How to assess an instructor?!

[Safroot]

Thank you mal103 so much ... solid post much appreciated

[Kusotare]

Basically what mal103 said.

Unfortunately, being a newb, you won't really know what you are looking for, but Insurance, CRB (Police Check) certs are a must.

Never be affraid to ask.

In addition, some National and International Governing Bodies have qualified instructor and coach programmes (JKA and JKF etc).

Whilst an instructor without these doesn't mean bad, you just reduce the risk if you happen to come accross an instructor who has these teaching / coaching qualification.

Finally, I know of many Karate instructors who have "generic" sport coaching qualifications. Whilst these dont teach you how to perform karate techniques - the help you learn how to best teach them.

[brickshooter]

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

The thing is that as a beginner, you're committed to learning basic techniques and basic muscle memory . Consequently you need a nurturing and understanding instructor who cares about you, make sure you're not being used as a punching bag by seniors, hold your hands when it hurts, and make sure that you're having fun and reasonably progressing.

High Karate knowledge, fighting instructions, high levels of training, etc doesn't really come in play until a year from now where you'll have enough basic knowledge to understand what the instructor is actually trying to communicate. In the beginning, just pick an instructor that can effectively encourage you to come back to train.

[mal103]

Forgot to mention Governing Bodies...

Ask if they are associated to any, it doesn't always mean they will be good but always nice to know if they are linked to a larger group/org. They will normally adhere to their parents policies on Data/Child Protection, camera's etc and should meet a certain standard.

This also gives you another option if you get badly treated by them or have any concerns. For example we have appointed a Child Protection Officer for our association and openly encourage people to report concerns to them, we also state that if you don't get a good enough response then you can approach the equivalant within the EKF.

You may also find that if they are part of a larger group they may have inter club competitions, semina's or regular meets to cross train.

Compare all of these points with a single Black belt who teaches within a small club but doesn't train themself, doesn't have any of the above and is not forthcoming when asked questions? In the UK anyone can put on a Black belt and open a club to teach Karate, people/parents assume they are getting the real deal.

Doesn't mean their Karate is bad but you decide which you would prefer to train with.

Just something to think about...

[Safroot]

Thanks Kusotare .. I have never thought about such issues before

[Safroot]

Thanks Mal103 & brickshooter for helpful info .... very excited to start

[wagnerk]

One thing I would say about CRB checks (or DBS checks as they are now known as) is that it's only required if the instructor deals with children and it's a UK thing. Other countries may not have this requirement.