Maryland Martial Arts | Martial Arts Buyers Guide Checklist

10 Things You Must Consider Before Joining a Martial Arts School…

• 1. Are their instructors qualified?

  Take the time to research what exactly are the instructor’s credentials. Have they competed? What is their background outside of the martial arts? What is the reputation of the organization that they represent i.e. do they "sell" belts? If your child is going to be involved in the program, what is the background of his teacher? Remember, if you want to be the best you have to learn from the best. For children, you want to find an instructor who will reinforce the proper values in your child.

• 2. Does the school have a written curriculum?

  Is there a method to the madness? You’ll be shocked to discover how many martial arts schools don’t follow a step-by-step program so neither the teacher nor the student knows where he is headed or how far along he is. Surprising but true.

• 3. Does the school produce winners?

  Ask yourself, has this school produced any national champs or winning teams? No matter the credentials of the instructor, it does you no good if he can't pass on that expertise. One big warning sign that the school is not “legit” is if they only compete at their own in-house tournaments.

• 4. Does the school adapt itself to the client's needs?

  Whether you want to be physically fit, learn self defense, or train for the World Championships, the school should allow you to set your own goals and help you achieve them. You don’t want to be forced into any sparring if you don’t want to.

• 5. The prices are NOT unbelievably low.

  Remember that you usually get what you pay for. You don’t get a Rolex for the price of a Fossil and you don’t get a Ferrari for the same price as a Honda (and I love Hondas!). Schools that are extremely cheap also require a large student base – they follow a quantity over a quality business model. These “bargain” schools usually have dirty facilities, unqualified instructors, and don’t offer an advanced Adult program.

• 6. What is the student demographic at the school?

  Some schools have 90% children and 10% adults. If you are an adult martial artist, obviously that type of school is not for you. Likewise, you will have schools that are 90% 18-25 year olds who all want to be the next Ultimate Fighter. If you are a casual student or want to get children enrolled in the program, then perhaps that is not for you. You will have schools that are mostly male-bonding tough guy schools and others that include people of all different backgrounds – make sure you know what is the demographics of the school that you will be joining as they will be your training partners for the next few months!

• 7. How does the martial arts school maintain its cleanliness?

  Any student base that is training hard will have to keep their mats clean. Make sure you know how often and when the facilities are being cleaned. At best, they should have a mat scrubber machine that allows one person to vacuum and sanitize the mats at one time. Otherwise, the school should use a 3-part cleaning system that includes vacuuming for debris, mopping once with solution, and then mopping a second time to clean off the dirty solution.

• 8. What extra fees beyond membership does the martial arts school charge?

  One policy that many martial arts schools adopt is to have a low monthly tuition but have add-on fees that make up for the low price point. Some schools require students to pay a fee for belt promotions. Others require (paid) attendance at monthly seminars. Others require a particular uniform purchasable only through them. Make sure you know what additional fees will be required for you to get the most of your martial arts experience.

• 9. What tuition options are available?

  Each school has different ways to finance their programs. Some require long-term contracts, others do not. Be careful of programs that automatically renew your contract. Make sure you know under what terms you can cancel your program; martial arts programs will usually require advance notice and sometimes a cancellation fee.

• 10. What are the facilities like?

  Go take a look at the facilities to see the cleanliness and upkeep of the facilities. Are they using quality matting? Do they have the requisite proper equipment? These are all things you will not find on their website or via phone so make sure you stop in and give the school a look –see.