midnightpariah

Hey NightOwl: I have made like this insane list of things that I want from a dojo. I wonder if I am being too picky, but since this is something that I have been wanting to do for sometime I want to do it right. Basically I want to learn the basics (of course) but eventually I would like to compete. I am also interested in weapons training. I am not sure what style I am interested in being that this is the first time that I have ever looked into it. I am moving to Boise Idaho next week and have been investigating different dojos online. I found a few that I am interested in, but I haven't found one that really stands out. I want one that practices more than twice a week, but some dojos near my house only have practice twice a week. I think that I am going to watch as many classes as I possibly can before I make a decision. As of right now this is the school that I am most interested in. And this one and this one are tied for second.

For as long as I can remember I have wanted to do martial arts. When I was younger, I asked my parents if I could take karate, but they told me that karate was for boys and signed me up for dance lessons instead. I have recently lost quite a bit of weight (about 45 lbs) through steady diet and exercise and now I finally feel like I should work towards my dream. I have been researching different schools in my area and have narrowed it down to 3. The only thing is that I am super nervous about calling and scheduling an apointment to observe a class. I am afraid of looking silly. I am afraid that I am too old (I'm 25). I am afraid that people will treat me differently because I am a girl. I guess I am looking for advice from others who have been in a similar position. I know that I will do this, I just need some tips on how not to be nervous. Thanks!!