(Originally published in The Grasshoppers Club Community)
CONTEXT
Starting, re-starting, or even changing your Martial Arts practice can be difficult and the available choices could seem overwhelming. Let’s assume that eventually your kids (or you) want to learn Martial Arts - or even switch from one school to another. Or, you want them to learn it. How do you go about it? What Martial Arts school to go to? How do you know what is the best fit for your kids? Or for yourself?
I'll try to list a few things to look for, but it all starts with a question: what is the expectation behind this search?
In other words, are you - or your kids - expecting to learn...what exactly? Discipline? Self-Defense? Courage? etc.
It is important to clarify these expectations because otherwise you can't find what you're looking for. You need at least a ballpark range of specifications in this search :)
The list below is compiled regardless of the STYLE and ORIGIN of the Martial Arts school researched because a style is only as good as the practitioner is and only as effective as a teacher's methodology is.
EXPECTATIONS vs REALITY CHECKS
1. Visit multiple Schools.
Each martial arts school will have its own "flavor" and atmosphere. Each instructor you'll see will have a different teaching style. Some will fit with what you are looking for and some will not.
2. Are students practicing together or mostly forms?
Martial Arts REQUIRE kinesthetic feedback. If forms are practiced more than partner work, then the school focuses on curriculum and to a certain extent it ignores the students’ needs.
3. Are students asking questions during class?
If the class you observe lacks at least a minimal level of conversation between the Instructor and the students, then growth is dictated by the Head Instructor. That is not how we develop, and it is very likely that the student's internal processes are being ignored.
4. Are students helping and supporting one another?
If not, walk away.
5. Is the Instructor at the receiving end of techniques? (as in a technique taught being applied by the students to the instructor)
If not, walk away.
5. Is the instructor offering guided movement to the students, hands-on corrections?
If not, walk away.
7. Are the techniques shown and taught being practiced for a longer time during class, or the exercises shown change rapidly to keep the students entertained and awake?
If so, walk away - unless that's exactly what you are looking for; entertainment.
8. Cost.
Do you have to pay for Belt Exams?
If yes, walk away. (NOTE: an explanation is required here . . . this is a personal opinion based on a much more traditional way of granting grades. It is important to avoid a martial arts school that focuses on the "rewarding" aspect of grading - AND, making a business model out of using rewards as part of education and development)
9. What do you see first when you walk in?
Is it chaotic? Is it full of trophies everywhere? Are the instructors screaming?
If so, walk away.
10. Does the atmosphere feel friendly, open, engaging curiosity?
If not, walk away.
In contrast, how do I see a training method in order to match this criteria? In short, each practice must be student-based.
At KineOasis’ OpenMAT classes, we focus on individual development, not on individuals being molded into specific forms. This approach creates one clear advantage and one clear disadvantage.
The clear disadvantage is that if you intend to practice ONE specific style, then our classes cannot offer you that. It can help, but it cannot provide you the familiarity of a single style and form of training.
The clear advantage on the other hand, is that our approach takes ALL possible shortcuts to expedite learning and development for each person - according to THEIR needs and abilities.
An example would be a violin or piano player clearly needing to protect their hands, and just as clearly needing to relax their back, neck, shoulders, and train in a way that supports their frame without exposing them to risks. No other method I know adapts itself to these requirements - mostly because most Martial Arts styles (and instructors) obsessively stick to their rigid system and forms, entirely ignoring the needs of the students. This requires a deeper level of open communication between the student and the teacher making their relationship a very personal one, akin to mentroship.
If you wish to explore Martial Arts as a learning journey that fits you or your kids' individuality, then our The Grasshoppers method and OpenMAT classes are a very good start. Practice takes place in-person, in Madison, WI. You can find our schedule HERE.
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