Talk to the Students

TIPS ON CHOOSING A SCHOOL

[HOME]

BEGINNING THE SEARCH

DETERMINING THE STYLE YOU WISH TO LEARN

VISITING A SCHOOL

TALK TO THE TEACHER

STAFF

TALK TO THE STUDENTS

TEACHER’S EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES

EXAMINE THE PROGRAM & SCHEDULE

SAFETY ISSUES

BUSINESS ASPECTS

TUITION

- Talk to the students -

Interview the student body. See if any of the students can take a minute to share with you some discoveries they have made about themselves while engaged in their studies. Most students will be happy to share their experience because they, too, were once new and searching for answers just like you. Listening to an individual’s story can give you a personalized account of what it is like to train at the school.

When class is not in session, do the students have their own expression and individuality? Some systems of Martial Arts are heavily steeped in conformity. Just as it is favorable to see all the students adhere to the instruction, it would be disconcerting to see students behave like automatrons when class is not in session. When talking to students you should perceive some ideas independent from the teacher’s. If many of the students are speechless or there is absolutely nothing different between the instructor’s viewpoints and that of the student’s, you could be witnessing a case of blind allegiance, whereas the school does little to foster self-discovery or independent thought on the Martial Arts.

Continue