How To Choose the RIGHT Martial Arts School

Choosing a great martial art school

2009-07-29T15:53:00.000-07:00

The principles are the same for choosing a school for yourself or your child, so I will address the answer for parents, as there are a couple of special considerations when children are involved.

Step one in choosing a school is to clearly understand what you want you or your child to gain from learning the martial arts. Is it a light recreation? Then a community center program may suffice. Is it self-defense or personal development? If so, then a full-time professional school will be more suitable. Many parents view the
martial arts as part of their child's educational development. With a good professional school, this is very possible.

Step two is to recognize that choosing a school is really choosing an instructor. Be sure to visit the school and watch the instructor work with other children of the same age. Every school is very different because every instructor is different. Don't get confused by claims of black belt degrees, tournament wins or martial art
styles. The only style that matters is the teaching style of the instructor and how your child will respond to him or her.

Finally, trust your instincts. A professional school will have a family atmosphere, lots of smiles and be well kept. You'll feel comfortable with the personnel and the facility.

While this may not end up being the closest school to your house, when it comes to your safety or the safety and education of your child, an extra ten-minute drive can make a world of difference in he outcome.

Time to Black Belt

2009-06-21T06:24:00.000-07:00

Parents, there is a new trend in some martial art school. Black Belt in one year! Please don't buy this one!

The true benefits of martial arts training come from doing the arts for a long time. Black Belt in one year is a marketing scheme to get more students with a promise that cannot be truly kept. Your child may reach Black Belt in a year, but the quality won't be there.

Life has proven that short cuts don't work. Cheap is often more expensive in the long run and learning takes time. Black Belt should take 4-5 years not one.

Time tested methods will assure you or your child has the best possible experience in the martial arts.

Something else to consider.

2009-05-04T10:52:00.000-07:00

There are many different types of martial arts schools and clubs in the world. There are different styles and philosophies, full and part time schools and owners, so many different flavours under the sun. On this BLOG we have given you any different things to look for in a great school and teacher. Well here is something else to consider.

Are the teachers and owners still progressing and training themselves?

If the school you are in has an owner or teachers who are not progressing in the arts you might want to look somewhere else. This type of school is not really a good example for your kids.

Parents, this is a great resource.

2009-04-12T08:24:00.000-07:00

I purchased the PDF version of this book about a year ago. It is truly amazing! We are planning on giving these out to people who are interested in our program. Follow the link below to see what this book is all about.

Building Rock Solid Kid's is what any great martial art school should be about. Take a look and let us know what you think.

5 Misconceptions about Martial Arts

2009-03-23T06:21:00.000-07:00

Here are 5 Misconceptions people have about Martial Arts.

What to do for your child in a BAD economy

2009-02-04T05:39:00.001-08:00

Today we are faced in the papers with the BAD Global Economy. Just about everyone I know is affected in one way or another. Some are losing jobs, other are getting more business due to the slowdowns.

Some parents who are reading this have their children in the martial arts, others are thinking about do so. But with today's restrictions on cash flow how do you know what activity is going to be best for your child? Let's face it there are so many to choose from. In Canada we have hockey, soccer, baseball, swimming, etc etc. Some parents just have their children stay at home and play on the computer or video games. But what is the best solution?

Last week I had a prospective parent call me asking about our classes. When he found out the costs he said that he can't justify spending that much money on something like karate. (if his child plays hockey it can cost up to $9000 per year). Sadly he doesn't understand the benefits of martial arts vs hockey or any other 'sport'.

When times are good and parents can spend money on just about any activity the choices are simple. In bad times parents must make a decision based on what is best for their child, "what are the real benefits for my son or daughter"?

What does the martial arts really do for a child? Here are some examples.

Increased FOCUS
Increased Self Esteem
Increased Physical Fitness
More confidence
Better listening skills
Self Control
Self Discipline
Energy and ambition
Goal setting skills
Leadership skills
Better communication skills
Better grades in school
Understand social behavior
etc, etc, etc

Do the arts really do all these things? YES and more! Do hockey and soccer accomplish these benefits? No they do not! Here is a testimonial on the benefits of martial arts training from one of my students parent. Others can be read on my website Art Mason's Peaceful Warriors' Martial Arts Institute.

"Special Thanks,

I am the mother of a boy, who after many diagnosis from several different doctors, was told my son has a number of behavioral disorders. As heartbreaking as that was to hear and deal with I was so relieved to finally find a place where my son was welcomed and not judged for his disability, but encouraged to thrive beyond expectations.

We tried everything from Cubs, Tee-ball, to city soccer league. While all of them were friendly and tried to work with my son, not one could keep his interest for any period of time. He would loose interest and walk off to do his own thing. He had no focus or ambition for anything he tried.

Then while searching the webs for something to help my son, I came across a website for The Peaceful Warriors'. The name alone made me feel comfort. I set up a meeting with Master Art and his son Master Curt. After talking to them and explaining my son's disorders, Master Art assured me that they were not worried about dealing with my sons unusual behaviors and with a very respectful confidence, he assured me my son would excel in his karate school.

I has been two and a half years since my son joined The Peaceful Warrior's school. He will soon become a Red Belt, is in the Black Belt Club, and on the Demo Team, by his own choice.

In less then three years at this school, my son has grown into a calmer, happier more pleasant person to be around. I believe that this school is more then that, they truly want to see children reach their full potential. They have made such a difference in our lives, they believe it takes a village to raise a healthy well rounded child, and they show it in many ways. The Peaceful Warriors' are always in touch with parents on the progress or need improvements of each child. They even ask for input from the child's grade or high school teachers, before they can advance to another belt.

Please believe me when I say that I tried everything to find positive outlets for my son's Hyperactive behavior and until I found The Peaceful Warriors' family, I though it was hopeless for my son to ever fit in anywhere.

So in closing, I give my most sincere thanks to the many Masters, instructors and people involved in The Peaceful Warriors' family. You all truly have made a positive difference in my family's lives..."

Sincerely - Claire Dupont, Windsor Ontario

After this recession/depression we are going through today, the children with the best life skills will prosper. Those with the best video game skills, hockey skills etc will NOT. If you need to make changes in your life to get your child involved in martial arts it is well worth it! The benefits will far and again out outweigh the costs of a great school.

Putting the Student's First

2009-01-25T06:30:00.000-08:00

I had an interesting experience yesterday. I must confess when I encounter 'horrible' service I am always surprised. I guess I must be a little naive.

My wife enrolled in a local college course. This course has some very rigid qualifications including an admission exam that 80% of the people who write is fail. The course does also have a minimum number of people required to run. Sound pretty simple right?

Well she was concerned about the course starting, because it actually has not run in almost 2 years because of the qualifications. We went to the college 2 weeks before the course was scheduled to start to find out if it would run. The lady at the college checked the computer and told us there are enough people registered and the course will start January 24th at another facility in town. GREAT! The woman also stated if the program was to be canceled we would receive a call.

So on the start date I cover my classes (my wife does not drive) and run her out to where classes are being run. The building is locked, nothing on the door. We drive back to the college (the other end of town) park and go inside. In the Continuing Education Office they is a group of very unhappy adults, who are expecting to start a computer class at the college. The course has been delayed starting, but the students (all adults) have not been informed.

Upon inquiring about my wife's course she is told there are not enough students, so it won't start till March of later. (no offer of refund).

I am totally blown away! If this is how they run their business, do we really want to be part of it? Going across the boarder to the USA is looking pretty good!

Now if I did business this way in my martial arts school, I would be out of business. Parents when you visit a martial art school ask what the Mission and Vision of the school is (Our local college does not seem to have one posted for the public, in fact their website looks like a dating service at first glance).

Ask other parents about the operation of the school. Do they know what they are doing? Is it well run?

Here is the Mission and Vision of my school, Art Mason's Peaceful Warriors' Martial Arts Institute. Read them and look for something similar in the schools you are considering for your child's martial art education.

Martial Arts, like any educational entity is a service industry. Only accept great service

Schools going out of Business

2008-12-07T07:06:00.000-08:00

One of the greatest concerns for parents today is the alarming number of businesses closing their doors, and martial arts is not an exception to this. We have all heard the sobering statistics about business failures, even in a good economy, but today in a bad economy they are even higher.

How can you protect yourself? First look for a school that has been long established. They are more likely to be better business people and have survived hard times before. Second, stay away from any school that requires paying far in advance of classes. Many schools give discounts for paying for a year or six months. This is a sign of poor management, and a RED FLAG for parents! If the school closes, you will likely never recover this money.

Also, stay clear of schools that DON'T require a time commitment. You read right, sign an agreement! 6 months to1 year is fine. Why, because they are planning for the future, which means they are serious about teaching martial arts. Those trying to get students fast without commitments from the parents and children don't understand that the benefits from martial arts training come with TIME and that anything else is a waste.

Parents find the best school you can budget, sign the agreement, and reap the rewards of what quality martial arts training can do for your child. For more information and videos on choosing the right martial art school for your child visit our website at http://www.howtochooseamartialartschool.info/

What about MIxed Martial Arts?

2008-10-29T05:14:00.000-07:00

MMA the current BUZZ WORD in the martial arts world. There are many, many martial arts clubs and schools jumping on this bandwagon.

What is MMA? It is a series of three words( no meaning). It is ring fighting.....it is not martial arts. Now some will argue the point. But watch an MMA fight on TV. Is that what you want for your child? Then go for it! But I doubt there are many takers.

Most MMA Coaches are martial artists who are looking to make a name for themselves as the coach of champions. There is nothing wrong with this idea, it is a legitimate sport. However after many of these clubs form they end up teaching some martial arts to children to try to pay the bills. Is this the type of education you want for your child?

Now if by some chance this whole idea of full contact ring fighting is appealing to you, look for an established martial arts school owner who also coachings MMA fighters. This way you will be in good hands.

What about price

2008-10-29T04:57:00.000-07:00

Martial Arts comes in many different styles and flavors, very much like food in a restaurant or the different types of cars available. The 1st type of martial arts people often get introduced to is what I can "community center karate". This will run you anywhere from $20-$50 for a fixed time frame, with no progression beyond the program length. It is not meant to be anything other than this.

The second type is run by a very good martial artist, often from a school gym or church basement. This person is teaching martial arts as a hobby. You must do a fair amount of research here, talking with other people who he has trained to see if he or she fits the bill of being the teacher and mentor of children. In all honesty most don't. But you may find a gem.

The next ones are the martial artist who open up a commercial school after training with an instructor for many years. I have seen people who open up school after 5 years, all the way to 15 years. The problem is that most have little or no teaching experience and absolutely no business experience. These men and women are suffering from what is called an entrepreneurial seizure. Most are out of business in 2 years or less. They are often looking for pre-paid courses getting usually 1 years fees ahead by giving great discounts. There are several in operation in my city.

The final in type I will list here is the professional martial arts teacher. They usually run a commerical school and do it FULL TIME. They are also still interested in their own progression as a martial artist and business professional. They have trained instructors on the floor working with students, offer a FREE Introductory Program, they want you to watch and ask questions. They are also "Social Proof" and can provide real testimonials from happy parents.

So, what about price? I can't tell you what prioce range to expect. That will depend on where you are living. As of this writting you can see prices in my town from $35 per month to $200 per month. Do your research! Remember this man or women will be influencing the way your child thinks! Also remember what Mom and Dad taught you.....YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!

Part 1 How to Choose the Right School

2008-10-28T13:13:00.000-07:00

Step 1: Pick a school which has been in operation in the area for at least 5 years. According to official statistics, 75% of all martial arts school shut down their operation within the first two years. Look for instructors and teachers with experience. Be wary of classes run by teenages when there is no other adults present.

Step 2: Find a school that has a formal teaching plan and curriculum! Many martial arts teacher like to wing it! This is not a good idea. Like any school, they need to have a plan about what is going to happen on their training floor.

Step 3: Choose a martial arts school that shares the same values as you. For instance, you want to learn martial arts purely for self defense purposes, or are you interested in Self Esteem and Confidence building. Perhaps physical fitness is important to you. If so, choosing a school which specializes in tournament participation and winning the game might not be the right choice for you. Be wary of MMA clubs. These are fighters looking to make more fighters. This is more like a boxing club than anything else.

Step 4: Ask questions. Most of us make this critical error when enrolling or entering a program; we simply become shy for the moment. Ask all the questions which crop up in your mind to the teacher or instructor before you get admitted. Because you are the only person who really knows what you are looking for, all the questioning should be done by you and you can not delegate this responsibility to anyone else. Take a trip to the Canadian Martial Arts Teacher's Association website for a list of questions to ask.

Step 5: Make sure you try it first. If the school you are checking out does not have a FREE Introductory program move on! Also, if they don't want you watching class is it time to look elsewhere!

As you can see, choosing a good martial arts school for your own needs is not difficult. Spend some time on research and you will be on track to achieving a good martial arts education.

How to Choose a Martial Arts School

2008-10-28T12:17:00.000-07:00

Attention Parents!!!

Choosing the correct martial arts or karate school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will ever make!

No matter were you live, let us help you find the RIGHT school and avoid the heartache and disappointment of choosing wrong. Not to mention the damage your child's self esteem can suffer as well as your wallet!

Check out http://www.howtochoosetherightmartialartschool.info

This link will take you to the Canadian Martial Arts Teachers Association. Here you can find some outstanding help on Choosing the RIGHT School!

For more information on our children's programs please fill out this form below
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