Choosing the right school

by Shihan Raffi A. Derderian

How do you choose the right school for you or your child?  Do you have doubts about the school where you are currently enrolled?

There are many things to consider when you decide WHERE you want to train, and WHO you put your trust in to learn a particular martial art.

Let’s start by saying first that there are some excellent martial arts schools out there. Some of the finest instructors in the country can be found right here in Rhode Island. However, the "business" of martial arts has become the obsession with many schools across the country. There are some schools that are more concerned with finding ways to take your money than with teaching you. The children's programs in these schools emphasize character development (which certainly IS important), and ignore the main reason that the students are there: to learn martial arts. Before you call any martial arts academy, decide first why you want to train. What are your goals for you/your child? I started my training in 1973, and in that time hundreds and hundreds of people have told me their goals for themselves and/or their children. The most common are: self defense, confidence, better physical fitness, losing weight, and increased self-discipline. All of these can certainly be attained through the study of martial arts.

Once you have determined your goals, do a little research. If you wanted to buy a car would you just go to the first showroom your drove by and purchase the first vehicle you saw? Of course not. Research the martial arts offered in your area. The internet is where most people start. There is a vast difference between the various styles of martial arts. Some will be better suited for you than others.

Check the instructor's credentials. If they are vague or not even listed, this is may be a "red flag". There are no government regulations for martial arts (yet), and some people will claim whatever they want.  If they claim they studied under a particular Master, check it out. Go to that Master’s website and see if the instructor is listed. Email the Master and verify the school owner's credentials. Over the years, I personally have had several people contact my own teachers and do this. I encourage it. If everyone did this, there would be much less fraud in our industry.

If you are happy with your research for a particular school, the next step is to give them a call. They should give you some information on the phone. They may not discuss price, but try to get an idea how they compare to other schools in the area. If, during your phone conversation, you feel like you are being pressured with cheap sales tactics, move on. If you are happy with what they tell you, schedule a visit to watch a class.

The "Red Flag" List

If you visit a martial arts school where some, or all of the following apply, you might want to keep looking.

The class is more like recess in a Karate uniform.

The bottom line for martial arts is that it is a fun activity. In Children's Karate classes, the instructor has to make it  enjoyable or the kids just won't want to come back. It is fine to have karate or skill-building games in classes, however, when the games overtake the learning of martial arts, it becomes recess in a uniform. Is this what you want for your child?

They won't let you watch a class.

There is no reason why you can't watch part or all of a class. If an instructor won't let you view the students working out, you may want to move on.

Cleanliness

Is the facility clean? Are there any odors when you walk in the door? If the first thing you notice when you arrive is the smell of the unclean rug, it may say that the school isn't sanitary. Would you want to practice rolls (or do pushups) on a gross rug? There are schools where this is an issue.

They seem more focused on taking my money than teaching Karate.

Are there fees for some or all of these: testing, graduation, renewals. If so, do you feel they are reasonable? Are there extra fees to learn weapons or sparring? Are there a lot of different colored uniforms, and is it mandatory to purchase a new one at every belt promotion?  Do they charge more if you want to become an instructor? A martial arts school is a business, they can charge as much as they want for anything, but make sure you are comfortable with the expenses associated with your training.  

(Derderian Academy does NOT charge test fees for ranks under Black Belt. No one can say they were promoted by us for any other reason than earning it.)

Everyone is doing back flips.

Does the class you are watching look more like a gymnastics class or a martial arts class? Of course there is nothing wrong with doing back flips. (I wish I could do one) They make for an exciting display at a demonstration and require a great athletic ability to execute properly. Some martial arts (Chinese Wu Shu, for example) actually use gymnastic- type techniques. Watch the students in the class and be sure this is what you are looking for.

Do they have long term (3+ years) membership contracts?

For some people, this is quite a commitment. Be sure you are comfortable with this before you sign.

Other things to consider:

Do they have a curriculum of self defense, and do they actually practice it? Remember, martial arts is about personal protection. Do the students look like they are practicing a style that looks effective?

Are the instructors physically fit themselves?

Is it like a military boot camp? Does it seem like the class is engaged in activities that seem reckless? Are the instructors beating up on the students?

There is nothing wrong with making a living. Martial arts schools have bills just like any other business. If you find a school you are interested in, be sure you understand the way they do business.

There is a school out there for everyone. Do some research. Make an informed decision.

Raffi A. Derderian