Choosing a martial arts studios for yourself or your child can be a daunting task...especially if you've never done martial arts before.
What do you ask? What do you need to know?
Some things come to mind immediately such as the price, the type of martial arts and its effectiveness, but what else? What are the insider things that you want to know about before you learn the hard way.
We've got the TOP 5 QUESTIONS for you to ask....
1. Do you run background checks on your staff?
You'll find this wild, but background checks are NOT required for martial arts studios. Martial arts training does NOT fall under the Youth Sports industry or into any industry that requires background checks. Make sure you facility is safe for yourself and your child by starting with this #1 question.
2. Is your staff CRP certified?
Just like #1, this seems like it should be a no-braining for anyone teaching an athletic activity that has a high likelihood of injury, but you'll be blown away by the answer you might get. Way to often, martial arts instructors are NOT CRP Certified.
3. How are your instructors trained?
Being a good martial artist doesn't mean you are a good teacher. Asking this question might poke a big hole in that studio that seems so great. If they get awkward and don't have a clear channel for creating instructors, steer clear. Unlike yoga, getting a teaching certificate in martial arts to be an instructor is not all that normal. Also, this question might help you steer clear of martial arts studios that use instructors under the age of 18.
4. What is your instructor to students ratio?
This is a wildly important question to ask, especially if its your child you are enrolling. Adults can easily have larger classes with fewer instructors and still be safe as well as learn effectively. Children though need supervision and the younger the age the more instructors should be on the floor. Here's the ratio we suggest to look for:
<5 = 1 instructor per 5 students
6 - 8 = 1 instructor per 7 students
8 -12 = 1 instructor per 10 students
13+ = 1 instructor per 15 students
**Be aware that some states also have requirements for these ratios**
5. How do you keep your facility clean.
This is a question that parents and adult often overlook, but can cause extreme issues. Gyms are notorious as harboring staff infections, warts, ringworm, and other gross things you don't want. Ask how often they clean the mats and what are their rules about hygiene.
Not all martial arts or Jiu Jitsu studios are created equally. Look for lineage, authenticity and such but don't miss these other 5 important questions that should be on your list. Just because a studio has great marketing and UFC Champs as teachers, doesn't mean it's where you want to be.
Not sure about a studio, reach out and we'll do our best to offer advice.