First, let me apologize if this BLOG offends anyone. But I’m going to vent a little before I get into the meat of this topic. I’ve had a martial art school of some sort for almost 30 years and I’ve talked to countless thousands of prospective customers inquiring about our school and our training. Without hesitation I can say over 90% of the time the first question I get is “How much does it cost?” I’ve answered this question a bunch of different ways over the years. My answers have ranged from, “do you understand what you’re buying?” To just quickly quoting them our current specials and pricing.
I know price is an important component in shopping for anything, but I might suggest it’s not the most, and certainly not the first question I would ask as I’m searching for a place to train and invest a lot of my valuable time.
I understand that most people calling don’t know much about martial arts (yet) and it’s my job to educate them. I’m happy to do this. Many times, after a discussion of their goals and desires, we find our school is a good fit (and well worth the money).
So, let me share how I would conduct my search for martial art training for myself or my kids. This list, for the most part, is in the order I would ask the questions.
- Before calling, think about your goals. What do you want to get out of the school you select? Do you want to learn a specific martial art style or system? Are you looking to get in shape and learn something new along the way? Are you looking for a school your kids will learn the personal development skills martial art training is known for? Make a list. This list will form the basis of questions you will ask every school that you call.
- Do your pre-call homework and search for martial art schools in your area. That may mean close to home or close to work. Sometimes, you may choose to call a school not close to home just because they teach something unique you might want to learn. That’s OK, but realize training means dedication, and dedication means getting to class regularly at least twice or more per week.
- Check out the school’s website before you call. It may answer your basic questions enabling you to concentrate the forthcoming calls on the things you really need to know.
- Now you’re ready to start making calls. Remember, again, that you will be spending a lot of time at the school you pick
- Explain your goals. Are you looking for competition, self-defense, exercise, etc. Then, let the school representative talk.
- Inquire about the days/times of the class(es) you have an interest in. Do they fit your schedule, or can you adjust your schedule to make them fit?
- Inquire about the school. How long has it been in business? Who is the owner or lead instructor? How many instructors teach at this school? Who would be your instructor(s) should you join? What organizations to they belong to or are affiliated with? This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s interesting to hear.
- Inquire about the instructor(s) background. How many years have they been in martial arts? How many years have they been teaching? If possible, talk directly to, or ask that the instructor call you to talk to you. It’s important to have a repour with your instructor(s). You won’t attend a class if you don’t like who’s teaching. Very few new prospect callers ask to speak to the actual instructor.
- If you like what you’re hearing, schedule a visit to the school to observe or try a class. Most schools allow this. Most school have either a free 1st lesson or short-term trial membership designed to allow you to experience the school and program before you make a time and money commitment. I highly suggest taking advantage of this visit or these classes. Observe the other students; talk to them. Do you fit in with them? Are they nice? This stuff is important too.
- Finally, inquire about membership pricing. Don’t be surprised if the school representative deflects the answer. Until you experience the school and program, how do you know what you’re buying is worth the money to you? That’s why you go and visit before you buy. Honestly, reputable school owners don’t mind the pricing question. But they truly want you to understand what their school has to offer and what you’re buying. Consider that the cheapest school might not be the best school for your training.
Let me say a little now about memberships and pricing. In general, you’ll find that most schools in a geographic area are going to be priced similarly. There will be the outliers, so if the school looks interesting to you ask why their pricing is so high or low as compared to other schools in the area. The answers can be very enlightening.
Most schools will require a time commitment in their membership. The biggest reason for this from the school’s perspective is to test your level of commitment to the training. People that want a month-to-month agreement are typically not good, well-attending students. Martial art training requires commitment. Don’t be afraid of a contract or time agreement, but be sure to find out what the agreement’s cancellation policy is.
Read the member agreement carefully and completely. Ask questions. Once you’re satisfied with the school, the instructors, the agreement, and your fellow students you’re ready to start your training. It hopefully will be a multi-year or even a lifetime investment. Doing your homework up front will help insure you’re in the right place.
Master Timothy Loomis is co-owner of the Twinsburg Academy of Self-Defense in Twinsburg, OH. He’s been in martial arts for over 58 years and has owned a school for almost 30 years. He’s an 8th Dan Master Black Belt in Goshin Jujutsu, a 2nd Dan Black Sash in Kung Fu, and a Master T’ai Chi Ch’uan teacher (Si Fu).
The Twinsburg Academy of Self-Defense is one of three Academy of Self-Defense schools in NE Ohio. Our two other schools are in Akron and Mayfield Heights.
