You do not have to drive too far to find the nearest martial art school. Finding a good dojo, though, is nothing short of a miraculous feat. So what should you look for on your quest to find the utopian school?
The school should focus on principle based learning versus technique memorization. Although techniques need to be presented in all classes, you will learn faster if the focus of each lesson is not on the techniques, but instead on the underlying principles that make the techniques work. Upon learning a martial science principle, you are immediately able to play with the principle to create unlimited variations on the initial techniques. That is how you ultimately become fluent in body movement and martial art application.
It is important to train in a martial art school that helps to improve your short and long term health. If you are training is causing numerous injuries that is a serious red flag. The dojo should educate you about nutrition, fitness, and weight loss. Martial arts were designed to allow people to live a long healthy life. The choices you make today will dramatically affect the quality of your life when you are older.
It is crucial to study with a martial art teacher who is not only skilled in martial arts, but who is also secure with his or her own self. Some teachers will deliberately injure you if the teacher cannot counter a physical technique or a challenging question. In other schools you are not allowed to ask the teacher questions at all. You are just forced to do as they are told.
Just because a martial art teacher has great skill does not mean he is a good teacher. Many martial artists are skilled warriors but they do not excel in teaching. If you locate a school where the majority of students posses impressive knowledge and skill than you have probably found a special teacher.
Being able to ask questions will greatly expedite your learning. Some schools do not allow questions to be asked. Other martial art schools may not be good at answering your specific questions. Finding a school that can answer your tough questions and help you understand the "why" behind all of your movements is absolutely critical. You will advance much quicker when you can bridge the gaps in your knowledge by asking questions and getting good answers.
It is imperative to study in a martial art school that helps to open your mind as opposed to closing it. Some schools will boast that their style is superior to all others. Consciously or subconsciously your exposure to this type of attitude will condition you to also develop a closed mind and prejudice to other styles not your own. In the end this really only weakens your overall martial education since you will be less inclined integrate the principles from another system to mitigate your weaknesses. You also want to be familiar with other systems so you know how to defend against as many different types of attacks as possible.
The school should focus on principle based learning versus technique memorization. Although techniques need to be presented in all classes, you will learn faster if the focus of each lesson is not on the techniques, but instead on the underlying principles that make the techniques work. Upon learning a martial science principle, you are immediately able to play with the principle to create unlimited variations on the initial techniques. That is how you ultimately become fluent in body movement and martial art application.
It is important to train in a martial art school that helps to improve your short and long term health. If you are training is causing numerous injuries that is a serious red flag. The dojo should educate you about nutrition, fitness, and weight loss. Martial arts were designed to allow people to live a long healthy life. The choices you make today will dramatically affect the quality of your life when you are older.
It is crucial to study with a martial art teacher who is not only skilled in martial arts, but who is also secure with his or her own self. Some teachers will deliberately injure you if the teacher cannot counter a physical technique or a challenging question. In other schools you are not allowed to ask the teacher questions at all. You are just forced to do as they are told.
Just because a martial art teacher has great skill does not mean he is a good teacher. Many martial artists are skilled warriors but they do not excel in teaching. If you locate a school where the majority of students posses impressive knowledge and skill than you have probably found a special teacher.
Being able to ask questions will greatly expedite your learning. Some schools do not allow questions to be asked. Other martial art schools may not be good at answering your specific questions. Finding a school that can answer your tough questions and help you understand the "why" behind all of your movements is absolutely critical. You will advance much quicker when you can bridge the gaps in your knowledge by asking questions and getting good answers.
It is imperative to study in a martial art school that helps to open your mind as opposed to closing it. Some schools will boast that their style is superior to all others. Consciously or subconsciously your exposure to this type of attitude will condition you to also develop a closed mind and prejudice to other styles not your own. In the end this really only weakens your overall martial education since you will be less inclined integrate the principles from another system to mitigate your weaknesses. You also want to be familiar with other systems so you know how to defend against as many different types of attacks as possible.
About the Author:
Sensei David Weinberg is a 3rd Degree Black Belt and Instructor of Freedman's Method Ketsugo Jujutsu, a Reiki Master, a Certified Personal Trainer, and an Integrative Flexibility Specialist. To learn more about Freedman's Method, visit the official jujitsu site or the official jujutsu blog.
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