Most people pick a school because they drive by it on the way to the dry cleaners.

 

Often times I get asked for recommendations for a kids class, or how to find a place to practice. It's a good idea to treat a search for a martial arts instructor much like you would a search for a physician or attorney, and ask people you know or trust for a recommendation.

 

A few simple questions to consider:

 

1. How the beginners are treated by the teacher, and how they are treated by the senior students?

2. Do you think you can learn from this intructor?

3. Are you willing to spend 2-3 days a week with these people in this environment?

 

One of the great secrets in the martial arts is that there are people, and schools who practice because it is something they love to do. They are usually smaller in attendance, allowing for a more personal teacher/student, artist/apprentice relationship which is how martial arts have traditionally been taught. On top of smaller classes, many times these school charge less than more commercially oriented schools. But they can be harder to find, since they don't always have that big sign on the freeway.

 

The following link has some good advice on selecting a teacher (and school). www.atlantamartialarts.com/articles/rma-newb/index.htm

 

 

 

Because I am more interested in your time than your money.

 

As a school we invest a lot of time in beginners. New students are paired with experienced students or an instructor until they reach a level of proficiency and confidence in their own abilities. Working with a partner who knows what they are doing, won't injure you, and won't let themselves be injured provides the safest environment for beginners. Learning is also easier when your partner has the knowledge and skill required to do the techniques being taught. For these reasons a more personalized approach to beginners is far superior to an 'introductory class', but it asks a lot more of the experienced students to support it.

 

Advanced students get a chance to learn how to teach, but it takes them away from the more advanced training. Instructors also spend more time watching and instructing beginners than a regular class.

 

We only require 1 month's dues to start training, and make this investment in you. Since watching a class will help you make a more educated decision about whether practicing Aikido with us is the right thing for you - we ask that you invest an hour and a half to help you make the right decision.

 

 

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