What to look for in a martial arts class?

This is the first of a 3 part series describing what you need to look for in a martial arts class. First ask yourself what it is you want to get from your training.

What is the instructor/instructors background? Do some research first; with the internet today you should find more than just their website. If you find someone who says they are the founder, master or whatever this is a “red flag”. If they are teaching several styles or have numerous “Black Belts” relate this to what they say they are teaching, it can take a lifetime to develop just one style much less several. How do they intend to teach you all this information in just a couple of years? Stop and think if the class is only 60 minutes how much are you going to be exposed to and what can you retain? Do you homework on the “style” they instruct. There is a wealth of information on the internet and just that can help influence your decision.

If you are looking to get in shape – ask the instructor for specifics on how they use conditioning in a typical class. If they respond with the class gets you in shape – look at the instructor, are they in shape? How does the instructor incorporate endurance training? Bag training, weights, core development, jump rope what do they really offer?

If you want to learn how to defend yourself then classes that teach primarily “Kata” or forms are not as effective as classes that offer “hands on practical application”. On the other hand some people who may have certain physical limitations may want to primarily focus on just Kata and need to avoid physical contact because of physical limitation such as major back problems. If it is “self defense” then how do they teach the subject? Do the students make contact? How aggressive is the contact? If you try a class, ask yourself if you feel that you truly learned self defense applications that were effective? Is the material being instructed “strict” or does the instructor offer alternative methods to adapt to the dynamics of a situation?

Next part two…