Choosing a karate school

Deciding to begin martial arts training can be one of the best decisions in the life of a man, woman or child. With proper training the karateka (student) will learn self-defense, self-discipline, self-control, respect, and gain in self-esteem and self-confidence. Deciding to begin a training program is the easy part, picking the style to learn is something totally different.

There are literally hundreds if not thousands of different styles out there to study. Take these various styles and multiply all the different schools for each style and confusion can often be the result.

Pick several different people whose style you liked and go up to them after the competition and ask them what and where they study. Most martial artists are friendly and love to impart their wisdom and promote their school to beginners. Some will give you the entire history lecture while you stand there.

If they say their school is miles away from you, ask for the school number and call to see if they can recommend one in your area. Sit down with a checklist and start calling from your phone book.

Ask if they allow someone to come in and observe their class. During testing, it isn’t uncommon for schools to close their doors to the public but if they refuse for any other reason, search elsewhere. Some will say they don’t want to “give away their secrets”. If you can learn these supposed secrets by watching a one-hour class, they must not be that hard or secretive.

Bring up the subject of money, contracts and uniforms. Find out if they will allow you to pay monthly or require a year or two year long contract. Also ask if uniforms are required the first few sessions and if they must be purchased through the school. This can be an issue with parents whose children try something for a month or two and then want to move on to something else.

Find out the particulars for rank advancement. Testing and belts cost money but do they charge to put a piece of tape on an already acquired belt? Do they have certain times of the year testing is done or is it on individualized accomplishment?

For adults, this can be an issue if you find you are not physically able to do your first choice in style. Those that require the flashy jumps and high kicks could prove almost impossible for someone who has injured their back, hips or knees.

When you go to observe the class, ask to see the sensei’s certificates, find out whom they have studied under and if there is a way of contacting their instructor. Ask where the instructor is studying at now. True training begins, not ends with a black belt. Almost anyone that sticks with a given style long enough can become a black belt but a true instructor must be taught. Is the owner of the school mainly interested in money or does he or she become engrossed with the idea of teaching and to continue teaching? They need to continue learning.

Observe class discipline during the entire period as well as the respect the students give to the instructors and each other. If students become rowdy and are called down by assistant instructors, does the sensei back up the instructors? For karate to teach self-discipline, it needs to start in the dojo. Do the instructors and sensei show self-restraint and respect for each other?

Take notes of the different schools you visit and weigh the points you like or dislike. After you have picked a school, pay for a month of tuition and try it out. Give it at least a month, practice what you learn at home and then decide if it is the style for you. If not, ask yourself why? Perhaps you are the only adult in a class of thirty children or the only female in the class. This was the situation for the author but instead of posing a problem, provided a greater opportunity to practice against larger and stronger opponents.

Once you find the style and school that suits you, buy your uniform and make a concentrated effort at being there every time class is offered. Ask questions about anything you don’t understand. Most instructors will tell you the only stupid question is the one that isn’t asked. If at anytime something happens that you are uncomfortable with, inform the instructor immediately. Female survivors of rape or sexual abuse often have issues with holds, throws and takedowns. Those that have suffered from physically abusive relationships may freeze when in a sparring situation with a man. If this is the case, the instructor should be aware of the issue and work with you on it. Don’t quit because you are ashamed to admit you may have a problem. There is no shame in honesty. If your sensei isn’t willing to work with you then start looking elsewhere.