A Practical Guide To Choosing A Martial Arts Instructor

There is no shortage of martial arts instructors who are willing to enroll you into their classes. The challenge is finding someone who is qualified to train you (or your children), and uses a training style with which you're comfortable. Finding someone who meets these two criteria may seem simple. But you'll learn that many instructors are unfit to teach others to perform the martial arts.

In this article, we'll provide several suggestions for selecting a martial arts trainer. We'll begin by describing things that should give you pause. These are red flags that the person with whom you're dealing is being less than forthright. We'll also explain how to look into a trainer's credentials, and determine whether he (or she) is someone who is actually qualified to teach what is offered, such as karate in Broomfield, CO.

If a young instructor (e.g. 26 or 27 years of age) claims to have a very high rank in a particular style - for example, 9th Dan in karate - be cautious. While it is possible for a young person to achieve such a high rank, it is rare. Most practitioners with a 9th Dan are nearing retirement age.

Be equally suspicious of a trainer who asserts a very high rank in more than one style - for example, a 9th Dan in both karate and judo. It can be done, especially if a person starts young and devotes his entire life to the pursuit. But again, it is rare. Few people reach a 9th Dan, even after decades of devotion to a single art. Doing so in two styles is highly questionable.

As should be evident, an instructor's claim to possess a particular rank does not mean he possesses that rank. Or, if he does, he may have received it through means other than demonstrating proficiency with his art (i.e. buying it). It is important to find out whether a claim is true, as well as how much stock to place in it, before enrolling into training classes.

Ask about the trainer's affiliation, and then confirm the information online. Ask to see his certificate, and check the name of the association that issued it. Martial arts organizations that sanction instructors usually list them on their websites. Hence, he should be easy to find. Also, if the instructor provides details into his past, try to corroborate them online.

Instructors award belts to students in different ways. Some promise to award a black belt within a year of the student starting lessons. Others will do so only after the student shows a certain level of knowledge and skill. Still other trainers will "award" a belt when the student purchases certain items from them, such as sparring gear or training material.

This part of the martial arts industry is unregulated. As a result, instructors have a lot of flexibility in how they choose to award belts to students. Be wary of those who use them as a lure to buy additional training and other items.

Watch a few training classes to learn how the instructor conducts them. Note whether the proper safety precautions are taken. Are students sparring without protective gear? Are the mats placed too closely to dangerous objects? Is time spent warming up and cooling down before and after the classes?

Pay attention to the interaction that occurs between the trainer and his students. Do they respond to his instruction? Are they disorderly, or obedient and respectful?

After the training sessions have ended, are the mats and equipment properly cleaned? They should be wiped down with a disinfectant, rather than merely swept.

Choosing a martial arts instructor involves more than just finding an "expert" in your preferred style. It requires spending time to confirm what you are told, and making sure you are comfortable with the person's approach to training.