A. QUALIFIED TEACHER: 

Credentials are necessary for any "professional" in their field. Most would not seek the advice of a physician who flunked medical school, or retain a lawyer that attended 1⁄2 of law school. When seeking a martial arts teacher, find someone that is authorized by their teacher. To aid in determining the qualifications of a potential martial arts teacher ask the following questions:

1. Who's their teacher?
2. Do they still train with their teacher?
3. Do they have authorization to teach?
4. View their "teaching license".
5. To validate their claims, ask "May I speak with your teacher?"
6. If their teacher has passed away, did they receive permission to teach before he or she passed away?

Some martial artists may feel interrogated by this line of questioning. We recommend having a very respectful approach, in an effort not to offend the authentic teacher. Be aware of martial artists that claim to teach multiple styles of martial arts. Most authentic martial artists refer to this as "Jack of all arts, master of none." Some of these types of martial artists dabble in one style then another, never truly developing skill in any. Some of the reasons are when true self discipline is necessary to maintain their training & studies, it may not go exactly to their liking; when humility is necessary, & asked to let go of their ego, as most teachers will when running a school, or teaching a difficult student, so they discontinue. The cycle continues, locating another school to train at, that appears to run their program the way this individual feels it ought to, until the next obstacle, in which case they discontinue. After a number of years of continuing this cycle, they typically believe and decide they no longer require or need a teacher. Most believe there's no one acceptable to teach them. At this point a school is opened, and you the student are now training with the "physician who flunked medical school." This type of individual will try to entice you with the following:

1. "I've studied all these styles, see how much I have to offer you." Think Jack of all trades, master of none.
2. "I am less expensive than the (qualified) teacher across town. Think You get what you pay for. (Most of the time.)
3. Insulting another teacher, or bragging that their skill is far superior. Think This is not the appropriate behavior of a true professional.

Often these individuals say "I've trained for 'x' number of years." Definition: they've dabbled for 'x' amount of years. Training and involvement are two different courses of action (or lack there of). Involvement is defined as "they've been around the arts (usually inconsistently) but not necessarily studying or training, mostly "discussing it." Not to mention, how many years did this individual dedicate to training the style(s) they're claiming? Realize to study one style can be a life long pursuit. We find it amazing how a person under the age of 50 found the time to study several martial arts COMPLETELY. Although, it is not uncommon to find qualified teachers that have trained other styles. These qualified teachers typically offer a base style that they spend the bulk of their years doing and teaching. These teachers complement their base style with other styles perspectives, which may have led them deeper into their base, which is the art they are offering. Qualifications of a teacher will make all the difference in the quality of instruction.

B. A TEACHER WITH YOUR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT IN MIND:

1. Most authentic teachers live what they teach. Qualities such as honesty, integrity, and self discipline are a large part of their foundation, and what they base their life upon.
2. These qualities are what is usually passed on to the student, or your child. Most martial arts teachers take on the responsibility of being a "guide." Someone who can truly guide you, since they've walked a similar path. Although, your teacher can only point the way in which to live your life, filled with strong character, and a belief in yourself. It's up to you the student to follow through with your commitment.
3. Full time schools. This demonstrates a commitment towards teaching and a lifestyle. It demonstrates a confidence in their ability to teach, and rely on it for their livelihood. The student will benefit with more focus on self confidence, discipline, stress release, persistence, accomplishments, fitness, self defense, and so much more.
4. A school that offers an organized program that's designed for the student to make maximum progress. As with any art, (i.e. musical instrument, etc.) There are no short cuts. Discipline is required, and is developed through the proper stages of training. If you find yourself sparring by the second week of training, something's wrong! It's important to first develop your foundation. These are your basics: punching, blocking, kicking, stance work, and foot work, etc. It's important to first strengthen, stretch, and condition your body to prepare it for further development as a complete martial artist. If this is not occurring, maybe you're not with a qualified teacher. There are many other stages in your development as a complete martial artist. A qualified teacher will be able to convey this in proper stages. Remember, the job of a teacher is to give you what you need to develop as a complete martial artist, not give you hat you've decided you want. This is why you go to a teacher, and why you should dedicate yourself in helping the teacher do their job, by doing what is required of you the student, to the best of you ability.
5. Consistent training is important for the student to feel accomplishment and lessens the feeling of frustration. A full time school will offer day and evening classes, which allows the student to make maximum progress.
6. Search for a school that offers separate children and adult classes. The approach of teaching adults and children is different. The pace of learning differs for adults and children. Their reasons for training are different, and motivation for learning are on different levels. Strengths and weaknesses will vary drastically. Separate programs for children and adults do involve more time, work, and understanding, which is precisely why many schools don't offer both. Your decision of where you or your children study is critical for proper development. Development that goes beyond punching and kicking.

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