How to find a great Martial Arts studio!

How to find a great Martial Arts studio!

By, Brennan Cackett (Black Belt in Ta Kwon Do)


Have you ever watched a movie and wished you could be like the hero in the film; could fly through the air, leveling bad guys by the dozen? And with just a few well placed kicks and punches too. Well who says you can’t! With just a few years of training in the Martial Arts you too can walk down the streets of Harlem at midnight; with your only fear being that the cops may catch the bad guys before you do!



Step 1
Go to a library and check out a book on the Martial Arts. You do this in order to identify what style of Martial Arts you want to study; do you want the graceful, yet deadly, style of Kung Fu or the gritty, street fighting, of Chang Moo Kwon?


Step 2
Once you have chosen the style of Martial Arts you wish to study, you should look it up on the internet or yellow pages, and then call the studio. It is also helpful to find out if any of your friends take Martial Arts so you can then go for a visit. As a side note, many churches will offer self defense classes or Martial Arts programs with a Christian perspective.


Step 3
Once you have chosen a studio that teaches your style of Martial Arts, you should schedule a time to meet with the Master and visit the students.


Step 4
Find out the kind of classes they offer such as, age range, self defense, weapons classes, or traditional. Then choose a class best suited for you and go and visit the class and observe the other instructors.


Step 5
Once you’ve decided which studio and which classes are for you then it’s time to sign up! There is usually lots of paperwork so don’t be intimidated by this. It’s for your protection and the studio’s. Make sure to check for any specials that might be going on and be sure the class times aren’t going to be changing anytime soon. It’s important that you schedule times that work for you so you will be able to go every week.



Step 6

The Gee. This is a very important part of the Martial Arts experience. One, it needs to fit properly, because when you’re learning the moves in Martial Arts you need to have flexibility and be able to completely focus on the training not on the Gee. Make sure you buy one size too big because they will shrink. The more you wash it, the softer it gets, so don’t be surprised if it’s quite stiff when you first purchase it. Sometimes when you sign up you receive your first Gee free.


Step 7
Now that you’ve chosen your studio, signed up got your classes in order and bought your Gee, you are ready to go. Get ready to be that street wise champ you’ve always wanted to be!


Tips & warnings

Always follow what your instructor says (that’s why it’s so important to find one you are comfortable with).

Always bring enough water to keep you hydrated.

Always wash your Gee after every workout and shower. You may be practicing techniques named after animals but that doesn’t mean you have to smell like one!