I am starting to investigate some martial arts schools to find one that I like and that fits my budget. Is there a governing body that regulates them? I just don’t want to be sucked in by a bad school, but I wouldn’t know enough to recognize them at first.
No, there are no government regulating bodies (thank god), but there are a number of international sanctioning bodies that schools can subscribe to.
A bad school:
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Has an instructor that claims his art is the greatest thing in the world, boasts incessantly, and makes outlandish promises of possessing a black belt within a few years.
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Has very few advanced students. (Do not take his word for it, see them and talk to them.)
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Will not let you view or participate in a class before joining.
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Will rope you into a contract. DO NOT sign a contract for longer than two months when you first join a school, especially if you’re new to the martial arts. It might be a bit cheaper than a year long contract, but if you turn out to dislike the school then you are royally screwed. I would say that after six months, if you are still happy with the school, then you can start signing longer contracts.
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Promises voodoo crap like, “I can show you four moves that will beat any grappler.” That is simply bullshit, instantly turn off someone who claims to make you invincible.
Several other things to look for…
Is there a special time for kids classes, and another for adults or older students?
Is this school a one shot, “I’ve made my own martial art” type school, or is it part of a recognized style or form? Many of the “stand alone” schools are good, but a handful are awful.
What are you looking into it for? Health and weightloss? Self defense? Meeting chicks that can kick your butt? Ask the students, talk to the instructors…
Just trying to help…