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Do You Dojo?
Finding the Right Martial Arts School for Your Child
By Tenna Perry
"While the large dojo in a convenient shopping center seems the most promising place to start, don't judge schools by their outward appearances," says Tomaselli. "Basically there are two types of martial arts schools. The first is the one that is strictly a business. They look at newcomers not as students to be taught but as bank deposits walking on two legs. The other type of school is one that is there for the benefit of the students. Its primary goal is to teach the martial arts and all they encompass to the student."
You should also be concerned with your child's individuality. "No two students are the same and no single style is perfect for all students, so once local schools are found, the actual search can begin," says Tomaselli. "Parents should call the dojos and see if they offer a few classes that can be observed or even better, participated in. In this way, a parent can find out if they are entering a business-style school or a true dojo that is interested in each student who enters the door."
Other concerns parents should have are:
- Any schools or instructors that won't allow observation of classes.
- Instructors who don't allow parents to observe the teaching of their children.
- Schools that insist on large amounts of money or a contract up front as well as insistence that uniforms and equipment be bought only through the school.
- Schools that guarantee a black belt in a set period of time for a set amount of money.
- Instructors who teach through the humiliation or pain of a student.
- Schools in which students or instructors show any signs of disrespect for each other.
