What You Need to Know
Starting your martial arts journey is exciting, but choosing the right school is essential for a positive and rewarding experience. It’s common for beginners to enroll in a school without fully researching its credentials or teaching approach, and unfortunately, this can lead to disappointment. Over the years, we’ve welcomed many students who transferred to us after feeling disillusioned by their previous training experiences.
Consider this example: a friend recently told me he had earned his 1st Dan Black Belt. When I congratulated him and asked what he planned for his 2nd Dan, he said he would just continue with the same techniques, focusing more on accuracy. While I didn’t mention it then, at Kodokan Martial Arts, we prioritize precision from the very beginning, not just as an afterthought for advanced ranks. His story reflects the frustration some students feel when their school doesn’t meet their expectations.
At Kodokan Martial Arts, we teach traditional Bujutsu, rooted in authentic methods that foster discipline, focus, and skill development from day one. Not every martial arts school is inadequate, of course—many are excellent. But it’s critical to evaluate them carefully to avoid schools that may lack proper teaching standards.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
When selecting a martial arts school, keep in mind that impressive facilities, a large student base, or even an abundance of certificates and belts don’t always indicate quality training. Sadly, it’s easy for some schools to appear credible without meeting high instructional standards. Terms like “Mac-Dojos” have even emerged to describe schools that prioritize business over martial arts mastery.
How to Find a Quality Martial Arts School
To ensure you’re choosing the right school, make sure to gather essential information about the instructors and their credentials. A reputable instructor will openly share this information and welcome your questions. Here are some key questions to ask:
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- What are the instructor’s qualifications?
- Are they affiliated with a reputable organization?
- How long have they trained in the martial art they’re teaching?
- Are they still learning from a recognized instructor of a higher rank? A 6th Dan doesn’t mean they should stop seeking guidance.
- Have they undergone a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check?
- Are they First Aid certified?
- Do they have safeguarding qualifications?
- Are they insured to teach? (Essential for teaching both children and adults at risk.)
- Are they willing to provide proof of their qualifications?
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Asking these questions will help you make an informed decision and ensure that your chosen school provides high-quality instruction. At Kodokan Martial Arts, we value transparency and are committed to helping students grow through authentic and dedicated martial arts training. A good instructor will respect your diligence and will be happy to provide the information you need