9 Things to Look for in a Karate Dojo

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what to look for in a dojo

When I first decided to start taking karate classes with my boys I had no clue what to look for in a dojo. Initially I was more concerned about the price and the class times rather than the instruction given. I knew nothing about martial arts. So I did what I would do when buying any other service – I called around.

I ended up talking to people at three different dojos. One place was practically begging me to start that day. When I mentioned that I had prior commitments, they kept pressing for confirmation on when I would come by. I felt like they were desperate for new students which didn’t sit well with me. Another dojo took several days to call me back and by that time I had already planned to try another place. The dojo I ended up at is Lake Monticello Karate Academy (LMKA) simply because they were encouraging on the phone and offered a free class. I know now that I made a very wise choice!

Not all dojos are created equal. Just like any sport, hobby or art; there are excellent instructors and there are poor instructors. Some are out to teach proper skills while others are out to make money.

Renae kata

For all of you contemplating starting martial arts, here are a few things to look for when signing up for classes.

  1. Ask if you can take a free class or sit in on a class that is in session. A good dojo will let you do a trial before investing in a gi.
  2. Take note of who is instructing. Is the headmaster (Sensei or Shihan) involved in teaching techniques? In a good dojo the headmaster is an integral part. They should be hands on with students and be able to demonstrate techniques themselves.
  3. What do the uniforms (gis) look like? If there are patches all over the gi with the dojo’s information all over the back, be cautious. Although we are required to wear a gi, we aren’t required to purchase them from the dojo. The multicolored gis with multiple patches are more of a marketing and moneymaking scheme.
  4. Is a contract required? If you are locked into a membership and must pay up front, be cautious. A good dojo will let you go month to month.
  5. Are strategy, theory and concepts taught? Look for a dojo that explains the moves and why they are taught. Not just do this because it’s on your next test.
  6. Although the headmaster has years and years of experience, he should be open to new ideas. Is the headmaster always right no matter what or does he allow alternate views? Does discussion take place?
  7. As far as belts, it should take an average of five years to reach black belt. If the dojo is offering an accelerated class to earn a black belt, find another place.
  8. The dojo has a no contact policy. Yes, there are no-contact karate dojos out there. Karate is a contact art. There is no way you will learn sparring or self defense without making contact.
  9. Are the classes well controlled or are the kid’s running around in a chaotic manner? A good instructor will teach respect and discipline.

For a more comprehensive list of what to look for, checkout Karate by Jesse’s post 93 Signs Your Dojo is a McDojo. I agree with most of his points.

For more on karate:

8 Reasons Kids Should Take Karate

7th Kyu Karate Belt

Green Belt Test

Yellow Belt Test

Fitness With Your Kids

Starting Martial Arts as an Adult

Karate in the Olympics 2020

Martial Arts for Self Defense

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Renae is a married working mom of two handsome boys. She works as a registered dental hygienist by day and blogs here at How to Have it All by night. She enjoys cooking from scratch, working in her vegetable garden and functional training.

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Comments

  1. Hi mate, really like this article. Could you please give me a professional advice on a sport wear, where I can buy a quality karate protection gear? Thanks a lot!
    Jab Cross recently posted..Effective tips of fighting mindset for the first time fighterMy Profile

  2. Interesting point of view. Regarding #2, I think it’s quite possible that, if Bruce Lee had been instructed by his school’s headmaster rather than by assistants, we would not be familiar with Kung Fu in America today. (And far less interested in Karate too.)
    Martial Development recently posted..The Automotive Applications of Tai Chi ChuanMy Profile

  3. Definitely precise karate information, your story is interesting to follow hopefully, I discover a dojo near at out home to learn self-defense. Nevertheless, your 9 points that you must for in a dojo is absolutely right I will note this all.

    Great and keep posting, Renae!
    Stanley Dunn recently posted..Holiday SpecialMy Profile

  4. Hey Friend,
    Liked your post…!
    Martial arts like Karate are gaining popularity these days. For some people, it may be just for show off but it has been very effective in self-defencing. As we all know the crime rate is increasing day by day, we all should be aware of ways through which we can make ourselves and our family safe.
    Thanks for sharing all those tips for selecting the best classes for karate training. It helped me a lot.
    Keep sharing….!