Choosing a Karate School (Club)

How to Choose a Karate School / Club

THE STUDENT

Now days is not easy to find a good karate school. There are lots available which is good but it can be a little confusing to choose from so many official and homemade styles.

Before you decide to join a karate school first you should have an idea what is karate and what is that you want to achieve. 

Lots of people take up karate and have no idea why or what karate is about. A little research is always good and it may help.

KARATE can be a very healthy and exciting addition to your life but be sure to choose wisely. When selecting a karate school for yourself it is very important to find a place that you will meet your needs. 

Choosing to become active in karate means knowing you know "the package" that comes with it along with the responsibilities; starting karate means, more than anything, discipline, respect for others and for yourself. Many schools offering many different styles.

STEPS

1. 

Decide what you hope to gain from taking karate. Do some research to find out more what is about. 

Many people make the mistake of choosing to take up karate before they have really established their goals and have a little understanding to what karate is about.

This is a shame because of lack of understanding it usually leads to that student quitting out of disappointment and never getting the opportunity to experience all the great benefits of karate.

Write down your goals beforehand and be specific even if you're not sure which style you wish to practice.

You should ask yourself how important are:

•  self–defense 

•  improving your fitness

•  karate as a way of life

•  competition (as in martial sports) 

•  character development 

•  creative expression 

•  instructor training and certification

•  self development

Remember all styles of karate have slightly different approach when it comes to self development.

Some may focus primarily on SELF-DEFENCE some in COMPETITION  while others focus more on personal development and character building and so on... 

Be sure to know what you hope to gain from your experience and don't be afraid to try out several schools before choosing one.

2.

Shop around.

Don't join the first school you go to unless you are positive that no other could meet your needs any better. Nearly all karate schools offer a free trial period or at least a free class.

Try a few schools than narrow the search down to the schools that you enjoyed the most and from which you benefited.

If you're not feeling it the chances are that you will not last at that particular school – although time is needed.

3.  

Find a qualified instructor. Research his/her credentials and make sure that you feel comfortable with this person. 

Remember also, "world champion" does not always equal "great teacher". 

The teacher that takes his/her time with you and helps you to understand the lesson will be much more helpful than the undefeated grand champion of the world who just boasts about how great he is. 

Even if you have to drive a little further or pay a little more for training it will be well worth it to know that you are getting great instruction.

4.  

Sit down with the Instructor and discuss your goals with him/her. Also, don't forget to ask plenty of questions.  Ask if the instructor you just talking to will, in fact, be your teacher – if this is important to you.  

Some clubs have a Master and senior Black Belt Instructors. This is good and hopefully you will be better served.
But be aware of those clubs that use junior black belt to teach. Although they may be good and acceptable to teach time to time for development and experience they may be too young and with not enough experience to teach in regular basis.

Few more important points to consider and understand in more details

THE SCHOOL / CLUB

Nowadays many clubs go on advertising themselves as being the best – part of a big association or organization and use phrases like: where The Champions are born and brag about how many Black Belt Instructors – how high they're in Dan Grade and tournament trophies they have.

Some schools even unscrupulous display store bought trophies as decoration.

Even if those trophies were earned, it is not an indication of how good the club or the instructors are, only how good they are as competitors.

Yes, sure some clubs may be good but don't just be fooled by their claim and display. In many cases is just a show and want help you much.

A good club should have at least the following:

1.   Has a full curriculum

2.   Treat everyone the same

3.   Has a minimum of two classes per week policy to qualify for grading 

4.   Has a minimum time-scale for each grade

5.   Don't promise to get a quick grade

6.   Don't skip grades

7.   Has a Sensei that can teach and translate the knowledge to others

THE VENUE / DOJO

Over the years I have seen many people not joining the club just because they didn't like the how the venue /dojo looked like.

The venue does not have to be pretty is not a beauty salon. The venue is just a place to train. Sure if the venue is nice is a bonus but this should not put you off from joining a club. Once you start and enjoy the training you want even care what the venue looks like anymore.

THE INSTRUCTOR / SENSEI

Over the years I had students coming from other Dojos from here in the UK and around the world. Like: Italy, Spain, France, USA and so on...

Many times I have been told that their previous Sensei was excellent and a good family friends.

This is all good – but sadly in most cases the student was in very bad condition no technique and with little or no understanding of the art they practiced.

Some instructors can be very nice to you and they may genuinely be nice. This is good especially the first few classes as a new student you need a little comfort.

But remember by being nice doesn't mean they are good at teaching – so keep an eye on it as you go along. After all you are there to learn karate and develop your skills.

Also be wary of instructors that go on about themselves letting you know – how good they are – how many trophies they have – how many competitions they have won – how high they are on the grades. It all looks good on paper but don't be fooled by it.

Sure same Sensei's may have all of that and may be very good, but those Sensei’s are very rare and a good Sensei doesn't have to advertise all this to convince you or anyone to join their club.

1.   A good Sensei will only tell you all about their credentials if you ask

2.   A good Sensei is only good if he/she can translate the karate to you

3.   A good Sensei doesn't have to have all of the above to be good just the knowledge, passion and willingness to teach you the karate

4.   A good Sensei can easily be noted by how they teach and conduct themselves in and outside the Dojo

NOTES & TIPS

Most people go to a karate club to have look first before they decide to start or not. This is good but sometimes the class may not look like you have imagined.

Yes, is good look but is not the same as actually doing the class. My advice is that you get in the dojo and do the class. Doing the class is completely different feeling and you will have a better idea by the end of it.

And remember any club you go too can have a good and and day.

A club cannot be judged just by that. You must be patient and give it sometime before you make a decision to stay or not. 

Check list

1.   Find out the styles you want to do

2.   Give it some time before you decide to stay or not. Not just one or two classes

3.   Do the class don't just go to watch

4.   Find out what is the style practiced and that it offers

5.   Have an idea why you want to start karate. Do some research what karate is about

6.   Don't judge the sensei just by the way he/she talks and looks. Judge by how they teach Only

7.   Don't, do not join a club just because you don't like the venue. The venue is the most important. The Teaching Is

Remember, 

Firstly, what makes a good school is the instructor(s) that has knowledge and passion AND can communicate them to his students.

Secondly, are those students who try their hardest to be as good as they can be.

And thirdly, you hopefully will be adding to this soon.

As an instructor / sensei reading this hopefully you will translate in a positive way. If you not already doing it, I hope you will start working on improving some of the negative points raised. And make your dojo a well worth it and welcoming for everyone new and existing students.

As a new student wanting to take up karate I hope it is helpful and enjoyed reading it.

And finally,

Is worth saying that there are lot of good honest Instructors and karate schools / clubs here in the UK and around the world trying to do their best and pass their knowledge on. And to those instructors and clubs I salute you. In addition I also salute those who change and choose to improve themselves.

Good luck and Good training

Thanks for reading

Ylli Sensei

Good to know: 

The information is gathered together from occasion that has happened over the years at our Dojo. I hope this is was helpful.