With a little luck and help from the postal service, we are going to retire our home-made sign.
Back in April when we started our free socially-distant classes we needed something to let people know what we were doing so we made a hand-painted sign advertising the free classes. We know it's worked because every night we have supporters honking, cheering, and waving as they drive by. Just last night someone called out to our lead instructor by name to encourage us.
But that sign is getting tired. We train in rain and sun and the sign was never meant for that kind of exposure.
Our new banners will hopefully be arriving in time for Friday's class on the lawn in front of the Englesby School.
Searching for the right martial arts school for you and your family can be challenging. Most people simply call, ask for hours and prices and try to make a decision based on just those criteria.
Unfortunately in the United States there are no requirements for opening a martial arts school and little to no consistency in curriculum. It is very much "Buyer Beware". As a result, some buyers don't realize they have made a mistake until they are locked into a contract.
These four questions can quickly help you make an informed decision on when selecting a school.
When was the last time the Master/Lead Instructor tested for rank?
In most schools this should be common knowledge among the instructors. If the response to this question is along the lines of "Our master doesn't need to test for rank." cross this school off the list. Every martial artist should also be a student, including the master.
Our lead instructors tested for Kukkiwon rank in 2018.
When was the last time the Master/Lead Instructor attended a seminar as a student?
This question also is an opportunity to show the humility or arrogance of the instructors. Good teachers are eternal students.
Our lead instructors regularly attend training seminars. Recently they completed SafeSport training provided by USA Taekwondo, the US Olympic organization.
When was the last time the Master/Lead Instructor taught a seminar outside the school?
This speaks to qualifications. If someone is claiming that they are high ranking (5th degree and up) black belt, they have an obligation to give back to the larger community. If they are not, their high rank may be honorary.
Our lead instructors have taught introductory seminars in New England and Quebec.
What organization certifies their rank?
Again, in the US literally anyone can hand out rank. Most reputable schools will be associated with some sort of International or National organization. Check up on the organization on line. It is amazing how many rank-mills sell impressive looking certificates for only a few dollars.
While our instructors also hold rank in the Chung Mook Kwan and the World Hapkido Martial Arts Federation, the rank on the belts they wear are certified by the Kukkiwon and the USA Taekwondo,
Once you have gotten answers to these questions, you should check out the school in person and get answers to a few more questions.
Are the facilities sufficient?
What's the shape of the equipment?
Is the space large enough?
How long has the school been in business?
What is the student to instructor ratio?
How much of the time does the lead instructor/owner teach?
Can the martial arts school help you reach your goals?
What else does the school offer? Self defense, competitions, sparring, weapons, fitness?
Does the school have age appropriate classes
