What you should know

When choosing a martial arts school, here are some questions you should get answers to:
Most everyone who calls a martial arts school has only one question: “How much does it cost?” While this is a valid question, it really describes nothing to you the customer. It is much like shopping for a car and only asking “how much?” It is better to be informed so you get the best value for your dollar. So let’s get started.

Style: The style of martial art is important. Each style has distinct differences once you get beyond the basics of punching and kicking. There are arts that focus primarily on kicking, hand strikes, wrestling.

Belt testing: How often do students test for a new belt? Does testing occur no matter what, regardless of proficiency? Does the whole school test at once? Or do individuals test when they are ready?

Belt testing requirements: Is the student required to know only what they just learned, or are they expected to know what they learned several belts ago as well?

Belt testing fees: Most schools have belt testing fees. How much are they? Do they go up per belt? If so, why and how much?

Curriculum: There are two versions of curriculum.

One is a rotating schedule. This is where everyone, no matter what rank, learns the same thing at the same time. This means black belts are learning the same thing as the white belts. This allows one instructor to move large groups as one person. Many times, there is no charted curriculum for this version. It is based off what the instructor wants to do for that day.

The second version is belt rank specific curriculum. Here, white belts learn what white belts are expected to know. Gold belts learn what gold belts are expected to know, and so on.

Tournaments: Most schools have them. How much do they cost? How many are you required to attend? How are participants grouped by age, rank and gender? How many categories are included (such as kata, kumite, weapons, self-defense) and how many can you participate in at the same tournament? Is there an extra cost for each category you want to enter?

Uniforms: How much do they cost? What do they consist of?

Sparring and sparring gear: Are you required to get a whole package at once or can you piece it in, so there’s not as big an upfront cost? Most schools spar (mock combat).

Safety:What is the level of contact? Where can students hit their opponent? Can anyone punch or kick to the head, or is that reserved for higher ranks after some practice? What are the safety protocols?

Extra classes: Can you come to extra classes? If so, does it cost more to do that? Are there specialty classes? Does it cost more to attend other types of classes in the school, or is that covered in the original price?

Higher programs: Does it cost more to join the black belt program? If so, why? Many schools will offer classes at a low rate only to raise their prices once you are a student. For example, you might only get a newsletter if you “upgrade” your membership. Or you may only learn weapons if you’re in an upgraded version of your program. You’ll only get these things by paying more.

Black belt: How long does it take to get a black belt? What is involved along the way? It is cumulative knowledge, or is it just the black belt piece only? What is the black belt testing like? Is it local or do you travel? Where? Is it one day or several? How much is the black belt test? Why?

Focus: Is the school focused on kids only? Adults only? On families? How? Is the focus on competition? Personal safety?