1. Look around. Sometimes the best teachers aren't actually at those commercial studios down the street. A karate business is run by a good businessman, which does not necessarily make him a good martial artist or even a good teacher. You can sometimes find good instruction at the local YMCA or rec center. Some of the best in the world only teach privately and semi-privately. Ask around. Search the internet. It might be worth it to look around a little more beyond just the yellow pages.

2. Know why you want to train. If you know why you want to train (exercise, competition, comradery, fighting skills, self discipline, etc.), then you'll know what to look for. If you know what you're looking for, then you'll know it when you see it. The martial arts market is much too big to just go out and look. Much like cars, there is something for every part of the market. It's just a matter of finding the right fit. While some might enjoy being in a commercial martial arts venue, others might prefer a small, independent club atmosphere. Some might enjoy grappling and rolling on the ground with sweaty men, while others might prefer punching and kicking. It's just a matter of finding the right fit.

3. If you're looking to enroll your child, find a teacher who loves teaching kids. Just because someone is a good martial artist doesn't necessarily mean he's a good teacher, especially when it comes to your kids. Look for a teacher who understands the impact martial arts can make on your kids and makes the program fun and exciting for them. Talk to the other parents and their kids and ask them how they feel about the program. Observe the children in class (And be very wary of any instructor who has a policy of not allowing parents to watch their kids in class). Do they show discipline, focus, and respect, or are they just clowning around the whole time? It should be a martial arts class, not a glorified day care. Be careful if you see a lot of child black belts. There's a reason why a black belt carries a special respect about it; it should never be given away.

4. Look at the quality of the product. A teacher's product is his students. What are the students like? Do they show the ability to defend themselves? Can they move? Do they carry themselves in a respectful, professional manner? Do they show confidence, yet humility? Do the black belts look and move like black belts? Are they mean spirited and demeaning? Or do students walk out invigorated and inspired, better off than they were before class?

5. Ask questions. Once you've found a potential teacher, ask him about his teaching philosophies. Heck, why not share your own faith with him and see how he responds? Regardless of his beliefs, your concerns are valid and should be addressed by the instructor. Talk to the other students and ask them how they like the class. Why did they choose this teacher? Did they try any others? Are they allowed and encouraged to go to competitions and seminars, especially those not sponsored by the instructor?

6. Location, location, location. While certain select people are willing to commute 1 or 2 hours (or more) to train with a particular teacher, most of us would simply stop going if the drive was too far out of the way. Try to find someone either close to home or close to work, or somewhere in-between. (Then again, if you do find an absolutely great teacher, and you're very committed to training, then it might be worth the drive for you! Exceptional teachers are hard to find...)

7. Watch where your money goes. Granted, the commercial karate studio owner is teaching martial arts for a living and needs to get paid in order to stay in business and feed his family. If he's good at what he does, and does so with integrity, then he needs and deserves your support. However, there are a few out there who are just used car salesmen in karate uniforms. Contracts, dues, equipment costs, testing fees, these are all to be expected. But be wary of any fast talking sales pitch, especially when it comes to getting a black belt in a short period of time, or instructors who claim that they are the only way and discourage or actually prohibit students from working out with others outside of the school.

Copyright © 2005 Erik Akutagawa, Victory Karate.
All rights reserved.