Tips for Choosing a Martial Art School Below:

• Christianity - The integrity of my faith is absolutely CRITICAL to me.  When choosing a martial arts school, it is very important to know where the instructors are coming from.  The approach of the instructors WILL BE expressed in the classes.  If the instructor is a devout Buddhist, Hindu or other, classes will be taught from that perspective.
  
  
• The Instructor(s) - The style is not nearly as important as the instructor (especially the head instructor).  You will want to learn as much as you can about the Senior Instructor.  Obtaining advanced martial arts ranks can be a snare to some people.  It can tend towards arrogance.  A good martial arts instructor will be humble.  Remember, there are many people who are capable of performing very well, but some are not able to teach.
  
  
• Instructor's Rank - Be careful of "Self-Promoters".  I knew of a young Brown Belt in Korea who moved to the United States and six months later was a Fourth Degree Black Belt!  I also knew of a Second Degree Black Belt who promoted himself to Eighth Degree after purchasing the school from his instructor.  Again, find out as much about the Instructor as you can.  Remember...
  
  Those with mediocre skills can impress those who have none.
  
  
• Contracts - AVOID long-term contracts.  Especially early in your martial arts training.  Many businesses push the benefits of their "Black Belt Program", "Life-time Memberships" or other expensive contracts.  Remember, the vast majority of people who start working out in the martial arts don't last long.  These long-term contracts rarely have any refund policies.
  
  I want to stress, some of these contracts might be truly a "good deal" after you are convinced that you are going to train with this instructor for a long time.  Once you have found your martial arts "home", then look into longer-term payment options.
  
  In any case, be sure that you... READ THE CONTRACT!
  
  
• Payment Policies - You will want to inquire about the terms and conditions of your contract.  Of course you want to know of your payment options, but you should also inquire about non-payment policies.  Will the martial arts school send your account into collections?  Will they stop letting you workout until your payments are caught up?  While few plan to become delinquent, difficult situations may arise.  These are things you will want to know.
  
  
• Costs - Inquire about the various fees and costs involved in training.  Some costs other than the class tuition may include: registration fees; uniforms and patches; competitions; maintenance fees; testing fees; membership fees; fundraising involvements and others.  Ask about purchasing training equipment.  Some schools mandate that equipment be purchased from them.  This is often more costly than buying the same equipment from other sources.
  
  
• Watch Classes - Any school that will not allow you to randomly watch a class, is a school to be leery of.  Many schools have "viewing areas" or windows into the main workout room to allow interested people to watch classes.  I would be careful of "scheduled" times when you are permitted to watch a class.  With few exceptions, there should be no reason that you should not be able to walk into a school and observe the class in session.
  
  
• Referrals - Family and friends that have experience are a great place to begin looking for a martial arts club.  Ask several people for suggestions.  After receiving suggestions, follow the other guidelines available.  Find out from the people that you ask, how long they have been training.  Ask how much they are paying.  Ask them about long-term contracts, etc.
  
  
• Facilities - Check out the schools facilities.  They should be clean and sanitary.
  
  
• Use the Internet - With the availability of information on-line, you can normally find out a wealth of information with a little research.