Choosing the right Jiu-Jitsu or other martial arts school

At Team Maryland Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu we feel choosing the right Martial Arts school should be similar to choosing the right place of higher learning for yourself or your children. 

Looking at all the different arts and resumes of Martial Arts instructors can be a overwhelming task. Team Maryland Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has put together a few guidelines you might want to consider when choosing a school.  

 

First, why do you want to train in a Martial Art such as Gracie Jiu-Jitsu?

For most people this can be the hardest question to answer. To get the most out of your choice you have to be realistic with yourself and your goals. What do you want to accomplish? Do you want to get in shape and improve overall physical fitness? Do you wish to compete in the Art?  

If you are looking for a practical system of self defense, then consider the effectiveness of the Martial Art. Lots of Martial Art systems emphasize weapons as part of their curriculum, but for self defense how practical is it to carry around a naunchaku or a sword? 

Picking the right Martial Arts system - Judo, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu or other 

Does the Martial Arts System put too much focus on becoming a Black Belt? Does the youth program give out Black Belts? The problem with many Martial Arts is the integrity of the highly coveted "Black Belt." The question is simple "if my child gets a Black Belt will they be able to effectively defend themself?"  Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Kodokan Judo do not promote kids to Black Belt level.

The reason we at Team Maryland BJJ do not promote kids to the Black Belt level is at the Black Belt level you are considered a "professor" of the art. Many Martial Arts simply give away Black Belts for no other reason but attendance; this gives a child whom receives a Black Belt a false sense of security.

One of the most important factor in a stable Martial Art System is its "Lineage." Where does the Martial Art come from? How did this Martial Art start? Does the instructor have a active relationship with his instructor?  

Is this instructor certified in teaching this art? Does the instructor have a diploma or certification? Does this instructor display the values and character that I would expect of myself or my child?  

The Martial Arts school 

Considering the recent increase of Jiu-Jitsu schools, this can be the hard part. For most people the first consideration is distance, you will want to find an academy that is convenient and accessible so that making it to class does not become difficult. 

What is the student to teacher ratio? Do you want to be stuck in a class with 30+others and only one teacher?

Make sure to go in and observe a class, take a look at the instructor and how the students react to the teaching. Can you see yourself benefitting and learning in that environment? 

Take a look at the facility does it look and feel safe to you? Is the facility properly equipped to handle to training and teaching the class? 

Remember to ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable. Make sure you know exactly what you are getting into when you start your training at an Academy, reaching your potential in any Martial Art takes a long time so make sure you are satisfied when choosing the school that is right for you!