Contact Us
Pictures
Calendar
Meet our Instructors
Tournaments & Events
Fundraisers
Taekwondo Information:
FAQs
What is TKD?
Code of Conduct
A Parent's Guide to Selecting a Martial Arts School
Links
As instructors, even before we opened our own school, we have been asked what people should tell friends or family in other cities to look for in a martial arts school.
The Instruction
The martial arts style is less important than the personality, teaching style and teaching qualifications of the Chief Instructor(s).
| WARNING Not all instructors have earned the belt level that they claim to have. Ask the instructor to show proof of their belt level (a true rank certificate will be from the martial arts country of origin). Some instructors will make up their own art and name themselves 9th or 10th degree black belts without accreditation. These instructors are called pseudo masters (fake belt ranked masters) and can do more harm than good by teaching improper technique |
- Ask if the Chief Instructors are at the school during all the classes and if they teach most of the classes.
- Are the Chief Instructors old enough to have the experience and maturity to handle difficult situations that might arise?
- Watch a few classes to see if the Chief Instructors seem to genuinely like teaching, know the students’ names, use positive reinforcement, and maintain control of the classes while still keeping it fun.
- The Chief Instructors should be at least 3rd degree black belts. Beyond that, teaching style is more important than rank. Many 3rd and 4th degree Chief Instructors have better teaching and communication skills than instructors who have much lower rank who are considered “ black belt beginners” of martial arts.
- Are all of the instructors in charge of teaching classes should be at least a black belt and are certified to teach by some national martial arts group? If colored belt students are used, it should be in supporting roles to keep order.
- How important are the Chief Instructor’s competition history and trophies? An instructor’s personal martial arts accomplishments do not give any indication as to his/her teaching ability. It is more important that the instructors be able to communicate well with children and adults, be able to demonstrate proper technique, keep classes fun and interesting, and motivate students through positive teaching methods to develop self-confidence and achieve their goals.
- Determine to see if the Chief Instructor is affiliated with a national martial arts organization that provides on-going training and quality control.
The Classes
- Inquire about the number of classes that you or your child can attend each week. The more options you have, the better. Anything less than two times a week is inadequate. Make sure that the class times are flexible so that if a hectic week forces you to change your schedule you can still attend class.
- Ask if parents and spectators are allowed to watch classes. A closed-door policy is a red flag that something is wrong with the teaching methods in the school. (It is normal, however, for schools to ask parents to not talk to students during their class because it can distract the student and result in an injury.)
- Are classes fun or is it the same thing day after day? While repetition is important to master the basics, classes should be an interesting and fun learning experience.
- What activities does the school offer besides classes, testing’s and tournaments to promote a family atmosphere? Look for activities such as lock-ins, parties, picnics, etc.
The School
- Assuming you like the instructors and the program; the more convenient the location, the more likely you will attend classes regularly and get the most out of the program. If you choose a school all the way across town, even though it may be less expensive, you may attend less because of traffic and the longer drive time. Does the school look bright and smell clean? How often is it cleaned?
The Membership
- Any schools you are considering should ask you to try a free class or two before you sign up for any martial arts program.
- One-year memberships are standard in our industry among full-time instructors. Many schools also offer an introductory special to allow new students to try classes for one or two months for a fee. When you are ready to sign the one-year memberships contract, it is better to have the option to make an annual payment or monthly payments. Also, check to see if they offer a suspension period within the contract if needed.
- Ask how often the students test and how much testing costs. Specifically ask how much it costs to test for black belt (at some schools this could be more than $300.00). Also ask what equipment the students are required to have, when they are required to have it, and how much it costs.
- Make sure that the rates are reasonable, but do not make a decision based solely on price. The cheapest place may not be the best deal (recreation centers and programs without there own facility tend to use instructors without verifying their backgrounds and teaching experience) and the most expensive school may not offer the best program.
- Most importantly is the black belt certificate accredited (recognized worldwide) or is it a school certificate? Accredited black belt certificates are almost always issued from the martial arts country of origin (ex: the Kukkiwon in Korea for Taekwondo) and will be recognized by all schools within the discipline worldwide. Non-accredited school certificates are not recognized by non-affiliated schools (schools not under the same ownership or master instructor) and will not allow a student to keep their black belt if they were to move away from the issuing schools, the student would to have to start over at white belt.
Copyright
2009 Lakeshore Taekwondo Academy, 1045 Columbus
Ave., Grand
Haven, MI 49417 (616) 846-1907