certainly not a Master, which requires a minimum of 15 years experience.

Things to check for:

1. How long has the school been in operation?

2. How long has the main instructor been teaching (should be a 7 year minimum)

3. Injuries are a big concern, talk to other students about their track record.

4. Are all staff certified in CPR? This demonstrates conscientiousness.

5. What other credentials do they have? Are they paid for or earned?

6. Does the instructor have superior knowledge about one thing or do they have a little bit of everything? You’ll want a specialist.

7. Are there any lawsuits either personally or professionally?

8. Online reviews are good indicators, but not always factual. Read the bad ones also.

9. Do a background check. Some have skeletons in their closets.

10. Be aware how much social interaction is involved. Sometimes the camaraderie that humans enjoy overrides the quality and professionalism. No judgment, your choice.