| If you are considering studying the martial arts, | | | | enroll, stay away. There are no secrets in the |
| there are some important issues to consider | | | | martial arts. There are no secret punches, secret |
| before joining a dojang. | | | | kicks and blocks in your training. Think about it! |
| You should visit a variety of schools before you | | | | What is the instructor going to teach you if many |
| make up your mind to begin training. You should | | | | of these moves are secrets? |
| begin looking online or in the phone book for | | | | Will the instructor require you to sign a lengthy |
| martial arts schools and visit at least 3-4 schools | | | | contract before you enroll? If you are not certain |
| within a 10 mile vicinity of where you live. You | | | | how long you want to continue your training, ask |
| should not have to travel a great distance to train. | | | | the instructor if he has a 3 month contract |
| You're at your workplace 8-9 hours a day and | | | | instead of 6 month or 1 year contract. I would |
| when you leave work, you want to be able to | | | | prefer a 3 month commitment at the beginning. |
| get to your school before the class begins. Most | | | | Within 3 months, you should get a pretty good |
| classes are in the evening for most schools. Many | | | | idea if you want to continue in the martial arts |
| schools have afternoon classes for those who | | | | and also, it takes at least 3 months before you |
| work a late shift. | | | | learn how to walk. Lol. |
| Now that you have broken the groundwork for | | | | Also, does the instructor run the students through |
| your first stage in your journey as a martial arts | | | | conditioning before the formal training begins? Is |
| beginner, you must now look for certain qualities | | | | there running, sit-ups, push-ups, stretching, etc? |
| in these schools and instructors. What are you | | | | These are necessary for your conditioning training. |
| going to receive as a martial arts beginner? | | | | Also, does the instructor keep discipline in his |
| Will you be required to go through strenuous | | | | classes? Any talking, laughing or joking? |
| exercises at the beginning of classes? If so, are | | | | In the beginning you will feel like you have 2 left |
| you willing to go through the muscle aches while | | | | feet. You will learn the basics, punching, striking, |
| you're being conditioned? | | | | blocking and kicking. All this takes time. Give it |
| Will you learn at a pace where you can see | | | | time. Martial arts training is unlike any other sport |
| results in a few weeks of training? These are | | | | or exercise. If you were uncoordinated when you |
| some questions you have to present to your | | | | began, you will be coordinated if you continue |
| instructor before joining. | | | | your training. You will learn discipline, respect, and |
| Here are other important factors to look for | | | | honor and be physically fit. I have outlined |
| before joining. | | | | important steps for you to take before enrolling in |
| Will the instructor allow you to watch a class | | | | a dojang or school. Consider them carefully and |
| before you sign the paperwork? Any instructor | | | | good luck in your training. |
| that refuses you to watch a class before you | | | | |