If your only exposure to martial arts is from Bruce Lee or the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, it’s time to get a more accurate look at this activity many consider to be a way of life – and what it can mean to you. There are myriad forms of martial arts, taekwondo, judo, karate, kung fu and aikido, to name a few. Some have passed through the centuries, while others have been modified and are relatively new. Whether it’s taekwondo or judo, what we teach is as important as how we teach. We place great value on instilling in our students high standards and a superior level of conduct. If you are choosing a martial arts school for you or your child, don’t base a decision on what martial art is taught there. Make sure the school itself meets your expectations. Because what’s more important to you – that your child simply learns karate, or that he or she becomes more confident, respectful, enthusiastic and a great martial artist? Selecting just the right school, you see, is the most important step. When visiting prospective schools, you should observe a class, meet the instructor or director of the school, and pay attention to the condition of the facility, too. Here are some other considerations. Curriculum and Values Of course, you’ll want to get to know about the type of martial art that is taught at the school (karate, tae kwon do, etc.) As important, however, is knowing how these skills are taught. Does the school reinforce your values and rules? Is there a structured curriculum? What are the opportunities for leadership? What are their rules about contact and competition? Many martial arts schools have a student creed that students must memorize. Does this agree with your personal values? How are students rewarded for good behavior, and disciplined for inappropriate behavior? What is the school’s reputation in your community? How long has it been in existence? Does it hold membership in any professional organization? Martial Arts Staff While watching a class, observe the interaction between students and instructors very carefully. The atmosphere should be formal and professional, but the students should be having fun as well. A good instructor can instruct 50 students with control and ease, but for an inexperienced instructor, 5 students might be too many. What kind of training do the instructors have? Just because the instructor has a black belt does not mean he or she is a good instructor. They must be positive role models for the students. Do the students in class seem happy and motivated? When the instructor meets your child, does the instructor establish an immediate rapport? How long has the head instructor worked at the school? Does the school do background checks on its employees? Facility and Safety Issues The school should be welcoming and comfortable for both students and parents. Is the facility clean? Is there a matted area where students can train? Is there a viewing area for parents? Selecting the right school will be a positive influence on your child’s development. It will help him or her mature and have the confidence to become a leader.