WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN A MARTIAL ARTS CLASS?
A martial arts class is basically a construct, with certain attributes, and limitations. Each teacher has his own idea of how his art fits in society, and how resources will be directed. All of these constructs attempt to model some aspect of the combative experience. As an example, we can look at no-contact sparring. No-contact sparring does not approximate the reality of getting hit, or actually hitting someone with full force. On the other hand, the number of injuries are limited, and the students have more of a health enhancing experience. Full contact has the opposite experience, it has a lot of real contact, but because of the increased contact the injury rates go up. Neither is bad, nor good, they are just different.

Initially, you need to figure out, what you are looking for. Are you looking for fitness/wellness, self defense, sport, or a cultural experience? It is important to realize that most classes are a combination of these categories. Some classes emphasize more of the conditioning aspects. If you want to get in better shape, or lose weight, look for a high energy class with increasing cardiovascular demands, increased flexibility training, and challenging movement training.

The combative aspects of the class can be all over the board. You can choose from no-contact, light-contact, moderate-contact, heavy contact, and so on. All things being equal, increased contact, usually means increased injuries. Make your choice according to the amount of risk you want to take, the amount of contact you can stand, your physical limitations, and your philosophical leanings. But that’s not all! There is sport vs. self defense. Generally speaking, sport competition has rules of engagement. These rules help to curb injuries, and make the sport more palatable. Self defense has no rules. One can never predict what will happen in a real encounter. Hence, the problem with modeling reality. Most schools claim to have the edge on the reality of combat, you must decide what feels right to you. The traditional arts have for the most part been geared towards self-defense. Their roots are in total battlefield combat, where limitations were not used, and engagements were life and death struggles. Sport martial arts have developed from the traditional arts, and have been modified for modern participation, and enjoyment. They have rules to follow, and designated venues for competition. The more pure self defense maneuvers have been omitted, and the sport specific techniques emphasized.

YOUR PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS
Check out your own limitations for participation in a martial arts class. Some classes are self paced and can accommodate a wide range of participants. Others, are more specific in nature. As an example, if you are 60 years old and want to begin martial arts lessons, it would be unwise to join a school that expects you to do 200 body rolls per class. It might be better if you join a Tai Chi class where no such expectations are entertained. If you are really interested in a particular school, inform the instructor about your limitations, and ask for his advice.

CHOOSE A STYLE
Now that you know about the make up of classes and schools in general, it is time to look at the more subjective side of the martial arts. Is there a style that resonates with you? Is it a story about the emergence of the style? Its founder, or its place of origin? How about the way the practitioners moves, your body build, is there a style that you feel is more suited for your body type? Maybe it is the principles of conduct, or the cultural attachments of the art. Each style is a different construct. You could learn staff techniques from the Shaolin Temple, sword techniques from Wu-Tang mountain, Kata from the island of Okinawa, or the techniques used by the seller of tofu, Yim Wing Chun. Only by visiting different schools, and doing you research can you shed light on this aspect of your search. It is estimated that before the Boxer Rebellion in China, there were about 3000 different styles of kung fu. So, enjoy your search!

WHAT IS A TRADITIONAL SCHOOL?
Traditional schools incorporate change, just like the so called, “eclectic schools”. A traditional school has a body of knowledge at its disposal which has been compiled for several generations. It can adapt, not only, by applying this vast storehouse of knowledge, but also by incorporation, an innovation. The strong traditional styles have stood the test of time because of the profundity of their structures. The traditional school structure evolves with time. It absorbs what is useful and discards what is not. Over the years, this process makes for a profound base of knowledge. Ultimately, It is more important to look at the teacher, and his abilities, than just at the school. Depending on how you categorize, western wrestling, and boxing are traditional schools.

WHAT IS A HYBRID MARTIAL ART?
Hybrid, mixed, combined martial arts are not new, but have always been part of the martial art scene. If we look back at the martial arts of China, we can see a rich history of this phenomenom. The Choyleefut style is a combination of three different styles. Many styles combine elements of earlier original styles, such as the tiger-crane combination of Hung Ga. Lok hop pa fa is an internal style that combines elements of other internal styles. Many of the Chinese styles combine elements of punching, kicking, and joint locking, similar to the more current hybrid arts. Bruce Lee's famous style, "Jeet Kune Do", is a mixture of Wing Chun, boxing, fencing, shaolin, and a few other arts. Even the art of Wing Chun is a Hybrid, since not so long ago a Shaolin expert traded staff, and knife techniques for the advanced Wing Chun hands.

STARTING TO LOOK
Some schools offer free lessons as a way of getting students in the door. This is often an effective way of opening a dialog, so that further negotiations can occur. Other schools do not offer the free lesson, they feel that the only way to really sample a martial arts experience is through an extended period, of at least a month. Initially, the student is allowed to view a class, after which, she should have the information to make a short term commitment. Since she is not signing a contract, the student can experience the month , and then freely choose the next step. It is important to realize that only with an extended experience can the student realize how good of a fit there is between him, and the class.

CONTRACT
A Contract is a long term commitment, that can impact you way after your initial interest subsides. If you are absolutely sure that you will be attending this class a long time from now (2 or 3 years later), then feel free to sign up. Contracts can be satisfactory for advanced students who know exactly what they are getting themselves into.

MONTH TO MONTH
This is ideal structure for a beginner! You pay for one month, attend class, see if you like it, and then decide if you want to continue, or not. After a month, you can reassess and either continue in the school, or find a different one.

COSTS
Some school fee structures are simple, and easy to understand, others are a bit more complicated. Let us look at some of these components. The more you know about the contract, the better. Ask about the length of the contract, the payment schedule, how you can get out of the contract obligation, and what is included in the contract. How does the monthly tuition compare to others in the area? Is it in the ball park? Do not pick a martial arts school simply on the amount of monthly fees. As long as the fees are in the ballpark, look at the rest of these recommendations. Some schools require that the student participate in regular promotions, others do not. Ask, if promotions are mandatory, how often you have to test, and the cost of each test. Competition can be a very expensive undertaking. If you are expected to compete, find out the specifics of this type of competition. It is not unusual to spend between $100-$250 for a one day local competition. Major competitions in distant locations can be significantly more Some schools require you to join an organization, and pay dues to the organization, in addition to monthly dues to the school. Other schools require a first time initiation fee. This can be minimal, or can be a few hundred dollars. Most schools require a uniform to be purchased. This promotes uniformity in class, and the feeling of cohesion within the group. Some schools require additional equipment. As an example, the schools that participate in sparring require the purchase of sparring gear. This gear is absolutely necessary in order to avoid unnecessary injuries.

THE CLASS
Make an appointment, watch a class, speak with the instructor, be courteous. Be aware that not only are you sizing up the teacher, but he is also evaluating you. Watch the student-instructor interaction, are all parties respectful? Is the instructor able to present the course material clearly? Is he able to demonstrate the techniques in a crisp, and efficient manner? Are the students capable of strong, clear, and consistent movement? There are no universal standards in martial arts certification, but you can look at the teacher's training, teaching experience, and years in the martial arts. Does he have any academic training in a related field, such as Education, or Health Promotion. Know that, some great practitioners, are not very good teachers. A bodybuilder can have a great physique, but no ability to coach others to his level. Remember that most martial arts experts are not fitness, or medical professionals, injuries can be a problem is some schools. It is important to be cautious, and use common sense. Finally, What does your teacher expect of you? Find out what is expected of you, if you join the school. How many hours of practice per week? Competitions? Outside functions? Code of conduct?

SCHOOL SIZE VS. INSTRUCTION
Generally speaking , if the classes are very large, the amount of instruction per student is lessened. It is virtually impossible, to get individual attention when one teacher is handling 40, or 50 students. Smaller classes have the advantage of a more favorable student-teacher ratio, without the added charge of private lessons.

LOCATION
Pick a school in a safe, and well traveled location. The facilities do not have to be fancy, but functional. Remember a great facility is nothing, without a great teacher. Many people travel thousands of miles to learn from a teacher, but usually not from a facility. A beautiful school may not be a functional one.

EGO
Leave you own ego at the door! Do not let your ego ruin your martial arts experience. Most martial arts advocate the control of the ego. It is the ego that usually gets us into most confrontations.