Unfortunately it is not as simple as picking up the phone book and calling around to see what they offer. Sometimes you never know what you are getting until it is too late! Although, price and convenience of location are factors that need considered. They should not be the only two factors. Visit as many schools as possible and see what each has to offer. Most importantly, get to know the head instructor and their assistants. Get to know the students. This may take some time, but it will be worth the effort. Like people, martial art schools have their own personality and it is largely determined by the owner.

All schools are not created equal, nor are the instructors who lead them. Some schools are run like a franchise and with a sufficient amount of money and effort a black belt can be purchased. This type of school lends itself to our American desire for instant gratification and the quick fix. Whereas traditional training emphasizes longevity. If a person does earn a black belt, that simply means they have completed all the basic requirements of a given system. Anyone with a black belt can get a business license, rent a space and claim to be the next Bruce Lee. To this type of school you as a student may be just another customer; the same as when you shop at a chain department store. These schools have little sincere interest in the needs of their students or their personal development. Unfortuantely, American culture leads people to treat those who own a school as just another business providing a service for which they are paying. If that is the type of relationship you are looking for then they are certainly available.

Some schools are run like families, dysfunctional families! Beware, these are even worse than the chain type schools. There are many honorable, skilled, and gracious people teaching martial arts. Unfortunately, there are many superficial, mendacious, even sadistic people out there.

The attitude of the teacher and the students can serve as an accurate barometer of the overall health and spirit of the school. Observe the students when the instructor is not present. Listen to them carefully; it may take time to accurately gauge the spirit that pervades the school, but it will be time well spent. Do not justify reasons to stay at a school because it is convenient to your home, or is inexpensive. Even if the teacher has an affiliation with a well-known Martial Artist is not reason enough to stay in a school that is dysfunctional. Get out when you realize the atmosphere is sick.

Quite often, classes are taught by an assistant instructor or senior students. While this is a normal part of student's development as they become more experienced. You should determine whether or not the master instructor will be available and how often.

Requirements for advancement will usually be written, and available to any student. Be wary of teachers who do not have lesson plans or seem to teach in a haphazard manner. While some teachers will indicate verbally they have a purpose or a method to their teachings. You will eventually know if your training is not progressing. Not that this is an endorsement for belt rankings or sashes, but there needs to be a goal and a means to achieve that goal. If you do not know what you are doing or why, ask the teacher. If the best answer they can give is, "you need more repetitions," then start looking elsewhere! If a student is taught a form, for instance, the meaning or the why and how of the form should be explained. This will serve to maintain student interest and increase their understanding of the art. Blindly following an instructor will afford the student certain benefits, but it will not provide the deeper understanding needed if one is to master a given system.

Although, structure is less important to the advanced student, the beginner needs to be guided along with proven techniques and principles that enable them to reach a stage where they can synthesize their training into their daily life.

Let's face it, anyone who owns a business has to follow certain practices to be successful and be able to stay in business. Yet, there has to be a balance between the needs of the business and the needs of the students. A Sifu should be a model member of the community and reflect the school and the students in a positive manner. A teacher who has your success and personal development at heart is more likely to be the successful business person as well as a true master of their martial art.