When checking out a new school, what are the right questions to ask before joining?

1. Who did you train under and how long? (always check that out) If they can show you proof and tell about it but if its hit and miss your talking to a fake.

2. Ask what makes their style special? Ask them to compare it to another style? If you find a person who is like my style is the best be careful because they are closed minded. Its ok to think your style and ways are the best but look for them to be open in comparing it to others.

3. If its a style that does kata ask them to show you one. Then ask what certin moves are used for and expalin it. If its not a style that uses kata and is more fighting based as if you can watch some of their better students spar and see how they look. (you want to see what your going to learn like test driving a new car).

4. General oddsand end like.... How long have you taught. What is the cost.. Is there any specail deals or rates..... Is there a contract or not..... What about insurance.... Do I need any other grear like gloves, Gi's, etc.....

5. Talk about them. Ask about his or her family fidn out what type of person they are.

6. What are the payment plans like? Contract, month to month, ect.

6-a. If it's a contract, how can I get out of it?

7. Is the instructor at least first aid trained/Red Cross certified?

8. What organizations are you affiliated with?

9. What are some of your training philospies? (spiritual, mental, etc.)

10. What are your training methodologies? (focus on traditional, self-defense, hands-on, etc)

11. Can I watch a class? (If they say no, don't even bother with them.)

12. What are the goals that they concentrate on? Competition, Self-Defense, personal enrichment (discipline, etc)

13. Do students spend time together after class?

Thanks a lot everybody.

Hey lady who discovered radiation the hard way (): what difference does it make if the students hang out together? I'm a guy in his early 30's with a wife... I think I'd rather hang out with her.

Thanks a lot everybody.

Hey lady who discovered radiation the hard way (): what difference does it make if the students hang out together? I'm a guy in his early 30's with a wife... I think I'd rather hang out with her.

Heck, there's nothing wrong with making friends! "I don't need friends, I've got a wife" is not a healthy attitude - it'll increase the number of people you can go for beers with when your wife's being a pain in the butt.

Thanks a lot everybody.

Hey lady who discovered radiation the hard way (): what difference does it make if the students hang out together? I'm a guy in his early 30's with a wife... I think I'd rather hang out with her.

Heck, there's nothing wrong with making friends! "I don't need friends, I've got a wife" is not a healthy attitude - it'll increase the number of people you can go for beers with when your wife's being a pain in the butt.

LOL, that's not what I meant. I was more going along the lines of saying that I'm sweaty and gross after a session... I'm not hanging out then. And as I get older, I "hang out" less and tend to "retire at home" a whole lot more.

I think it was meant as time outside of training. You know, like karaoke parties and stuff, not literally right after class. I swear, what is it about martial artists and karaoke?

That's cool.

Any other questions I should ask when checking out a dojo?