Choosing a Martial Arts School

You have heard the many benefits and are thinking of studying martial arts, but how do you decide where to go?? Here are some tips to help make sure you end up at the right place, but the best thing to do is go check out some schools:

1. Schedule: This might not seem like it should be the most important factor, but if you can't make the classes then it won't work for you. Most schools have different age groups to focus on age-appropriate training.  At KF USA we currently have 7 basic groups but can be somewhat flexible to best help the students. We also have virtual help to facilitate practice outside of classes.

2. Cost: The price of lessons is also of course a factor, although cheaper is not necessarily better and you often get what you pay for.  KF USA has a variety of unlimited monthly programs, as we hope you can attend as many classes as possible to improve rapidly.  (Twice a week or more is recommended for best progress, unless able to practice extra at home.) We heard some schools charge per class, but that could motivate people to just stay home!

3. Location: Similar to Schedule, you ideally want to find a good school close to you.  However, don't limit yourself to the nearest school if a different one is a better fit! Hopefully the hours you put into your training will not be hurt by a couple more minutes of driving, if that is what gets you into the right place for you.  KF USA is conveniently located in the Lawrence Shopping Center, with plenty of parking and many stores to visit if dropping off a child for their classes or even to grab food after yours!

4. Teaching Style / Experience: For most people, finding a good teacher is more important than the style they teach. A good teacher is able to give an assortment of techniques and explanations, as different people move and learn differently.  A teacher with 20 years experience is not necessarily better than a newer teacher, but they have likely encountered more types of students and developed more ways of teaching. A good school has more than one person from whom to learn, as different instructors also bring different perspectives to the same curriculum. With Black Belts in multiple disciplines, Sensei Swingle started teaching in 1989, lived in Japan 10 years, and started over as a White Belt at KF USA in 2004.  KF USA has small class sizes to focus on the individual, and offers ways to make exercises easier or harder, so that everyone can be challenged appropriately.

5. School Atmosphere: Usually connected to the Teaching Style, each school has its own vibe. Find one that is a good match for YOU! KF USA strives to have an inclusive, welcoming environment where effort beats ability.  KF USA is also a bit on the strict side, focusing on structure and discpline, but we still keep the training fun, and kids arriving early can enjoy some free time before class starts.

6. Style: There are many different styles of martial arts, and even within the same style schools can be very different. If you already know you want to do wrestling or kick-heavy style you can search for that, but if unsure or if you want an overall balance from which to choose what works best for you, look for that type of school. KF USA chooses a balance of strikes & kicks, weapons, and locks, controls and pressure point applications from Small Circle Jujitsu.  Prior experience should help at a new school, but don't let a bad experience elsewhere turn you off from martial arts!

That all makes sense, but how do I know which school is best?  The short answer is go to some schools and observe or try out a class!!  Don't just choose the one with the most online ads.  You can start by trying schools closest to you, but don't be afraid to travel a bit further if that is a better place for you. Some (many?) schools pressure you to sign up on the spot after a trial, pushing their "Limited Time Offer!" or "Only 8 spots left!" nonsense, but at KF USA we would rather have you take time to make sure we are a good place for you!!  (Most of the people that visit other places realize even more how our individual attention and teaching style is different/better!)

Good luck with your search!  Finding the right school can really make the difference in your training and your short and long-term happiness!