Have you ever been in awe of a well-choreographed movie fight? Many want to be like Jackie Chan or Bruce Lee, while others set their sights on the Octagon, hoping for a shot at glory in mixed martial arts. Still, others simply want to learn basic self-defense. Whatever your reason for wanting to get into the martial arts, make it a point to select a martial arts school according to your needs, and based on the following criteria.
- Style
Most fighters have a couple of styles up their sleeves, but in your case, it would be best to know which particular one you want to try out. Different facilities and instructors specialize in certain forms of martial arts, so don’t go asking a Jiu-Jitsu master for Silat lessons! Know what style you want to learn and find a facility that caters to that practice.
Do consider your conditioning as well. Part of choosing a style is assessing whether or not your body can handle the physical demands. Understand that there are styles that require more cardiovascular effort than others, while there are those that call for a higher level of muscular strength.
- Facilities
Don’t focus on finding the newest or most modern amenities available. What’s important is for the establishment to have the essential gear and proper accreditations, rendering them safe and able to cater to your needs.
- Instructors
As previously mentioned, instructors vary in terms of their expertise, so it’d be wise for you to shop around. Check portfolios and seek referrals if possible. The internet is readily available, so surely you won’t have a difficult time doing some research in this department.
Communicate with the instructors that make your shortlist, ask questions, and assess if they are a perfect fit. If you feel uneasy, then it’s a sign to move on to the next potential candidate. Martial arts training is no short-term endeavor so you want to choose someone who you can actually work with.
- Diversity
A gym full of first-class fighters is not a good starting point. You want to train in a place with a diverse clientele; this means having everything from amateurs to pros under one roof.
- Budget
Finally, look for a school that meets your financial needs. Don’t be surprised if you’re charged several months in advance, as this is how most of these places operate.
Do you have any other relevant criteria when it comes to choosing a martial arts school?
