Q:  How do you spot a Bad Dojo?

Basically my question is the topic heading. But on top of that I would like to ask a few more questions and maybe some of you can give me advice. I am new to the martial arts but I have always had a heavy interest in the arts. I would first like to learn some traditional arts like tae kwon do or karate. But this brings me to another question. I have seen alot of they teach Olympic style tae kwon do. What is Olympic style and how is it different from traditional tae kwon do? Also I also have a interest in MMA. I was thinking i will get familar with a striking art first. What is a good striking system to start off with? Then I thought I would get into a grappling system like brazialian jiu jitsu. What I also need some help with is how do I spot a really good school. I was going to learn tae kwon do from this place http://www.whitetigertkd.com/home/. Then learn MMA from here http://www.4kickbox.com/index.cfm?. If someone could please look at these places and tell if they are good. thanx.

ANSWERED BY GRAND MASTER KEN CRAIG OF TMAA

If you don't have a good deal of experience in the martial arts already, it is really impossible for a lay person to spot a bad school or instructor - although the obviously bad will be so to absolutely everyone. It's the more subtle stuff that takes experience to spot, and that is not really something that anyone on a forum such as this can provide guidance on.

I have heard of White Tiger TKD through a professional martial arts organization (NAPMA) that featured them in one of their 2007 issues. They seem to be a credible and legitimate operation.

It really doesn't matter what martial art you take up as a beginner though, all will teach you something valuable and worthwhile for your long term goals. Be aware also, that most people who join the martial arts for one particular reason, tend to stay for a host of entirely different reasons.

The most important thing is not the style/discipline, it's finding an instructor/s you trust, a group of students you actually look forward to training with, and a program that fits within your financial and schedule limitations.

Check out the schools in the area you're are in - irrespective of the style. Talk with the instructor/s and students. Observe a few classes and talk with the students. Take some time and I'm sure you'll instinctively know which one is right for you. That will be the one where you like the instructor, like the students, and can't wait to start attending.

You will spend a lot of time with the instructor and students you choose now, so getting that right is much more important than finding a school that teaches a discipline someone on this forum has suggested to you. Everyone is drawn to different disciplines for a variety of reasons and no-one but you can determine what those factors are. Thus, you have to do some leg work by checking out the schools in your area and finding the instructor whom you want to become your mentor and guide, at least at the beginning of your journey.

Once you get a solid grounding (say two to three years), begin to explore your neighborhood for complementary or systemically opposing disciplines and chat with you instructor/s about your plans. Your own greater knowlege, and the recommendations and guidance of your instructor/s should set you on the right path.