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- All Ireland - 32 Counties - Club Directory - Search - blackbelt.ie
- Newbie Guide To Martial Arts
- - Words Of Wisdom From The rec.martial-arts FAQ -
- When You Visit
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- Here are some general guidelines to consider when visiting the schools you have an interest in. The origin and history of Martial Arts is a controversial issue. We can see signs of Martial Arts in Greek, Egyptian, African, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, as well as other cultures. There is a clear trail leading from the Southern China-regions up to Korea, Okinawa and Japan. The details before that, and the exact details of that transfer, are greatly debated by historians and Martial Artists. First, call ahead. Make sure that visitors are welcome. Some schools are particular about what classes visitors are allowed to watch. Advanced classes may be "off limits" to the public as well as "private lessons." It should be a "red flag" if the school will not allow you to watch _any_ classes before paying money though. Further, some schools feel that simply watching a few classes can not adequately give you a feel for their art. They may encourage you to take an "introductory" class (sometimes at no charge). Next, be aware that most martial arts schools have rules of etiquette. This almost always includes not wearing shoes inside the school or in certain areas of the school. They will often provide a rack or shelf for shoes just outside of the "restricted" areas. Never step onto the mat in your street shoes. This can track dirt, pebbles, gum, grease, and other substances onto the area where people may soon be having their faces smooshed. Also, be aware that many schools will have beginning and ending ceremonies that they may ask you to stand during. Some may ask you to bow whenever crossing the threshold of the school. When you go to observe a class or visit with the instructor, wear clean, casual clothes. If you've been invited to join the class for a training session, or think it's a possibility you might be asked to join once you show up, then bring a t-shirt, shorts, and loose sweat pants to work out in. If you have martial arts experience in some other (or even the same) style, and the uniforms are roughly equivalent shapes, it would probably be acceptable to wear your uniform, however it may be considered extremely rude, or at least confusing, to wear any belt colour other than white. Ask the instructor about what to do on this one. It might be that your red belt is just a pretty ornament in their school, or it might indicate that you are the respected founder of an acknowledged style. They may loan you a white belt, request that you wear none at all, or not care in the least. As always, be polite. If someone offers a hand to shake, then take it. If someone bows, return the bow; try to emulate the bow they give you. Be quiet during the class. Don't make noise or draw unnecessary attention. If you are visiting the school in the company of a friend, don't converse with each other. If you must do so, keep conversation to a minimum and in a hushed tone. The object is to not interrupt the class or distract the students who have paid good money for their instruction. Further, show up early, before class starts. This will give you a chance to observe "pre-class" interactions important to understanding the atmosphere of the school. It will also give you the opportunity to talk with the instructor and students. Write down a list of questions you want to ask and bring it with you. If any other questions occur to you as you watch the class, write those down so you can remember to ask the instructor after the class is over. As a general rule of shopping etiquette, don't discuss the other schools you've been to or heard about. If you must discuss other schools, be sure to avoid derogatory remarks about them. Avoid discussing the quality of their instruction, etc. If you are asked about any prior experience in martial arts you might have, go ahead and tell the instructor what your experience is. This will help him understand what you know and may give him a base to start your training from. Avoid comparing the two arts. Finally, don't try to impress the instructor or students with your knowledge of martial arts or foreign languages. It usually backfires.
- Disclaimer and Copyright Notice Some answers given may reflect personal biases of the author and the martial arts FAQ listing's contributors. The answers contained herein pertain to discussions on the rec.martial-arts group, and are by no means exhaustive. The martial arts FAQ list owes its existence to the contributors on the net, and as such it belongs to the readers of rec.martial-arts. Copies may be made freely, as long as they are distributed at no charge, and the disclaimer and the copyright notice are included. -- Matthew Weigel Research Systems Programmer mcweigel+@cs.cmu.edu