Ryukyu Kenpo's Guide on
Choosing a School
As enthusiastic as new Karate students are,
few will continue beyond the first year. This high drop out rate has less to do
with the difficulty of the training; than, with a reality that doesn’t live up
to the fantasy. From a young person’s point of view, Karate is a very romantic
activity. Few students anticipate the intensity of the effort and commitment.
You don’t have to be disappointed. With a little
effort, you can develop realistic expectations and find the best school for you.
Best is not defined by
style of Karate; but, by thoroughness of the instruction and how well it
fits your individual goals.
“If one style could be all things to all people there would only be one style”.
First, realize
that proficiency is not easily attained and those who promise otherwise are
lying. Karate skills are no more quickly attained than playing the piano.
There is a vast amount of knowledge for both mind and body to absorb, requiring
time, patience, and endurance.
To lower your expectations, try a short course offered
by a community center or college group. Some dojo will offer an introductory
package; such as 4 private lessons, a week of group classes or even a free
lesson. Such a preview will cost comparatively
little time and money and can help evaluate a particular style or teacher.
The school’s stability
should be your first consideration. To avoid fly-by-nighters find a dojo
that has longevity or gives evidence that it will be permanent. Add to your list
by talking to friends who study Karate. Don’t be distracted by fancy advertising
or buildings. The instructor who must pay for it
may worry more about making money than teaching the art.
Visit each school on your list, it is clean and
adequate? Is there enough space? Do they have mirrors? Punching bags or air
shields? Sparring gear? Stretching equipment? Makiwara? Are there bathrooms ?
Drinking fountains or facilities? Extras such as
showers, sauna, whirlpool, nautilus equipment or weights are nice but can
detract from serious study.
The sensei himself should be neat and clean. His
attitude should be friendly, professional and respectful, not only toward you
but toward his students, other instructors, and other schools and styles. Ask
him first about his credentials. When did he begin
studying? Who was his instructor? When did he reach black belt? How long has he
taught? Did he create this style or is he part of a well-established system?
What association does he belong to? Does he have a current teaching certificate
from his association? Who is its head and what are his credentials? How much
direct access will you have to the grand master? Always remember,
a black belt is not a license to teach. The
practitioner’s level of proficiency is no guarantee of teaching ability.
If he is not licensed by the Ministry of Sport, he is not covered by insurance
and may not legally teach in Israel.
If the school has a sport element, does it compete
in open competition? If it never does, it may be hiding its frailties. If it
does nothing else but prepare for competition, the students’ education may be
lopsided. Find a school somewhere between these two extremes.
If you are looking for self defense beware
of those who try to teach sporting techniques as self defense. You will be
better off with a non-sporting jujutsu, kung fu,
Ryukyu Kenpo or traditional bugei.
Ask about the instructor’s philosophy regarding
technique application. One extreme is to show no mercy. Contrasting this,
is to give the other a chance to change his ways by controlling him with a
minimum of injury. If wholehearted application of the techniques would bother
you, in a real situation, you might hesitate with
all its implications.
What is the student to teacher ratio? A class larger
than 24 students should include an assistant. In fact, we in
Lanten Ryukyu Kenpo Kobujutsu feel
private lessons with a
personal trainer are the only way to go. Find out
who actually
teaches the beginners, the head instructor or the assistant? Rank is not
necessarily critical for teaching beginners; but, a black belt should at least
be available for consultation or assistance.
Finally, If you like the school, its Instructors, the
students, and what you're being taught; then this is the
best style for you. Period!