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Do You Dojo?
Finding the Right Martial Arts School for Your Child
By Tenna Perry
While there is an almost infinite number of different styles and sub styles of martial arts, there is actually a limit to the number of kicks and hand techniques (blocks and punches). The front kick in Tae Kwon Do may be called a snap kick in Shotokan, but the technique and application is basically the same.
An excellent starting point for your search is a karate tournament where all styles are welcome. It will allow you to observe the differences in style, sparring techniques and katas (forms). These will also give you a chance to see how the instructors and students of various schools act. Ask yourself if they fight fair. Are the black belts setting a respectful image for their students? How do they handle the stress of competition? Are these the types of people you want teaching your child?
In Tomaselli's opinion, it isn't so much the style but the instructor not fitting the student. Just as in any relationship, the student/Sensei rapport must click. If it doesn't, find another instructor for your child.
Contracts with initiation and registration fees are a hotly-debated subject in the martial arts community. Some insist the contract is a way of making the student become dedicated to his or her learning. The problem with contracts (especially when children are involved) is what happens when the student loses interest, the responsible party becomes unemployed or disabled and a family's income is cut to the point where necessities such as home, vehicles and utilities are at risk? What happens when that $50 to $100 a month in martial arts tuition can no longer be paid? Simple. Collection agencies begin demanding calls that often border on harassment.
A beginning student's gi (uniform) and sparring (fighting) equipment can vary in price but none of it is cheap.
