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Ask The Master

JENNIFER C

Q:  What should I ask and look for in starting at martial arts?

I have several questions here so i thought I would group them into one:

a) How should I determine which specific martial art I would enjoy more? Is there a resource that can give me a comprehensive list and description of each different type?

b) What should I look for in a dojo once I've decided which sport I want to start in? I'm not looking at doing this competitively but I would still want to learn it the right way and to learn proper techniques so I do want to make sure the dojo is credible/competent. What questions should I ask? What are the common pitfalls and things to avoid?

c) I imagine this will vary depending on the region (I'm on Montreal) or the type or martial art that I decide to undertake but what is a price range I should be looking for?

d) Can any knowledgeable person let me know if there are other things I should be looking for or asking?

Thanks you all very much in advance!

ANSWERED BY GRAND MASTER KEN CRAIG OF TMAA

It really doesn't matter what martial art you take up, all will teach you something valuable and any true art will be able to work with you no matter what your physical stature or limitations.

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.