Martial Arts for Dummies: What should a beginner look for?

[krunchyfrogg]

What should a beginner or someone returning to the Martial Arts after a long hiatus look for in a school?

I want my above statement to be the focus of this thread, but I also want to interject a little personal stuff:

I've only been in one school, and I really liked it a lot. I got hurt, put on weight, moved away, ect., and am working on getting back into shape and starting to take some kind of martial arts again. Personally, it doesn't really matter to me what style, but I'm kind of turned off by tournaments/trophies, ect. (that's not what I'm looking for in a MA).

Again, what should a beginner or someone returning to the Martial Arts after a long hiatus look for in a school? What are some red flags to look for, and good things? I'll gladly accept both vague and specific things here.

TIA

[bushido_man96]

First of all, you should check out a school yourself. You can do all the reading about the style, but the instructor is what you need to know about. Finding out their credentials is a good start. Watching a class is of upmost importance, so that you will know what kind of teacher the instructor is, and what you are getting into. Free intro classes are a good sign. I won't say that black belt children is a bad sign, but watching their technique and how they act is a good idea.

[ninjanurse]

First of all I love your avatar! Very Cool!!!

Busindoman gives good advice. Returning martial artists should also look for schools that will discuss your experience and current physical condition with you. This is important so there are no false expectations on either side. Take it slow and remember as we age our bodies take longer to heal and are generally less flexible. Good luck!

[krunchyfrogg]

Thanks you two... two great responses!

So, we should attend a class before signing up, see how we feel about the teacher(s), and talk to them.

Look out for McDojo's (I know, it's reading a bit into Bushidoman's Black Belt kids comment).

[cathal]

Check out this thread, by cleung: http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=24026

As for myself, I tend to suggest to folks that you "try it on" like a pair of shoes at a shoe store. If you're talking to the instructor and it feels like a sales pitch then you don't want to be there.

[MisterRadley]

Check out this thread, by cleung: http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=24026

As for myself, I tend to suggest to folks that you "try it on" like a pair of shoes at a shoe store. If you're talking to the instructor and it feels like a sales pitch then you don't want to be there.

I like the shoe analogy. Good advice cathal!

[jaymac]

Make sure you do find a school that offers seperate classes from children's classes. Now I am not saying do not expect teenagers to young adults to be in your class, but avoid situations where young children are being taught at the same time. I think most dojos offer trial memberships. Try it out. As for tournaments and stuff like that, I can't really help you. I practice shotokan and we do not go to tournaments or practice for point sparring; however, I have learned from this forum that there are many shotokan schools that are considered sport MA and not traditional. You are just going to have to shop around to find what best fits your idea of a good school.