WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK?
There are so many martial arts clubs springing up over the country. How do you know which ones are any good?
It is sad to say that teaching something described as a "martial art" is becoming very fashionable. But not all martial arts clubs are the same.
True karate, practised in the traditional way teaches physical skills required for self-defence. This is not all. It also develops positive characteristics which enable students to avoid conflicts where possible and to deal with them appropriately where conflict cannot be avoided.
Respect. Courtesy. Discipline. Self-control. Initiative. Courage. Honesty.
Unfortunately not all clubs balance physical training with the development of good character. Worse still, where instructors are not properly qualified, students may train hard and spend time and money learning techniques that are not effective. The sad fact is that these students are left with a false impression of their ability to really defend themselves.
If you are thinking of taking up karate or any martial art, please take the time to ensure that you are going to be taught well, by an experienced and knowledgeable teacher, in a responsible manner and in a safe environment.
It is sad to say that teaching something described as a "martial art" is becoming very fashionable. But not all martial arts clubs are the same.
True karate, practised in the traditional way teaches physical skills required for self-defence. This is not all. It also develops positive characteristics which enable students to avoid conflicts where possible and to deal with them appropriately where conflict cannot be avoided.
Respect. Courtesy. Discipline. Self-control. Initiative. Courage. Honesty.
Unfortunately not all clubs balance physical training with the development of good character. Worse still, where instructors are not properly qualified, students may train hard and spend time and money learning techniques that are not effective. The sad fact is that these students are left with a false impression of their ability to really defend themselves.
If you are thinking of taking up karate or any martial art, please take the time to ensure that you are going to be taught well, by an experienced and knowledgeable teacher, in a responsible manner and in a safe environment.
1. IS MY TEACHER KNOWLEDGEABLE AND EXPERIENCED?
A black belt looks impressive to some. But remember that getting a black belt actually signifies the beginning of advanced training. It means that a student has mastered the basics and is ready to begin practising more sophisticated techniques.
The age of a teacher is also important. Responsible associations set minimum age requirements for black belt gradings. They also have set training regimes between black belt gradings: 2 years between 1st dan and 2nd dan, 3 years between 2nd dan and 3rd dan, 4 years between 3rd and 4th dan, 5 years between 4th and 5th dan, 6 years between 5th and 6th dan and so on. This ensures that high grades can only be awarded to more mature individuals.
You should ask yourself:
The age of a teacher is also important. Responsible associations set minimum age requirements for black belt gradings. They also have set training regimes between black belt gradings: 2 years between 1st dan and 2nd dan, 3 years between 2nd dan and 3rd dan, 4 years between 3rd and 4th dan, 5 years between 4th and 5th dan, 6 years between 5th and 6th dan and so on. This ensures that high grades can only be awarded to more mature individuals.
You should ask yourself:
- how old is the instructor?
- how long has the instructor been training?
- how long has the instructor been teaching?
- what grade is the instructor?
- who graded the instructor?
2. IS THIS A SAFE ENVIRONMENT?
This question is directed at the physical environment (is this room suitable for karate training?) and also at the general practice at the club (are students encouraged to act and train in a sensible way?)
3. ARE WE BEING TAUGHT IN A RESPONSIBLE WAY?
Good teaching in karate (or any martial art) places equal importance on the development of good character as on physical technique.
After all the physical techniques that are taught can cause serious injury or worse. But the first principle to learn is that karate (or any martial art) is only to be used in self-defence or the defence of another in need of help.
A karate student is taught NOT to be aggressive or violent.
You should ask:
After all the physical techniques that are taught can cause serious injury or worse. But the first principle to learn is that karate (or any martial art) is only to be used in self-defence or the defence of another in need of help.
A karate student is taught NOT to be aggressive or violent.
You should ask:
- are we being taught how to avoid conflict?
- are we being taught to respond appropriately and proportionately to a situation?
- is emphasis placed on respect, courtesy, discipline, self-control?