“For Kids Only”
by Lee Lerchen
Choosing a martial arts school is like selecting a boyfriend or girlfriend: You will spend lots of time, money and effort, and if you choose well, your life will be great. However, if you choose unwisely, you may regret it for a long time.
I began my search many years ago, saying to myself, “How hard can this be?”
I leafed through the yellow pages until I found “karate,” but the listings went on for pages. Although the photos and styles were different, the ads all had a few things in common: The instructor’s name was always linked to words such as “legendary,” “undefeated” or “world champion.” And each ad claimed to offer the ultimate martial art. I decided to ignore those wild claims and try to sort through all the exotic names.
Now, I had watched the same karate movies as everyone else, and I had seen the actors kicking, punching and screaming while they fought off villains– using “karate.” So what’s with all the names and styles? Karate is karate, or so I thought.
After some time pondering– and making no progress– I took another look at the yellow pages. I chose a couple of schools, called them and got invited to watch a class.
At the first school, I was greeted by a friendly guy wearing what looked like white pajamas and a black belt. I watched an impressive hour-long display of drills, then the black belt returned and explained a few things: “This is the best school in town. We are the best instructors and practice the best style. All other styles are useless and don’t really work. Sign this three-year contract, and not only will you become a black belt, I’ll throw in a uniform for free.”
For some reason, I started to get nervous. I declined the offer and returned to the yellow pages, wondering if I would live long enough to check out all the schools listed.
Be systematic, I told myself. Write down everything. Become focused. Do this right. With that in mind, I checked out many more schools.
Some time later, I did manage to do it right. I not only chose a style and a school, but I stayed with the same school for years and eventually became an instructor. I am still content with my original choice. Now I am a friendly black belt, but I don’t sell contracts or give away pajamas. I concentrate on teaching.
If you find yourself peering at the yellow pages with glazed eyes, these tips can help:
- First, choose the styles you think you’ll like. This is easier if you talk with people or look at books and magazines.
- Make a list of those styles and the schools specializing in them. Visit as many schools as possible. Usually a school will allow you to watch or even participate in a few classes for free. Be cautious at the end of the “free” class, however, for the instructor may try to get you or your parents to sign a contract.
- Attend a martial arts tournament so you can see the differences between styles and schools. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. (Note: Not all styles are represented at tournaments because some are not designed for competition.)
- Think about your body type. Tall, thin people often do well with styles that include high kicks and punches. Shorter, stockier people often do well in grappling arts.
- Make your decision. Because several schools may teach the same art, you must compare carefully. Look at the facilities, hours, instructors, costs, reputation, and so on. Since training in martial arts means you will be spending time and money, you have the right to be choosy. If you have any reservations about a school, look at another one. Don’t settle for a school that doesn’t live up to your expectations.
About the author: Lee Lurchen is a freelance writer and Tang Soo Do instructor based in St. Petersburg, Florida.
