WARNING SIGNS WHEN SEARCHING FOR A KARATE SCHOOL
WARNING SIGNS WHEN SEARCHING FOR A "Shotokan" KARATE SCHOOL
First of all let's start by saying that before you join any martial arts, you should do some research and understand why you or your child is taking up martial arts.
We will not cover this in this article. We rather have you doing the research and coming up with an understanding. We are mentioning this because it is a common mistake especially with parents for kids.
The belief is that knowing why you want your child to take up martial arts, could mean better understanding and development philosophically and mentally for the participant.
And perhaps, better understanding of the below info.
#1
They have a “special program” to earn your (grades) or a black belt in 1-2 years.
There is no such a thing in a genuine Karate Club. The minimum it takes to achieve the 1st Dan black belt is 3 years and for Kyu, the grade is 3 months minimum.
Just like learning a musical instrument, proficiency in karate takes time, dedication, and practice. There are no shortcuts.
Be incredibly wary of any school that suggests that most of their students earn a black belt in two years or less is not genuine of any school that tries to sell you a special program that “guarantees” you a black belt.
#2
You or your child will learn discipline, motivation, coordination, self defense and so on… in a short time.
This is all appealing and it is part of learning Karate.
But be aware none of this will be achieved in a short time. It takes years of training and in most cases, is just for show. Sensei may or may not follow any of it may or may be able to translate the above to you or your child.
If this is fulfilled by the Sensei, then, we salute the Sensei - Usu 🙇♂️
#3
They wear multicolored uniforms, or uniforms with tons of patches.
There are exceptions to every rule, and there may be some high-quality karate schools out there training in colorful uniforms. However, as a general rule, bright, multicolored uniforms and tons of patches decorating the uniforms tend to be indicative of a larger cultural problem at the school: style over substance.
#4
They can’t give you a clear answer to what style of karate they teach.
There are many styles of karate, and no one style is better than another.
Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Shito-Ryu, Shorin-Ryu, Isshin-Ryu, Uechi-Ryu, Wado-Ryu,
Ryuei-Ryu, and Kyokushin are all major styles of karate that are widely recognized around the world. Be wary of school owners that can’t answer this basic question, or tell you that they’ve “made their own style.”
Similarly, although there are many other great martial arts out there that don’t fall under the category of “karate,” be careful about schools that conflate or confuse the terms. Korean arts such as Taekwondo, Hapkido, Tang Soo Do, etc. are all excellent, but they’re different from karate — and if the school owner doesn’t know that, or is counting on you not to know that, that probably shouldn’t pass the “smell test.” Generally, there’s no such thing as Korean Karate, American Karate, etc. (or, for that matter, Japanese Taekwondo).
#5
Classes look more like gymnastics than martial arts.
With the exception of the occasional jumping or spinning kick, karate doesn’t (and shouldn’t) resemble gymnastics in the slightest. If flipping through the air seems to be a major curricular component, then whatever you’re watching definitely isn’t karate.
#6
The “weapons” look more like toys.
Not all styles of karate teach traditional Okinawan weapons (such as the bo, tonfa, nunchaku, etc.), known as the art of kobudo. But legitimate karate schools that do study kobudo understand that they are training with weapons, not toys. If they look like they weigh three ounces, or they are shiny/neon/glow-in-the-dark, and are being tossed around in the air like juggling balls, then those are toys, and have no place in a reputable karate school.
#7
They won’t let you try a class before signing a long-term contract.
Plain and simple, if you get a “no” to this question, move on and find a different karate school. Most schools offer a free trial class, or a week or two of trial classes for a nominal fee. Any karate school that insists that you sign a contract and pay tuition before even trying the class does not have your best interests at heart. This is even more true if you are looking to enroll a young child.
#8
7,8,9,10 Dan Sensei many years of experience. Sensei Eric 3 times champion this and that and so on…
Many clubs you hear saying club run by the above Dan's. (Sensei Eric 8th Dan).
Dan by itself doesn't do everything. Higher Dan's can be for many reasons. Dan does not give any super powers and actually is not an indication that the Sensei is better than any other lower Dan.
For me to some extent downgrade the Sensei. A good Sensei doesn't need to show this at all. You will only know about his/her grade by chance.
Usu 🙇♂️🥋
We are sharing this blog out of passion for karate martial arts. We hope it is useful but in the end — you and you only can make the decision when you join a martial arts (karate) school by following your instincts.
Website.
https://www.mykarateclub.co.uk
Until next time - Usu 🙇♂️
Posted on:
August 7, 2019
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