Finding The Right Martial Arts Studio
Choosing the right studio for you and your family is
a very important task. Your instructor will have a strong
influence on your personal training and overall enjoyment
of the martial arts. Children will quote their instructor
at the dinner table. As an adult you’ll share personal
situations and obstacles with your instructor. Do your
homework and visit some potential studios. Ask this
simple question, “How does the martial arts program
actually do what it advertises?”. Most studios
advertise the development of self confidence, self esteem,
discipline, respect, self defense, weight loss, etc.
Just sit and watch and see if the atmosphere of the
studio delivers on its promises.
Here is some general information about choosing a martial
arts studio, but remember not all programs are right
for everyone. Even if your friends recommend it, you
must decide what’s right for you or your family.
A studio advertises that they teach confidence and
self esteem. What is actually being done to empower
the students? It could be as simple as higher levels
of fitness, or a quick little self defense trick. The
bottom line here will come from watching a class. Try
and watch a couple classes, this will give you an idea
of the atmosphere in the studio, how classes begin and
end, and what some of your future training partners
are like. Are students trying new things and getting
better? Is it an environment of positive learning?
A studio advertises that they teach discipline.
Discipline is performed when a student actually
controls their technique. Technique could mean a physical
move, mental thought, spoken words or feelings and emotions.
Understanding and developing this kind of self control
is inherent in any quality martial arts program. Discipline
is not punishment, punishment is done out of anger and
frustration. Watch out for punishment being disguised
as discipline.
A studio advertises that they teach respect.
Respect is a two way street. A quality instructor deeply
respects their students, and recognizes the commitment
it takes to attend martial arts classes on a regular
basis. A quality student trusts their instructor’s
guidance, even if the technique or drill feels awkward
at first. Ask yourself this question, “Does your
instructor have your best martial arts interests at
heart?”. If the answer is “yes”, then
congratulations you’re in a respectful place.
A studio advertises that they will help you increase
your fitness level. This one is simple, does the
instructor look healthy? Can they perform the moves
appropriate to their age? Sometimes there will be a
real wise old instructor, they normally don’t perform
all the latest jumping moves, however, they’d have
a younger instructor who can perform all the neat, highly
advanced techniques that everyone loves to watch. Don’t
buy into the “We stand and fight, this isn’t
a runner’s club.” Any instructor who doesn’t
openly discuss fitness levels and healthy lifestyle
should be avoided.
There are plenty of different and fantastic studios
out there, take the time to find the one that’s
right for you. And remember, your instructor should
be someone you can look up to and hold in high regard.
Happy kicking
The Karate Guy