It’s common for beginners to enrol in a martial arts school without thoroughly researching it first. A large school or a convenient location doesn’t guarantee quality. Over the years, many students have transferred to us after feeling disillusioned by their previous training.
For example, a colleague once told me, “I just earned my 1st Dan Black Belt.”
I replied, “Congratulations! What’s next for your 2nd Dan?”
He said he would continue practising the same techniques but focus more on accuracy. I resisted the urge to mention that we emphasize precision from the very beginning. His experience might have left him dissatisfied with his current school.
Choosing the right school is crucial. Some students come to me because their previous instructors were disengaged or simply had them punching bags and running laps. At Kodokan Martial Arts, we teach traditional Bujutsu (Martial Arts) methods. While not all schools are inadequate—many have excellent instructors—it’s important to evaluate them carefully. 
There are many pitfalls when selecting a martial arts school. Certificates and belts can be obtained easily; some instructors print their own certificates or buy belts, and many use DVDs for instruction. This makes it relatively simple for unqualified individuals to start schools and provide subpar training. Most of us have now heard of the “Mac-Dojos”.
To ensure you find a quality school, gather information about the instructors and don’t hesitate to ask for proof of their credentials. A good instructor will be willing to share this information and demonstrate their legitimacy within an authentic association.
Here are some key questions to consider:
- What are the instructor’s qualifications?
- Are they affiliated with a reputable organization?
- How long have they trained in the system they teach?
- Are they still learning from a recognized instructor? Holding a 6th Dan doesn’t mean they no longer need guidance from someone of a higher rank.
- Have they undergone a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check?
- Are they First Aid certified?
- Have they Safe Garding Qualifications?
- Are they insured to teach (Items 5 to 8 are a must to teach Children and Adults at Risk)?
- Are they willing to provide proof of their qualifications?
Always remember to ask these questions before making your decision. A good instructor will appreciate your diligence and will be happy to provide the information you need.
