Anyone take Martial Arts classes or has Black Belt?

[ellesan]

I'm seriously looking into getting a black belt in some form of martial arts. I want to feel comfortable at the place, but location is #1 since I have to fit it in during my son's football practice. The closest most affordable place is Bobby Lawrence Karate--which I like also because they have teen-adult classes (don't have to start with the kids like some other places). Any info would be helpful as to type of martial arts and what to look for.

Thanks!

 

[DEEDEE2]

I take Tang Soo Do and LOVE it!

I would suggest that you see what kind of schools are in your area, then research information about the art online and see if that particular art is something you may be interested in. If you find an art that sounds good to you, call the school and see if it would be o.k. for you to sit in on one of the adult classes so that you can see the training first hand.

If you do sit in on a class really check out how the instructor teaches the class, it is important to have an instructor who can handle many people at different levels. Some schools will break the classes down by levels if they have enough students, some don't. I wouldn't go to a school that has instructors that sit down junior students because they can't keep up with the forms or combinations the seniors are doing. Make sure the instructor is good at working with all levels in that class.

Oh and a black belt in most arts will take about 5 yrs. Also be aware that some schools will push a student through to get them their black belts (and a lot of their money) in record time not really caring about whether or not the student really has the skills necessary to earn that belt.

Do be aware that every single school will tell you their style, training and instructors are the best and they will tell you why their school is so much better than (name any other school in the area here.) so and so's school.

Look for a school that has been around for a while. A lot of schools come and go so fast it makes your head spin.

Good luck and have fun. Martial Arts rocks!

 

[morningstar]

My suggestions would be to find a martial art you love, an instructor you respect and don't worry about the belt. The best instructors don't care about belts, the belts only exist to help the student feel like they are making progress. Martial arts isn't about belts, it's about the art. The ego needs the belt, not the art, and the stronger an artist you become, the less you need the belt.

 

[ellesan]

Thanks for the info/advice! There are 3 schools that are close to me that I can check out. They have all been around for a long time. The first one has small kids and adults in the same classes, so I'm not into that. I went there last year and the guy was really nice, took about 30 mintues talking with me about everything but I just couldn't get over standing next to a 5 year old in class.

The next one is Kwon Shu and I like the schedule, location etc. I will try to get in there in the next week or two and see if I like the instructors, the vibe of the place, etc. They have a great intro special right now too.

The next place doesn't have a website so I'll have to go in and check it out and/or call.

I found another place that looks really good--adult classes only...but it's too far away right now.

Thanks again!