At White Dragon School of Kung Fu, we fit the criteria as set out below, however it is the Chinese Martial Arts we offer, so if you are looking for Japanese, Korean, Brazilian, Filipino or any other, please read below.
Advice on choosing a good martial arts school:
1. Go along to the club and ask if you can watch.
You will be able to see how the instructor handles his or her class, how they work with children and maintain discipline. Do you see what you like? How is sparring handled? Is is rough or controlled? Is this the sort of martial arts you were looking for? Are students standing around talking about last nights TV? Are students taught how to fall properly? Is anyone nursing an injury, if so how did they get it? Is the instructor using one of his students as a demonstration punch bag? If you don't like what you see, don't train.
2. Ask the instructor which society or association he is affiliated to.
This usually covers insurance as well. Make a note of the contact address or telephone no. and CHECK with the society concerned that i) the instructor is registered with them and ii) is qualified to the rank he states. If he has formed his own association (which can be done easily) the chances are his qualifications are not genuine and are 'self awarded'. An instructor can build a website, form his own association and award himself black belt 10th dan with ease. He can also digitally remaster photographs so that he appears with a deceased (or living) master to show his students and create the 'required' story to go with it!! Qualifications will be recognised with all the main legitimate societies or associations. If not, it is likely that the instructor's and his students qualifications are only recognised within that club or his own formed association. This means your qualifications will be useless anywhere else. And what if you move area and wish to continue training? Some instructors are also awarded grades from the USA over weekend training camps, others take in a seminar and receive grades after studying books and videos. Others are awarded grades from some unscrupulous individuals who know nothing of the style they are awarding grades for!! How do you know that the techniques you are learning from someone like this are not going to injure you? It is difficult to distinguish between the legitimate associations and the 'cowboy' ones, but a basic rule is that to reach a black belt or sash will take a minimum of 2-3 years in ANY style, no matter how often a student trains in a week. If it is offered in less, you are being taken for a ride, and the instructor is only after your cash!
3. Ask to see the instructor's insurance.
This can be in licence form or an actual certificate. Check the details and note them if necessary. A good martial arts instructor will have no objection. Check that the date is valid, as most are renewable annually. If the instructor has let it lapse, then he is not insured, neither are the premises he trains you in and neither are you! It will be your responsibility to gain insurance for yourself which your instructor can only do for you through his society provided he is insured himself.
4. Criminal Records Check/Child Protection
A legitimate association will offer this check. Think .... do you really want an instructor who has been convicted with GBH, even a rapist or drug dealer to teach you or your children? A legitimate association can make this check for you and they will refuse entry to any instructor who does not fulfill the necessary criteria. You may also be able to access this via an umbrella body with the CRB.
5. Great! You have made your choice - but what happens when after a few lessons you don't feel you fit in or are unhappy?
i) Talk to the instructor if possible - tell him how you feel, perhaps you feel intimidated, or feel you'll never learn the movements, be patient, he may be able to put things right.
ii) Leave.
A desperate unprofessional instructor will not want to lose your fee and may badger you into returning. Report him to the police and find another class. A true professional instructor will be considerate to your welfare and accept your choice should you no longer wish to train for whatever reason.
6. You are now learning martial arts, becoming fit and developing new skills. Please show the instructor respect. Arrive on time and dress appropriately. Be considerate to others in the class and your training venue should be treated with care at all times. Your instructor has learned his skills over many years and has had to work extremely hard. His job is to know the student. Your job is to listen and do as instructed. If you have an injury - tell him. Help him to help you. Adhering to these simple guidelines and using common sense will help you to learn the sport and enjoy doing it.
