It’s not the Size of the Ad…

            One thing you should consider before you begin looking for a martial arts school is, “What is my ultimate goal?” Are you looking for a traditional martial arts school, a sports martial arts school, a school with health club benefits, a school that specializes in self-defense or perhaps some combination thereof? Your goals will help determine what style or type of martial arts class is right for you.  

            Don’t allow yourself to be pressured by anyone else. In order to be successful in the martial arts you need to find something that ‘fits’ with your goals and your personality. Your instructor’s philosophy about the martial arts should be in line with your own. If your ideas don’t mesh with each other then chances are you will find out in short order that you aren’t happy with your decision.

There are a lot of genuinely good instructors working to keep integrity an interregnal part of the martial arts and they will make sure their class is right for you before allowing you to enroll. There are a few great instructors that devote their lives to their art and students. If you are very fortunate you may find such a person. Unfortunately, there are even a few teachers of questionable abilities who put their students at risk to make a few bucks. The trick is knowing the difference between a good and a bad instructor when you see it.

            It isn’t the size of the sign or the ad in the local phone book that should impress you. It is the willingness of the instructor (not a salesman) to sit down and talk with you before he or she signs you up for that 12 or 24 month contract. Are you getting straight answers to your questions? Are you being asked as many questions as your asking? Is the instructor interested in what you have to say? Are realistic goals being set and discussed from the outset?

            A good instructor realizes that it is important to communicate with students and potential students on more than just financial level. Knowing what a student’s goals and expectations are help an instructor learn what is important to him or her. Conversely, it is just as important for the instructor to communicate what his or her style involves and what he or she expects from the student. Like any good relationship both sides need to have an understanding of the other side desires.

Part of the reason there is such a high drop out rate in the martial arts is due unreasonable expectations and a perceived lack of fulfillment on the part of many beginning students. Some children actually believe that after one or two classes they will have the skill of a ‘Power Ranger’. I even remember one young child asking me when he would learn how to fly. Often times an in depth conversation prior to starting a martial arts program will avoid problems down the road

            Don’t be afraid to ask about your teachers qualifications. If instructor is genuine, then he or she will be happy to discuss their background. They will be able to provide you with referrals and the names of their instructors for verification. Even though it isn’t necessary, certification from a recognized national or international organization may be a good sign for a potential instructor.

Most martial arts schools aren’t free to students and the goal isn’t to break even. Martial arts instructors, like everyone else, need to make money to pay their bills. Different types of schools use different types of marketing strategies. Some induce students with reduced rates for family participation, some have programs designed to get your ‘black belt’ within a specified period of time, and still others provide a plethora of related services such as weight training or cardio kick boxing to bring you in.

            In and of themselves marketing strategies don’t tell you a lot about the instructional integrity of the school.  For instance, a ‘black belt’ program can be as or more difficult than traditional programs were and with more restrictions. It can, also, be little more than a diploma factory in the hands of greedy ‘martial arts instructors.’ The same can be said about almost any type of program. Don’t assume as school is good or bad simply because of their programs or prices.

            One final thought to use during a conversation with a potential instructor, many people consider health issues a taboo subject but an instructor who genuinely cares about the well- being of his or her students will inquire about their health. A strong suggestion to watch a class and see their family physician before starting a training class is definitely a good sign.

“My Student’s Are My Trophies”

            I remember a little boy coming to me once after a tournament and asking, “Trophies mean you are good don’t they?” The inference is that since he didn’t win, he must not have been any good. This fallacy has carried over to a lot of adults. For some reason many people think that if a school or an instructor has a lot of trophies displayed, it means they are better than the instructor down the street that has none. I have heard stories of teachers requiring their students turn their trophies over to the school for display. I have even heard it alleged that there are instructors who buy old trophies to decorate their schools with. Trophies, like belt ranks, are only significant if they are earned. Don’t be fooled by window dressings.

            I was in Baltimore a few years ago when I heard a very old martial arts teacher speak about his students. As he recounts it, he was being harassed by a bunch of young black belts at martial arts event about what he has done during his career in the martial arts. Did he ever win a national title? Could he have taken Bruce Lee if they fought when he was at his peak? If he was so good then why hadn’t they heard of him before?

He looked at them and said, “I am no one. I have never won or even competed in a tournament. I never felt the need. I would have never fought Bruce Lee because he did nothing to try and harm me.” His candor must have taken them back a bit and he continued to speak, “See that young boy over there. He is my student and he wanted to come to this event. I came to support him. He and his fellow students are what is important to me. They are my trophies.” They laughed and walked away from him. They missed the point.

            I don’t know whether the boy did well or not in his competition. It didn’t matter. I didn’t need to see his style or his form. Hearing the old man talk, I knew the boy had already won. He had a great teacher.

Copyright 2005 Jeffrey W. Helaney

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