Ch'i

Xazy, I have three recommendations. Each of the three emphasize one of the benifits you wish to reap from the training. Krav Maga (self defense), Muay Thai (fitness), and some kind of old style shaolin kung fu such as Lung Ch'uan, Wing Chun, or Wushu (mental).

The most important part is finding a good school. There are certain things you want to look for when touring a dojo that can give some insight as to the school's quality.

#1: The Head Instructor/Owner
Watch this person conduct a few classes. Watch intently. See if his motivations are based in wealth or enjoyment. How comfortable is he in front of the class? Does he ever follow a script? Is he commonly refering to a class planner during the lessons? Get to know the man a little because the attitude of the instructor is invariably reflected by the school.

#2: Children
Are there tons of kids at the dojo? If so, you might want to reconsider joining. Their presence creates a cascade effect that degrades a school more often than not. It isn't the childrens' fault; its the parents'. Out of concern & overall paranoia about their child possibly being injured, they demand an abundance safety precations be put in place to ensure that such a thing doesn't happen. The school then becomes a place for soccer-moms to drop their kids off for an hour rather than a school of martial arts. Be mindful of the youth population.

#3: McDojo
The McDojo is a martial arts school formed almost entirely around buisness. Its design is to give a superficial understanding of whatever style they're teaching. Its basically a cookie-cutter dojo. Though these can sometimes be alright for starting out in the martial arts, I suggest you avoid them. They also usually have high prices.

#4 Students
Are the students fit? Are they skillful? How do they treat each other? A dojo really is its own community. When you visit a dojo watch how the members interact. The average fitness level of the students can clue you in on how good, or bad the training is. The same goes with the level of martial arts skill at the school. If most of the people look like they know what they're doing, you can bet the training method is something you can follow. That also hints at the level of aid members of the community give each other, or how mindful the instructor is of someone falling behind.

#5 Maintenance
Another sign of a good school is how well the staff and students maintain it. Is it clean? Is the equipment cared for and organized? See if some people stay after the last class to help clean up.

If you feel satisfied with these when visiting a school, take a few trial classes and see what happens.


Goodluck.