subject: Five Steps To Choosing A Martial Arts Studio [print this page] When searching for a martial arts studio in Honolulu, the first step you should take is to decide what discipline of martial arts you are interested in learning. In Honolulu, Taekwondo, Karate, Hapkido and mixed martial arts are popular choices.
To decide on a discipline, start by researching each martial art in the encyclopedia, Google, and visit some websites dedicated to these martial arts. Watch some martial arts movies to see how each style differs. When watching movies, realize that Hollywood dramatizes everything, and is not always correct in portraying a martial art. It is also important to note that many movies focus on the violence, when the martial art should be viewed as an art form. Be realistic in how each discipline is actually used.
The second step is to visit local martial arts studios. The easiest way to find local martial arts studios is to look them up in the search engines online. For instance, you can type in martial arts Honolulu in Google and get great results. Another easy way to look up places is in the phone book. For example, look up martial arts, and you will find Taekwondo studios in Honolulu, in addition to Hapkido and MMA studios.
Once you find a studio that you are interested in the third step is to call the studio and set up a time to meet the instructor. Before going in to meet them, create a list of questions that you want answered. For example, what is your teaching philosophy? What life skills do you teach? Do you have training in teaching? How do you keep up on your martial art skills?
Another important point to keep in mind is that unlike many other industries the government does not regulate opening a martial arts studio. This unfortunately, allows the possibility of under qualified and fraudulent instructors opening schools. It usually only takes acquiring a business license to open a martial arts studio; but in contrast, setting up a day care, for example, requires licensing, background checks, and extensive paperwork. Due to this lack of regulation in the martial arts industry, it is essential to take extra precautions when choosing instructors, especially for children. Select an instructor that is a member of a recognized and respected martial arts organization, and that has proof of their rank and membership in the organization. Some examples of organizations are the World Taekwondo Federation and the National Association of Professional Martial Artists.
Fourth, go in and observe several classes. Observe how the classes are taught, and how the students behave. Are the students respectful and disciplined? How is the technique of the students? What is the teaching style of the instructor(s)?
The fifth step is to take a class. Many academies will offer a free trial class. The best way to know if you have chosen the best discipline and studio is to experience the class. Take a class at several different studios so you can compare your experiences in each. For example, if you had chosen to take a class in Taekwondo in Honolulu, be sure to also go take a class in Karate or Kung Fu. Try out several different styles, even if you already know which style you want to learn. Your multiple experiences will either solidify your choice, or open you up to new possibilities.
The above five steps will aid you in choosing a martial arts studio in Honolulu. Now you can get started with your training!
