After an eleven year break I began looking for a karate school in order to train again. I had a serious advantage in that I had already spent a lot of years training karate and had earned a Black Belt. So I knew exactly what I wanted in a school. And what I didn’t want as well.

Good quality karate instruction I would recognize. But this time around was different; I had three children I hoped would be interested in learning. Having been part of a very good children’s program in the past, I knew what I wanted for them, too.

No karate program is perfect. There are things I haven’t agreed with at all three schools where I’ve trained. And that’s a good thing, it means I’m thinking for myself. (Even when I’m wrong. It happens a lot.) I’m sure you will find things you don’t agree with.

So this ‘list’ is meant to help you think for yourself, about what you want to see in a karate school. Let’s get started.

Instructor / school owner with too much ego – I believe this tops my list of worst traits. Unfortunately, it may take time to fully assess. And don’t let the sight of students bowing to the instructor fool you. That’s a good thing (I’ll mention it again later.)

Affiliation with a bigger organization – National or international; visit the website. The one unaffiliated group I’ve trained with had avoidable problems, things that might have been solved by being part of a larger group. “No affiliation” could very well mean, in fact probably does mean, too much ego. (Follow the link below for one example.)

Time to Black Belt should be at least 3 ½ years – Minimum. With all tests passed and none missed, but will most likely take longer. When you find those “Black Belt Programs” that guarantee this milestone (some even in two years) turn around and run, don’t walk.

Engaged instructors and students – you may not have the background to know if the karate is good quality, but you’ll know if the instructors and students are motivated. Do they speak respectfully to each other, do they bow respectfully, do they remain focused and work hard the entire class? Are they having fun while doing these things?

Students follow the pace of the class – And does the instructor push until all students are obviously challenged?

Black Belt is not the end – The sign says “Black Belt Is My Goal!” So what about after Black Belt? First-hand, I’ve experienced the problem of weak post-Black-Belt instruction. (See ‘Affiliation’ above.)

A school has to be a business to survive – However, for the business to survive, the students – and the quality of instruction – have to come first. (Read ‘Contract’, next.)

A contract is not necessarily a bad thing – It’s true that some people need a contractual commitment of money in order to stick with their own training, or their child’s. You will find arrangements from month-to-month payment, to yearly contracts, to prepaid “Black Belt Guarantee” programs (remember to run, not walk from this last one.) I participated in a yearly contract arrangement with the unaffiliated group and ended up getting burned a little. And I had a long track record with the school! (See ‘Business’ above.)

Separate kids-only and adults-only classes – It takes us adults longer than kids to get the hang of some of this stuff, in general. And we should be taught differently. Look for a family class if you and your child want to train together.

Six-foot high trophies in the window – Open tournaments. When integrated into the program properly, affiliate tournaments are a great teaching tool. And a whale of a lot of fun! Open tournaments, however, are another beast altogether. They might be a lot of fun, they might be a terrible experience or somewhere in the middle. I’ve never been to one. But I’ve heard enough stories from people who have. And their experiences support my understanding that throwing a lot of unknown people together from a lot of unknown, unaffiliated karate schools invites less than desirable results. Enough said.

My suggestion is to read through this list again and write down questions that come to mind. Any good instructor will gladly answer them, and will have questions of his or her own for you. Any good karate school will allow you to join in a few classes with no financial obligation, just ask. If they won’t, move on to the next school on your list.

I’ve been very fortunate in finding high quality karate instruction; the good schools and teachers are out there. Learning good karate offers you so much more than what you see as a spectator. It’s well worth the effort to prepare for your karate school choice.

I wish you well in your search and training.

Sincerely,

Bryan Hix
Cho Dan (First Degree Black Belt)

World Tang Soo Do Association
http://www.worldtangsoodo.com

My Contact Page
http://www.practicekarate.com/blog/index.php/contact-page/

Offer your feedback to this article in My ‘Practice Karate’ Blog
http://www.practicekarate.com/blog/index.php/2006/01/08/your-karate-school-search-blog-entry/

Copyright © 2006, Bryan D. Hix, http://www.PracticeKarate.com. All rights reserved. You may reproduce this article by including this copyright and, if reproducing it electronically, including the above live link to the ‘Practice Karate’ website.

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