How to Pick the Correct Dojo/Dojang/Gym
Hi,
Yes I know it’s been a while, but I have been super busy lately with everything. So to make up for it. I will try to write a longer blog today.
Which Style should I pick?
To be honest, I don’t think the style of martial arts really matters (you can agree or disagree all you want). Some of the martial arts have been around for thousands of years (yes – even before the creation of this octagon stuff) so clearly there must be something there that is effective in real life scenarios. I’ve also done a number of martial arts (TKD, Hapkido, BJJ, and Judo – also if you can call greco and freestyle wrestling martial arts I’ve done that too) and in most cases, after learning it for a while it’s all pretty much the same, its just that certain things are taught first or emphasized before others. For example, in BJJ, a lot of ground is emphasized early on, whereas in TKD ground work is done late in the sport. So in short, most styles do incorporate a total fighting system, but for some of them it just takes longer to get the complete package.
Interest does play an important factor as well. Obviously if you’re not interested in something, you’re not going to stick around very long unless someone is forcing you. So pick something that interests you.
Well, if it’s not the style what else could it be?
The instructor is the most important thing when looking for a feasible gym. Usually, try not to look at the total number of stripes on his belt, this is usually meaningless. Stripes/Dans could easily be bought so don’t fall too much into that bull crap. Instead, look at the other qualities of an instructor:
Does what the instructor teach make sense? – Meaning is the instructor able to help you connect the dots, do you understand his interpretation of the style?
Is the instructor able to transfer their knowledge to you – This might sound silly, but people learn differently, and some instructors might not be able to adapt to your needs. When I was a swimming instructor, I noticed that there are more or less 3 ways people learn – Looking, Listening, and Feeling (either by feeling the technique or by physically feeling the differences). I recommend figuring out which one you are and finding an instructor that can adapt that way.
Does the instructor give you one on one time – One on One time is important – duh, you don’t want some slightly higher belt teaching you all the time.
Does the instructor give you effective feedback – This is important because you need to know when you’re doing something correctly or incorrectly
Does the instructor receive your feedback – Well, like anything the instructor sometimes might require feedback as well, if he doesn’t listen to you, you can seriously injure yourself.
Does the instructor have a unified game plan – Another words, make sure the instructor is not cooky and telling you one thing one day and the exact opposite the other day. (Yes in some systems, the techniques might evolve, but they NEVER go 180 degrees)
How often should I train?
Well, this is a no brainer, train as often as you can. Now, I’m not saying train 7 days a week 24 hours a day, but train as much as your body can permit you to. Remember, fatigued muscles can increase your chance of injuries. Usually among the students at my gym, I see the best progression and improvement when students come 3-4 days a week (for 2 hour classes). Anything more, and they burn out or get injured, anything more and they tend to forget. Also remember different students have different body types, so if you can train 5-7 classes a week without feeling the burn, then by all means go 5-7 classes.
Who would you recommend?
Well, given my biases, I would pick Hapkido with Miles Tulloch.
Anyways, that’s all i got time for right now. If there are further questions or if you have more to say feel free to comment or email me – francis at francislau d0t org