Some
of these factors include:
1.
Instructors background and
experience
2.
School viability
3.
Style/type
4.
Location
5.
Cost
a.
Monthly or long term
contract
b.
Testing fees
c.
Belt fees
d.
Other expenses
6.
Class schedule
7.
Intangibles
8.
"Try before you buy"
Check on the qualifications (experience
and background) of the instructors that you will have direct interaction
with. Different styles have
different criteria for becoming a Black Belt and Instructor.
Find out where they trained, when, and for how long.
Ask if they are continuing their training with a teacher
certified in their style.
Make sure that they have a good knowledge of their style (background,
history, traditions) as well as the Martial Arts in general.
You should also ask about their
background in general. How
long have they been with the school.
Were they hired from the "outside" or did they receive their
certification in the school where they are teaching.
Find out how long the school has been
open. Is it going to be
around for the long term or will it close up if things slow down a
little. These types of
questions are particularly important if the school requires a long term
enrollment "contract".
All Martial Arts have something to offer
if taught properly but not all styles are appropriate for everyone (Tai
Chi vs. Judo, for example).
There are obvious and significant differences between the various arts.
There are also differences between what different
schools emphasize (competition, exercise, etc.)
Talk to the Head Instructor and try a class to make sure that the
style and school that you are considering are right for you.
Make sure that the school(s) you are
considering is conveniently located with ample parking.
(Please refer to the "Directions" tab on the main menu for more
information on the location of our schools)
Cost shouldn't be your sole criteria for
choosing a school but it can be an important one.
Find out what the monthly tuition fees are, how many classes per
week are covered by the tuition,
and if a long term "contract" is required.
Ask about other charges that you might incur such as "testing"
fees or "belt" fees, or special group enrollment such as "Black Belt"
clubs, etc. Ask the question
"what other charges will I be asked to pay?"
It seems obvious but make sure that there
are sufficient classes offered that fit your schedule.
Find out if you can alter your schedule should your circumstances
change. (please refer to the "Schedules" tab for class schedules at both
of our schools.)
There are other intangibles that we
offer. Our schools are built
on the premise that the true purpose of studying the Martial Arts is to
improve one's self:
Self confidence
Self discipline
Self control
Self respect
Self defense
Students should not measured against
other students, only against themselves.
Every student is an individual with different strengths and
weaknesses. Our goal is to
see each student improve!
We encourage you to try our classes with
no obligation to find out if they are right for you.
We also offer a discounted first month so that you have enough
information to make an informed decision.
If you have any questions or need additional information please
don't hesitate to contact us by phone, email or in person.
Michael Whiteley, Head Instructor
973-236-9100
