Kung fu is a vast martial art concept that means ‘mastery of skill over time’. The actual martial art itself helps you to improve your fitness, teaches self-defense, and helps in improving your self-confidence. Therefore, it is not something that you should underestimate.
Most people do not know what to look for when it comes to choosing a kung fu school. What are the factors you should consider? Consider the below!
1. Determine Your Goal
You should not learn kung fu for the sake of it. For example, while one person may learn it for self-defense, another may want to achieve greater levels of fitness. You should choose a school that helps you to reach your objectives. Refrain from selecting one just because it is popular.
Additionally, you should consider the style and techniques that you are interested to learn.
For example, you should know that there are techniques that wouldn’t suit you if you have health issues. For example, if you have a heart condition, Taekwondo may not work for you as it involves vigorous moves that demand high levels of cardiovascular conditioning.
Once you understand what style you want to learn, it’ll be time to create a list of schools that offer that training. You don’t want to feel like you have wasted money in the end, so create a list of 3 -7 schools local to you, and go through them with a process of elimination.
2. Research Different Information Sources
When it comes to selecting a kung fu school, you deserve the best. That’s why you shouldn’t be in a hurry to settle for just any one. Take your time and collect all the information you need about different schools.
It’s always a good idea to talk to people who have first-hand experience in the kung fu school you’re thinking about training at. This should give you a better idea about what you can expect. The source could be a friend, a relative, or any other person you can trust. Avoid a school that attracts negative reviews from people, either verbally or online eg. Facebook or Google reviews.
You can also research online to find out what different schools have to offer. Schools’ individual websites provide information about their facilities, as well as hosting testimonials from people who have gone through them. However, you should also know that some schools only publish positive testimonials and delete negative ones. You can obtain reliable information from independent reviewers.
3. Visit the Schools & Assess them Carefully
Once you’ve shortlisted your schools, it’s time to understand them more fully, as thoroughly as you would for example if you were recommending the best essay writing service for students. Below are the specific things you should look at before you settle on a given school:
- Quality of the Instructors
- Schedule / Opening Times
- Available Facilities
The schedule of the kung fu school you choose should favour your lifestyle. For example, don’t select a school that only open to train during weekdays and working hours when you have study, work or other commitments. One with weekend classes is likely to suit most people. Ensure you can learn at your convenience, otherwise you’ll probably find yourself quitting before building any real momentum.
It is also advisable to try out a trial class. That way, you’ll learn about the actual instructors themselves as well as the type of people you’ll be dealing with. You can also talk to the students there to tell you about their experiences. If you are comfortable in the class, consider taking it.
Talk to an instructor, who should be pleased to answer your questions. Ask them about the techniques they teach and how you would gain from the class. If you are impressed enough – you’re on your way, and you can begin learning kung fu.
4. Consider the Cost of Learning Kung Fu
Schools charge different rates depending on their instructors’ experience, and the training session duration. You should assess the costs of the schools and select one that you can comfortably afford.
If you want to get the best value for your money, choose a school that offers decent rates while still ensuring trainees have access to the best instructors. If anything, there is no guarantee that an expensive kung fu school will offer quality training. It’s all about the quality and credentials of the main master or ‘sifu’ there.
5. Choose a School and Begin Training
At this point, now that you’ve assessed all the kung fu schools on your shortlist, it’s time to settle on the best one. Carefully assess the information you have gathered. Pick a school that offers a blend of quality teachers and teaching, respect and value.
Begin the kung fu training process and after two to three classes, review your experience. If there is anything that you don’t like about the school, you can discuss it with the instructor. They are likely to offer solutions – worst case scenario is that you leave and find somewhere better – at least you’ll have a clear contrast of comparison to go by.
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