Decisions, decisions, decisions....

[Lupin3]

Okay guys, here's my story:

 

I've wanted to study martial arts since I was a kid, but have never had the opportunity. Now I have the time and money, but I'm not a kid anymore, so I want to make the best decision I can as to which school to join and art to study.

 

I live north of Atlanta, and have found four schools that seem particularly interesting. I thought I'd list them and see if anyone has any comments about the school, instructor, or art. This is a difficult decision so any help is welcome

 

First, a school that offers many arts:

 

Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do

 

Personal Defensive Systems

 

Wing Chun Kung Fu

 

Filipino Kali / Escrima

 

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

 

Shaolin Kung Fu

 

Shaolin Kempo

 

Qi-Gong

 

My main interests here are Shaolin Kung Fu and Qi-Gong, which are taught by Grandmaster Dana Allen Miller, Head of Family, U.S. Chuan Fa Association, 1992-present. He's graciously provided a week of free training, and I am certainly impressed by his teaching ability. The owner, however, seems more focused on money. The monthly dues can range up to $150/mo for unlimited usage with a 12 month contract. With a 36 month contract, the dues drop to $120/mo. Of course, they offer an impressive array of arts to study.

 

Second, and I've already gotten some comments on this instructor, is Jason Lau's Wing Chun. This instructor is the real deal, having come to the US in the late 60s from Hong Kong and teaching almost since he arrived. His school is very selective about their students, which I appreciate. I'm a little concerned that Wing Chun alone may be a little too focused, but I do realize that many years could be spent learning this art and one still might not achieve something approaching mastery. I have an interview scheduled at the end of July. The monthly dues start at $80 for beginner training, twice a week. After six months, if they decide to accept me as a regular student, training is three times a week.

 

Third, a local Budo Bujinkan Taijutsu school taught by Dr. Michael Macaluso, an authorized instructor by Hatsumi Sensei's Honbu in Japan. He lists the six non-ninpo arts on his website, which is fine with me. I'm really interested in Samurai history and culture (and Japanese culture in general) and less so in the whole Ninja thing. It could be, however, that he simply doesn't advertise the ninpo arts to discourage wannabe shinobis. Which is just fine. I have been invited to an open house this weekend. Prices range from $100/mo with a 6 or 12 month contract, to $150 month to month.

 

Fourth and by no means last, I've discovered a Shuai Chiao instructor reasonably close named Master David Lin. Apparently, he was invited to teach here in the US for a company providing anti-terrorist services several years ago. He came from Taiwan. One of his students will hopefully contact me soon about his next class in August. I don't yet know what his pricing structure is.

 

So there it is: Chuan Fa or Wing Chun Kung Fu, Budo Bujinkan Taijutsu, or Shuai Chiao. I'm really interested in traditional training and in learning the language and culture of the art I will study as well as getting in shape and learning to defend myself.

 

I'm not asking which of these is best as an art, but any thoughts you might have about the arts, schools, or instructors will be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks!

[gheinisch]

Will it does seem you have a lot of choices in your area. That's good, I know some here who are given very few styles to choose from. By all means take advantage of the free week of training. That will give you an idea of what it's like at that school. A couple of the schools mentioned do seem to be a little high in price but if you feel like you are getting your money's worth then that's all that matters. I really don't know much about the instructors you mentioned but some others here may know them or had some pass dealings with them. Be careful when contracts are involved, be sure to read it all and don't be pressured into anything you might regret. As for with style? It depends a lot on what you want to get out of it personnally. I practice a traditional style which I love but some mayt find it too slow in the learning process and want something that may produce results faster. To each his own. I hope this has helped some. Good luck in finding whats right for you.

[CloudDragon]

WOW! I'm packing my bags and moving to Atlanta! Lupin3, mind if I bunk with you for a while?

 

Seriously though, it sounds like you have some great choices with well credentialed instructors. (kudos for doing your research!) I would suggest that you be comfortable with the pricing of your lessons because it could be a hinderance to training, personal experience talking here. I personally would look into the Shuai Chao just because the little I know about it sounds interesting.

[Lupin3]

Thanks for your reponses guys!

 

I appreciate the comment about being comfortable with pricing. It seems like price is not a determinant in the quality of instruction. Some of the more established instructors (Lau Sifu) have prices significantly less than newer schools (though they do have rent to pay...). I think what you're saying is that its important to be comfortable both with one's own finances and that one gets a reasonable return on investment. I think that's good advice!

 

Tomorrow I'm going to drive down to the Chinese Culture Center where the Shuai Chiao training is to check the after-work commute. It looks like I'll be going the opposite way of traffic, so it shouldn't be too much of a problem.

 

gheinisch, I am definitely interested in more traditional training. I want to learn what I learn well, and feel like I earned that belt or sash. In fact, I wish there were more Koryu type schools in the area - I'd love to learn Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu and Iaido! Lau Sifu and Master Lin seem traditionally oriented, though - as does the Budo Bujinkan Taijutsu instructor. I'm just a little concerned about the whole ninja thing...

 

Thanks again!

[aefibird]

Good luck with whichever you decide to go with.

 

You seem to have a great choice of schools & instructors in your area (can I bunk with you & CloudDragon too??? ), I wish I had that much choice in my area.

 

The only other advice I'd go for is to try out as many classes of each before you make up your mind. Although the first school you listed does seem a tad on the expensive side it does give you the option of learing other arts, rather than just one. If you feel that you'd like to maybe study more than one art (not necessarily now but possibly in the future) then you might be better off going to school like that.

 

Another factor to consider is things like uniform - check if you have to have a specific MA uniform from each school. The training costs for a particular place may be low, but there may be extra 'hidden' charges, such as the fact that you have to pay zillions of $$$ to grade or pay an astronomical amount for a uniform from that school.

 

Also, how far away is each school to you? I know they're all in your area, but is one easier to get to than others? If you're planning on travelling by bus to get to classes then you probably don't want to choose the place that's furthest away. Also, what about training times? If one school sounds great, but trains at times inconvenient to you then that's another factor to take into consideration.

[Rotten Head Fok]

I would just add make sure you understand your obligations concerning the contracts. Good luck! and welcome to the martial arts.