How to Choose a Martial Art School

Copyright © 2000 John Lindsey. Reproduction for personal use is permitted provided acknowledgment is given to the author, E-Budo (http://www.e-budo.com), and EJMAS (http://ejmas.com).

Here is a convenient tool to use whenever selecting a martial art school.

1. Print the chart and take it with you when you go to the school.
2. Place a check next to each word or phrase mentioned during the sales pitch.
3. When you get five in a row, jump up and run for the door.

 

 

Free uniform ("gi")	First month free	The only	SWAT, SEAL or Special Forces	Recognized as
World champion	Contract	Soke	Private lessons	Ancient
Payment plan	Grandmaster	Aerobic karate, cardio kickboxing, or equivalent term	30-day money back guarantee	Personal growth
Black Belt Club	Practical	Credit check	Empowerment	Different color belts at every level
Ultimate	Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and/or other celebrity endorsers	Rapid (or guaranteed) promotion	Samurai sword	Down payment


 

If the school passes this test, also check the following:

The School


 

Mannequins inside the training area that are wearing uniforms and black belts. Items sold in an attached store do not count.

Pseudo-Chinese lettering combined with lots of trophies in the window.

Posters of Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and/or other film stars plastered on the school walls. Items sold in an attached store do not count.


 

Three in a row should suggest a drive-by.

The Membership


 

Elementary school students wearing black belts.

Teenage students wearing black belts who demonstrate immature or unusually aggressive behavior.

Instructors who appear more than 100 pounds overweight.

 

Even one check here should be grounds for concern.

The Background Check




This may be the most important check. To do a background check on a school and its instructors:

1. Ask the person giving the pitch for written information describing the style and its teachers.
2. Upon receiving the written information, go to the Internet and run key words and names through online search engines such as Google (http://google.com). Read what comes up.
3. If you have questions, require the person giving the pitch to answer them to your satisfaction. Also consider asking the same questions at online bulletin boards such as E-budo (http://www.e-budo.com). A search engine that will help you find online bulletin boards is http://www.webcom.com/impulse/list.html#Search.
4. Finally, if a required to sign a contract longer than 30 days, make inquiries about the school and the instructor at the Better Business Bureau and Attorney General’s office prior to signing.