Movie/Martial Arts Monday: So Many Choices

Taking up a martial art for the first time can be a daunting task, especially if you have absolutely no experience. First of all, there's the numerous styles, schools and types available (Do I do Okinawan Karate or Southern Mantis kung-fu? Is MMA more effective or Israeli Krav Maga?). This isn't helped by the fact there is no single certifying body in the U.S. that can let you know whether the place you are going to is the real deal, or the latest incarnation of 'Rex Kwon Do' from "Napolean Dynamite."

Here are some simple tips in making your decision.

1) Phone first.
Not just for the obvious reasons (location, times) but how you are treated on the phone will give you an idea of the group's professionalism, if they are friendly/unfriendly, attentive to visitors, etc.

2) Watch and Learn
Always visit and observe at least one class in its entirety before joining. I also recommend watching multiple classes for different levels of students (beginning and advance). It will give you an idea of the severity/ease of the training, how well do students advance, as well as the culture of the school (Traditional? Militant? New Agey?).

3) Ask Questions
Never be afraid to ask questions. Anything and everything should be open for discussion (cost, advancement, development, styles, affiliations, practicality). If the teachers or students act insulted or defensive in the face of your questioning, there's a good chance that maybe you don't want to be there. Certainly, you should be aware of cultural differences (in traditional Asian martial arts schools run by an advanced instructor from the old country such questioning can be taken the wrong way), but you should also keep in mind that (if you join) such slights can be healed by being earnest and dedicated in your study.

4) Contracts
Personally, I avoid martial arts schools that sign you to contracts. This has been recommended to me by teachers and students from a variety of disciplines, from Aikido to Kung-Fu and Tae Kwon Do. Many martial arts schools are run like aggressive health clubs - they want your money and are determined to get it. If you really feel the training they offer is worth it, go ahead. But personally, there's no need to get tied down in such a way.

5) What's Right for You
Ultimately, you need to find a martial art and a school that suits you. Your personality, your temperament, your physical tolerances and your mentality. It can be difficult. No one likes to feel like they "can't cut it" when the training at a certain school feels too strenuous or difficult. And sometimes (more often than not) one simply reaches a wall in their development that may take years to overcome. But at the same time, if you can a reach a point where you can confidently say without equivocation that a particular style or school is right (or wrong) for you, than you are already heads and above most martial arts students.