used with permission from SportsXpress.com

Modern martial arts training is an undertaking of physical and mental conditioning which builds self esteem and self confidence. While practitioners do train their body and mind to react quickly and efficiently in a self defense situation, it is decidedly non violent in practice. Unfortunately, because of negative portrayals in the movies and television, martial artists have been depicted as fringe elements of society learning how to wage urban warfare and kick butt. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Today, Doctors, lawyers and engineers all train in the martial arts, as do school teachers, guidance counselors, factory workers and sales people. In fact men, women and children of all ages and all walks of life find martial arts classes to be a fun and challenging way to keep active and fit. Classes include exercises for flexibility, muscular and cardiovascular fitness. In fact martial arts are one of the few physical activities which includes all of the areas determined to be necessary for a healthy lifestyle.

But once you've made the decision to join a martial arts program, how do you find a good quality, reputable school?

Sit in on a class.
Are the students enjoying themselves? Do they show respect for oneanother and the instructor? (Scratch any school that does not allow you to watch classes).

Find out the student/teacher ratio.
It shouldn't be more than 10 to 1. Ask how students are taught and if it is all Black Belt instruction.

Be sure the school instills the discipline needed to use the art responsibly.
You will learn skills that could be used to injure someone and care must be used.

Talk to the instructor.
Does he (she) look, act and communicate in a fashion you would expect from a Martial Arts instructor? Ask about curriculum and teaching methods.

Find a school with a focus on the students.
Many instuctors are too busy talking about themselves and their skills/abilities. More importantly, what can his/her students do? A good quality instructor will have good quality students.

Talk to other parents about the school.
They're a great source of information about the school.

Don't shop on price alone.
The old adage; you get what you pay for is very much the case here. Shop for quality of instruction over low price. You should look to pay around $60.00 per month for training at a good quality, full time facility.

Convenience of location.
Is it nearby? The further you have to travel to attend classes the less likely you are to continue your training.

All martial arts are NOT the same.
Choose a school and and style of martial art that offers the benefits you are looking for. One which suits not only your body type but your fitness aspirations as well. The internet has a wealth of information explaining the differences between martial styles.

Be wary of schools that tell you that their martial art is the best or has secret techniques.
There is no "best" style. There are good and bad techniques in each style. There are good and bad instructors of each style.

Do they use safety equipment when sparring?
Modern technology has developed sparring equipment which is affordable, light weight and prevents injury. Yet there are still schools which believe that safety equipment should not be used. They are "traditional schools and do things in the traditional way" Well, traditionally we all used to walk until someone invented the bicycle. If they don't use safety equipment strike them off your list.

Here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions.

While the Martial Arts you see in the movies look dangerous, what is taught in modern children's programs is not. The Martial Arts offer children good exercise, fun, and mental discipline. They teach courtesy, respect, and perseverance.

You will learn techniques that can be used to better defend yourself within the first few lessons. You will also become more flexible, stronger and faster within the first few weeks. However, you will become proficient at the basic physical techniques with 6-9 months of training. In our program we also stress Avoidance, Awareness and the use of Physical Force as a last resort. Our students carry themselves with confidence, which decreases the chance of them becoming a victim of an assault.

We recommend 2-3 times per week in order for students to reach Black Belt within 3 to 4 years. This is the average. Any school that grades to black belt in less time, is suspect. For younger or recreational Martial Artists we recommend one time per week. Remember that learning is a repetitive process, the more often you do it the more benefits you will receive.