A Professional Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the Right Martial Art School.
As a professional martial arts coach with over 20 years of training and teaching experience across multiple styles, I’ve helped hundreds of beginners find the right martial art school. The process is the same whether you’re interested in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Karate, Kung Fu, or MMA. Follow these proven steps to make an informed decision.
Search Locally: “Martial Art I Want to Learn” + “Near Me”
Start with a simple Google search:
“Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu near me”
“Muay Thai gym [your city]”
“Traditional Karate dojo [your neighborhood]”
Add terms like “classes,” “academy,” “club,” or “school” if needed. Google Maps will show ratings, reviews, websites, and photos. Save every legitimate-looking school within reasonable driving distance (15–40 minutes).
Visit Their Official Website
Click through to each school’s website (avoid relying only on Facebook or Instagram). Look for:
Clear list of martial arts offered.
Class schedule, such as days, times, and adult beginner classes.
Instructor biographies and rank certifications.
Transparent pricing, including monthly rates, trial offers, and contract terms.
Facility photos or a virtual tour.
Professional schools are upfront about these details. If the site is outdated or hides prices, take it as a yellow flag.
Build Your Shortlist
Focus on Schedule First, Not Price.
Create a spreadsheet or note with:
School name & distance.
Beginner class times that fit your lifestyles are offered.
Monthly cost—write it down.
Do not exclude a school just because it’s expensive. Quality instruction, safety, and culture matter far more than saving $20–30/month.
Contact Each School and Request to Observe a Class
Never just “drop in.” Email or call and say:
“Hi, my name is [Your Name]. I’m interested in beginning [style] and would like to observe one of your adult beginner classes. Do you allow visitors to watch a session before signing up?”
Legitimate martial art schools almost always say yes. If they refuse or act secretive, remove them from your list.
Prepare for the Most Common Questions They’ll Ask You
When you arrive, the instructor or front desk will likely ask:
Do you have any previous martial arts or athletic experience?
Why are you interested in this particular style?
What are your goals (fitness, self-defense, competition, hobby)?
Any injuries or medical conditions we should know about?
Answer honestly and concisely. There is no “wrong” background; everyone starts somewhere.
Observe the Class—Pay Attention to Culture and Details
While watching, objectively evaluate:
Instructor’s teaching style: clear, patient, and safety-focused?
Student demographics: Are there other beginners? Any women (if that matters to you)?
Atmosphere: Respectful, ego-free, encouraging?
Hygiene: Clean mats, no strong odors?
Training intensity: Appropriate for beginners?
Warm-up and drilling: Structured and progressive?
Trust your gut. A martial art school can have world-champion instructors but toxic vibes—avoid it.
Handle the Post-Class Sales Conversation
After class, many martial srt schools will ask, “So, are you ready to sign up today?”
The correct answer is
“Thank you so much—I really enjoyed the class. I’m visiting a few schools before making a final decision, so I’ll be in touch within the next week.”
A professional school will respect this. If the instructor or staff becomes pushy, dismissive, or angry, politely leave and never return. High-pressure sales is the biggest red flag in martial arts.
Follow Up with the Martial Art Schools You Liked
Once you’ve visited 2–4 schools, email or text the ones that felt right:
“Hi Coach [Name],
This is [Your Name]. I observed the Tuesday beginner class and loved the instruction and atmosphere. I’ve finished visiting other schools and would like to move forward with yours. Could you please let me know the next steps for enrollment and what I need to bring to my first official class?”
A good martial art school will reply quickly with clear instructions (registration form, payment options, uniform/gear requirements, first-class date, etc.).
I hope this guide helps you navigate your search. If you have questions about evaluating a specific aspect of a martial art school you’ve seen, feel free to ask.
