Choosing the Right Martial Arts School
Tips from Monarch Martial Arts Academy

Below are some tips you may want to consider before making any decisions.

Please feel free to also do your own research as well.

• Be sure to visit several of the school’s in your area and meet with the Instructor’s face to face. Watch how they interact with their other student’s this will give you a sense of who they are and their teaching style. Don’t get confused by claims of black belt degrees, tournament wins, or styles, a great Instructor is patient, humble, and clear.
• Watch a class! Most schools will allow you to come in and watch the class you would be participating in before trying it out yourself/for your child. Be wary of those who do not allow this. While there watch for proper safety precautions...are they using safe equipment? Are the Instructor’s clear on what they expect before each drill? Are there warnings of self control while working with partners? Watch the attitudes of the Instructor’s and  the students: this is a great indicator of the school’s spirit!
• Be sure to ask about any hidden fees/costs. Most schools have testing fees, yearly membership dues, required equipment costs, etc...An honest Instructor will be up front about these and want you to make an informed decision. Also-ask bout the length of contracts: is it month to month, 3, 6, 9 months, or one year? You want to be careful of lengthy contracts that are hard to get out of!
• Ask about rank requirements! There are schools who will simply want to make extra money for testing fees and test more often to do so. You want to be sure you are comfortable with the school’s rank requirements and time in rank. Each rank is different just as each school is different but be wary of those schools who don’t make their requirements clear for each and every rank.
• Be wary of the “hard sell.” Good Instructors with good schools will sell themselves with a little gentle guidance, follow your gut instinct carefully!
• The school’s location. While the school you like may not be the closest to your home, when it comes to safety, education, and level of Instruction an extra 10 minute drive is well worth it!
• Bottom Line. When you find the right school and Instructors it should feel like a second home to you. You should be excited to go to class and see both the Instructors and your fellow students and be able to see yourself training there for months or years to come!

Again-trust your instincts whether choosing a school for yourself, your child, or entire family!

Happy Training!