Instructor Evaluation
The first thing you need to know is how long the instructor has been
training, what their rank is ... 1st, 2nd, 3rd degree black belt, where their
training was held and who their instructors have been. Be advised that in
most martial arts organizations, anyone under 4th degree black belt is not
qualified to award a 1st degree black belt.
Next you should consider which organizations the instructor belongs
to. This can be important if you want to participate in certain tournaments
or have your rank recognized by other schools and organizations. As an
example, only those holding Kukkiwon black belt certificates recognized by the
World Taekwondo Federation are allowed to compete at Olympic Taekwondo competitions.
The final thing to determine is the instructor's depth of knowledge
which can not be determined by their rank and length of experience only.
Almost any instructor can present him or herself in an impressive fashion
making it difficult for a beginner to evaluate different instructors. Try to
determine if an instructor will still have more to teach as you reach the 1st,
2nd, and 3rd degree black belt levels. Many instructors open a gym with
only a 1st degree black belt, some before that!
Shop for your martial arts training like you would for any other
service. If you want to learn self-defense, tournament sparring or just train
for health make sure the instructor has the education and skills to teach
what you want to know. Consider the instructor's teaching style,
personality and attitudes. Beware of any school that doesn't allow you to
try a class first or pressures you to join or to sign a long term membership
contract. It is your money and you should get the real thing.
How to Select a Martial Arts Instructor