How to assess an instructor?!

[Safroot]

I am going to start training in Kyokushin Karate by mid January (after Christmas and new year holidays) and this actually the first marital art class in my life

I just want to know:

1- How to assess if the instructor is good or not?! (he is 2nd Dan)

2- Are 3 classes (free classes) enough to assess the instructor and the style if it suits me or not?

Thank you guys

[brickshooter]

If a person has less than 12 months of training, it's not to make any meaningful difference the quality of the instructor nor the style.

[Safroot]

I think that will be good for me brickshooter. 12 months better than 3 classes

[wagnerk]

Just go and try it out. Don't get too bogged down on other stuff in the beginning

[Safroot]

Yes Wagnerk I think that's what I will do and from then I will be able to discover if this style as well as the school are for me or not

[Harkon72]

You can tell a good instructor by the volume of his voice in class; if he needs to shout to be heard and he cannot keep order in his Dojo without going berserk; it could be a sign of a poor leader and a lack of respect both by him and his students.

[Safroot]

Thanks Harkon72 ... Good point but what about assessing the quality of the training itself?!

[Harkon72]

Is there a good mix of grades? Has anyone stayed with him for any length of time? Is the technique taught consistently? Do the students look relaxed and confident? Is there an assistant to help with proper form and safety? Can the instructor perform the techniques himself? There are many variables. Trust your gut instinct, go for what you feel is right.

[Safroot]

will do ... thx Harkon72 for your informative posts all the time

[mal103]

Unfortunately its very hard to assess this for yourself, normally people train for a while and may try another Dojo/instructor or style so they can compare, most confirm that they are on the right track, some realise they aren't and move.

Speak with the instructor and speak with as many of the students as possible, don't just say "is the instructor any good", ask stuff like student numbers and turn over, costs, how long have they been training there, do they enjoy it, are the lessons varied, do they include self-defence, pad work etc.

Ask the instructor similar questions - if they have nothing to hide they will gladly answer you, if all they go on about is signing up and setting up auto payments then beware.

If in the UK then ask for insurance details, CRB/DBS (Police) check certificate, 1st Aid, where/when did they get their Black belt and 2nd Dan, it may seem like an interview but I carry copies of the above and will happily answer all questions. I am also confident that all of my students will give them a good impression and encourage them to come and try.

I would try out as many Dojo's as possible and ask them the same, hopefully you will know within minutes when you find the right one. Above all get training!