How to Evaluate Martial Arts Schools

1. Decide what you want in a Martial Arts School.
    Examples would be sport competition, self defense, spiritual enhancement, combat training, fitness, etc.

2. Then visit the prospective schools you have selected. 

Ask to see your potential class and see if they have an introductory offer. 

Find out how large the classes usually are and compare to the number of instructors. There should be no more than twelve students to each instructor.

Try to find out who teaches the majority of the classes and inquire about their background. 

Always seek out a master instructor who is still training, willing to learn new ideas, and one that is active with the students

Do not judge this instructor by the number of stripes on his/her belt or the amount of certificates on the wall. Try to see them in action. 

Evaluate the students as well because these people are the result of this instructor's training methods. 

How do their skills look? 

What are their attitudes like?

What kind of atmosphere is present?

Remember - convenience is a plus but do not join just because a school is close by. 

Are the qualities of Respect, Confidence, Discipline, Control being taught & practiced or is it a false claim.

Do not be overwhelmed with trophies

These awards in most cases have been well deserved but there is no true correlation between quality training and award winning. Every school focuses on something different.

Check the appearance of the studio What kinds of training equipment does it have? Is the school well maintained & renovated? Is it bright and colorful? These all can be a good indicators because it shows that someone truly cares about the studio if the appearance is pleasing. 

Does the staff appear professional. From office help to instructors. Do you feel as if the service level will be of the highest quality.

3. Be Careful of Rates and Rules

Try to find a school with a yearly agreement. Be sure to know all aspects of the agreement before committing.  Schools with yearly agreements vs. month to month tend to have more committed students, less turnover, higher level of service,  and more financial stability.  This is very important because poorly run schools can close overnight.

Find out if there is an automatic payment program available for your convenience.

Important: Beware of schools that claim they are the "best around". You have to decide for yourself because every instructor does things differently