How to Choose the Best Martial Arts School in Saint Augustine

If you are on the look-out for the best karate school in Saint Augustine, you may be confused as to what type of karate school you should attend? Or, you might be wondering what is the difference between martial arts schools? Why is one better than another? However, these are really good questions and choosing the right martial arts class for yourself, is a very important decision. In short, the decision all depends on what you want to do?

You must ask yourself if you want to just pass time, improve fitness, build confidence, just stay active or simply learn self-defense. In this guide, I will walk you through how to choose a martial arts class, and what to look for in a karate instructor. We will also take a peek in comparing martial arts programs. Doing this will help you find and choose the best martial arts class for you and/or your child.

Identify Your Goals

Identifying your personal goals is the first thing you should do. Asking yourself important questions will help you in this task. Questions such as:

Why do you want to train?

What are you looking to gain as a benefit?

Break it down by finishing this sentence with the answers below. (Pick as many as you like):

I want to learn:

• How to defend myself.
• How to become physically fit and lose weight.
• How to be disciplined and increase my personal growth.
•  How to be Competitive and be in tournaments.
• I just want something to do with my free time.

Then answer this question:

I want to go to:

• A beginner-friendly karate school.
• A beginner-friendly mixed martial arts school.
• An Intermediate level karate school.
• An Intermediate mixed martial arts school.
• An Advanced high intensity karate school.
• An Advanced high intensity mixed martial arts school.

Why identify your personal goals? Because, it will help you to narrow down your choices. Some martial arts schools specialize in competing, while others may focus on a traditional type of training. Some only focus on self-defense, physical fitness, or mental clarity.

Research Different Martial Arts Styles

There are a variety of martial arts schools in St. Augustine offering different styles of martial arts. Doing your research is another way of answering: How to choose a martial arts class for myself? Some of the popular styles are:

• Karate – Traditional strikes, kicks, and forms (kata).
• Kyokushin Karate – Strikes, kicks, forms (kata), and full-contact sparring (kumite)
• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) – Ground grappling and submissions.
• Taekwondo – High-flying kicks and agility-based training.
• Muay Thai – Striking-based combat using fists, elbows, knees, and shins.
• Kickboxing – A mixture of boxing and karate-style kicking.
• Judo – Throws, takedowns, and ground control.

As you can see each martial art style has unique benefits and a different type of focus point. If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly karate school, check out the schools that offer programs that accept and cater to new students. Also make sure they provide a structured program that facilitates progression.

What to Look for in a Karate Instructor

Having a great instructor is so very important. If your instructor is not qualified and experienced in your chosen art, your beneficial journey will soon come to a halt. Having the correct instructor makes all the difference in the world when it comes to your martial arts journey. Here’s what to look for in a karate instructor:

• Credentials – Make sure that the instructor has legitimate certifications and the actual years of experience that meets their certification rank in teaching.
• Teaching style – A great instructor will always have discipline and will be able to balance discipline and encouragement for their students. When an instructor has self-discipline and encourages discipline yet can balance with ease to push their student forward, makes a very pleasant learning experience.
• Class structure – The class itself should have well-organized lessons that can help students progress efficiently and engagingly.
• Interaction with students – A good instructor will teach a good class; however, a great instructor connects well with each student as an individual and motivates them into becoming their greatest version. 
• Focus on safety – Classes should focus on proper techniques, stretches and warm-up routines to reduce injury risk.

Compare Martial Arts Programs

Each school or dojo has their own unique style and approach to training. When comparing martial arts programs, a few good things to consider are as follows:

• Class schedule and flexibility – Class times can vary depending upon the students being taught and instructor availability. Make sure that the classes available will fit your schedule.
• Student-to-instructor ratio – Although it’s nice to see many others involved in your hobby, in this case a smaller class size may be better. Sometimes less is more and this will allow for better instruction for you and your instructor.
• Facilities and equipment – It’s a great sign to walk into a clean, well-kept and equipped dojo.
• Belt promotion, testing and Registration fees – Check out the details on belt promotions, testing and registration fees. Some schools charge hidden fees where others will not charge for belt promotions or testing fees. Some will also charge a separate registration fee where others may divert it or not charge all together.
• Monthly v/s Annual Membership Cost:
• Trial classes – Many schools offer free or low-cost trial sessions to have the ability to experience their style and training before having to commit. Some offer a one-day free trial while others may do a week. Sometimes monthly promotions are available at a low cost, and would be a good idea to jump on.

Comparing Martial Arts Programs: Best Questions to Ask

When asking questions, it is important to remember to acquire all the information you need to make a well-informed decision before you commit not only your money but your time as well. Here are some of the best questions to ask:

• What is the school’s teaching philosophy?
• How does the program accommodate beginners?
• Are there options for advanced training and competitions?
• What do students say about their experiences?
• Is there a structured curriculum for skill progression?
• If I should become financially incapable of continuing, will I have to start over?
• What is more important to the school is the quantity or quality of students it produces?

Visit and Try a Class

The best way to figure out if your choice is the best for you is to visit in person. Sit in and observe a class, and talk to the instructor, get a feel of the environment. Then ask if they have a free trial and/or if you can participate in a trial class.  When you are there, you may want to pay close attention to:

• The energy of the class – Is the energy high or low? Are the students engaged and happy?
• The quality of instruction – Is the instructor patient, kind and knowledgeable? Does the instructor seem to be engaged with the students?
• The dojo/class environment – Does it feel welcoming and respectful? Does it feel light and up beat?

Look at the Community and Culture

A martial arts school is not only great because of the training. It is great because of its community and how it interacts with it. When you are searching for the best karate school in Saint Augustine on google, do not just find a place and decide on it. Do your own research and own diligence. Look for a place that gives you a feel of home, with family and friends. A place that piques your interest and shows you a mutual respect. Ask other students about their experiences, and see if the atmosphere aligns with what you are not only seeing but personally looking for.

Comparing Martial Arts Programs: Red Flags to Watch Out For

Not all things are as they seem unfortunately and although things may look good at a glance, we should always look closer. Here are some red flags to look for that may need you to heed to caution: 

• Lack of instructor credentials – Make sure the instructor is qualified and experienced. You would not want it any other way for the safety of everyone involved.
• High-pressure sales tactics – Stay away from schools that seem to pressure you into a long-term contract with no trial period. This goes back to the questions of the quantity or quality of student production.
• Unsafe training practices – A good school will automatically prioritize students’ safety without exceptions. Pay attention to see if students are just hitting each other, or do they have courtesy and respect? 
• Unclear curriculum – If the school seems like it may not be following a structured lesson, then it may not have a clear learning objective. Look for schools with structure and shows progression with a clear learning objective.

Make Your Decision

After doing the research, leg work, visiting and comparing martial arts programs it’s time to choose. You should choose the one that gives you the best feel. The one that matches your goals, budget, and your comfort level. Whether you google the best karate school in Saint Augustine or a beginner-friendly karate school, always take the time to research and ask questions. By doing all of the above you will surely make the right choice for yourself.

Enroll into Your Chosen Martial Arts School

Once you’ve made your decision on a martial arts school, it’s time to now enroll and start your new training. Make sure you are clear on everything before you continue. Here are a few last steps to complete to ensure that you know everything:

• Review membership fees – Make sure to understand all costs involved. Go over the cost structure, including tuition, gear, and testing fees. 
• Get the necessary equipment – You may need gear, or safety equipment to participate. Some schools may provide gear, while others may require you to purchase your own. This could possibly be you making the purchase elsewhere or your school may have a way for you to purchase what you need through them.
• Set training goals – No matter your objectives for self-improvement, always have a goal. This way you will stay motivated in your journey.
• Commit to the process – You obviously will not be a Jackie Chan or Jet Lee overnight. You must understand in order to have progress in martial arts you will need time. It will take extreme efforts, time and dedication to become successful, so stay consistent in your practice.

Long-Term Benefits of Martial Arts Training

Your decision to choose martial arts will be beneficial not for a short time but you will reap the rewards of many benefits long-term:

• Physical fitness – Improves strength, flexibility, and endurance.
• Self-defense skills – Equips you with techniques to implement for personal safety.
• Confidence and discipline – Strength in not only physical strength but it is mental too. It will give you a mental toughness that brings confidence and self-control.
• Community and friendships – You will connect with like-minded individuals who will ultimately become your friends and produce the feel of family. You will establish a built-in personal community of people who care about you.

Last Words:

The last words I am going to say is when you google the best karate school near me Saint Augustine don’t be overwhelmed. Be confident and know you now have the tools you need in comparing martial arts programs, and the understanding of what to look for in a karate instructor. You know what information you need to know to go within and research for what’s right for you.

By reading this far you have already begun to prove you want what’s right for you personally. Now, it’s your turn to show the dedication you have by following through. Look for the highlights of the style of art being taught. Watch out for the red flags and understand the fine print. It’s all that simple! There is nothing else to determine except for determination itself! You are now ready to start an exciting and rewarding martial arts journey. Now, it’s time, start your search today and take the first step toward personal growth, self-improvement and becoming your GREATEST version!