What's the proper way...

[JCavin]

...to find out a Sensei's credentials?

Here's the thing. I've been searching for years for another traditional karate school since my former teacher stopped teaching. Today, I found out that there were 2 within driving distance of me(about 30-45 minutes away). One is Goju Ryu and the other is Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu.

So what is the proper way to find out if they are legitimately teaching their respective styles? Is it okay to ask them who their teachers were or is this considered rude?

I just don't want to drive all the way up there to find out that i'm learning from someone who doesn't have the goods.

[Montana]

I'd ask them for the number or address of their sensei or organization they are affiliated with and check there.

Any legitimate instructor shouldn't have a problem with someone verifying their credentials.

[Sokusen]

Sit in on a class, the proof is on the floor.

[Harlan]

The internet is a wonderful thing...

What do you consider to be 'credentials'?

Word of mouth introduced me to a Goju school. Then I did the 'formal' thing: respectful initial contact to watch an advanced class, private discussion later about personal goals and concerns to see if it meshes in with the teacher and school, discussion of times, prices, expectations, etc. I based my decision on that process and it worked out wonderfully. Didn't give a hoot, personally, about rank, or lineage...because what I saw on the mat the first day sold me.

After I made my decision, I did enquire about years training, rank, lineage and associations...but had no clue at the time as to the ramifications; to me, that constituted one's 'credentials', but that information was useless to a beginner (in that style).

[JCavin]

I'm not a beginner in martial arts, far from it actually. I can tell when someone is full of crap from the way they teach.

But, since i'm on a fairly tight budget, i'm just wondering if it would be considered rude to some people to ask them directly about their credentials via a phone call so as to save me a trip and potentially money in gas.

If it IS considered rude, it is no problem. I was just looking for some opinions before I talked to him.

[Harlan]

I should think what might be considered 'rude' is really contextual. I mean, as a non-beginner, you are in a different boat than a beginner, and I should think it makes a lot more sense for someone like yourself to ask about a teacher's 'history'. I prefer to use that term, vs 'credentials', as it covers training, rank, lineage, etc. and less likely to get an instructor's back up.

And this IS America, after all. Someone that gets offended by respectfully worded enquiries about their background would be entirely suspect.

As for saving money for the gas ride...it's gas you would be spending on a regular basis if you decided to train there. And basing something on a phone call? Paper certs over hand's on?

The best restuarant I ever ate at was called the 'No Name' restuarant in Boston...because it didn't have a sign and was located in an alley near the wharves. You had to know it was there...word of mouth. I kinda think of karate teachers like that. In that situation, you don't have to ask about 'credentials'.

Edited July 8, 2011 by Harlan

[JCavin]

All valid points.

Thanks Harlan.

[Wastelander]

I'm not a beginner in martial arts, far from it actually. I can tell when someone is full of crap from the way they teach.

But, since i'm on a fairly tight budget, i'm just wondering if it would be considered rude to some people to ask them directly about their credentials via a phone call so as to save me a trip and potentially money in gas.

If it IS considered rude, it is no problem. I was just looking for some opinions before I talked to him.

I have heard that some people get a little irritated if you ask for their credentials over the phone, but I've never experienced it, personally. My instructor will gladly tell you who taught him and what his training history is, and that has been the case with all my instructors so I wouldn't think any legitimate instructor would withhold that information.

[Dobie1979]

I think Sokusen is correct. Just sit in on a class and that will be proof enough. One 30 minute trip isn't going to break the bank and if it is then your budget is probably too tight to train anywhere.

[ps1]

Sit in on a class, the proof is on the floor.

You would think so. The OP did say they've trained before, but it's easy for someone who doesn't know martial arts to be deceived by someone who looks like they know what they're doing and speaks well.

Ask the instructor their credentials. Ask if he minds if you contact his instructors.