Basically, the best approach is to follow your instincts, rely on your common sense for guidance, and be aware that all schools are not created equal, nor are all black belts "experts". Martial arts teachers do not have to answer to a state regulatory commission or government agency, and there is no consumer group to act as a watchdog to ensure the quality of instruction. Anyone in fact, can buy a black belt, acquire a business license, rent studio space and to the unknowing public, appear to be the greatest martial arts master that ever lived.

So, how can the discerning individual make a knowledgeable choice when it comes to martial arts instruction?

Educate yourself about the instructor

Talk to the instructor and see if he is focusing on giving the "customers what they want or teaching the students what they need for personal growth. Observe the attitude of both the instructor and the student. This can serve as an accurate indicator of school spirit and the quality of the student/teacher relationship. The student/teacher relationship is vitally important for long-term development.

Is the instructor certified? If yes, by whom? Unfortunately many dishonest individuals have colleagues fake signatures for them. Is the instructor a capable adult or a child instructing for the chief instructor? Does the chief instructor teach any classes at all or is he simply waiting in the office for the potential customer to walk in. Who is the instructor's instructor? Does he continue his own studies or perhaps he feels he has learned all he needs to know? Be wary of an instructor who no longer wishes to further his knowledge in the martial arts, yet he continues to teach others. This is a red flag. If he were teaching for the right reasons, he would be furthering his studies for the rest of his life. Further, if the instructor doesn't expand his knowledge, how then is he able to promote his students beyond the ranks of his knowledge? Without such guidance, the product and false pretenses of such and individual is not worthy of those with integrity.

While knowledge of the art is fundamental, a persons ability to teach is usually distinct from his own technical prowess. The best way to learn about the quality of a teacher is to observe the quality of the students he/she is developing, to examine his teaching credentials, and of course, to observe the way he teaches. In addition to knowledge and experience, teaching style plays a large part in how rewarding the learning experience will be for you.

Educate yourself about the school

Is the equipment and dojang sufficient for safe and proper training? We can kick and punch the air until we're blue in the face, but if we don not apply our techniques to targets, boards or opponents in class how will we truly know if our methods are accurate? Are students able to safely practice self-defense techniques on others? Is the floor safe? Many schools will have you jumping, running and flipping on nothing more than a concrete floor. Again, take your time and use common sense.

Educate yourself about organizations

Martial arts are based on traditions, which have been passed down through generations. The school you select should be part of a larger system, with guidance provided by an established Grand Master Without such guidance, an autonomous instructor will usually stray from the traditional ways. Inevitable, subtle errors creep into the system, and the philosophical underpinnings of the art are frequently abandoned. Even if you know absolutely nothing about martial arts, let your instincts and common sense guide you as you observe and ask questions. The school you choose should be well established, and you should be confident that the same teacher will be with you as long as you continue your study of the martial art.

Avoid Cookie-Cutter Schools

Cookie-cutter schools should be avoided. These are schools that are usually concerned more with student count and making a profit than with teaching an art. Many extra colors and stripes are added to the progression of belts and the testing schedule is compressed in order to maximize revenue.

Be aware if someone tries to "sell" you a black belt program. It is considered a lack of integrity for a true master of the arts to inform a beginning student of his exact date for promotion to black belt. Read between the lines; the truth about black belt programs is that you are buying a contract to receive a black belt - weather you've earned it or not. And, if you discontinue by your own choice, you still have paid or will pay the price.

Finally, ask yourself the following questions

Is the school under the guidance of a Grand Master? Is the teacher in this school dedicated to the art or just running a business? Does the school emphasize fitness, wellness, and the development of moral character? Is the school friendly and welcoming? Is it clean? Is this school a franchise with a formula for turning out black belts on a schedule regardless of age or ability? Is there a feeling of energy, and a sense of discipline and focus? Are the students courteous and helpful towards one another? Are the nonphysical tenets of the martial arts properly emphasized?

The bottom line, educate yourself to make an informed decision.

Michelle A. Golino, IV Dan, International Certified Instructor