10 Criteria To Choose Karate Club Or Dojo

 

If you are very serious about Karate then you must check these 10 criteria before joining any Karate club or dojo. Let’s see what are those 10 criteria.


1.The teacher’s training & background

When it comes to choosing a dojo or club then this would be the most important point to check. The teacher should have a deep knowledge about the art both, theoretical and practical. The teacher should be able to adapt the classes to different audiences such as Kids, adult, old age people, and women. Also find out the rank(Dan) owned by the teacher. We know that rank doesn't matter but, suppose the teacher holds 1st Dan and you are going for 2nd Dan, then how can he prepare you for your next exam?


2.The classes And Content

The organization and contents is one of the most crucial things because, everything depends on the content that a student learns and he performed the thing which he learnt. It is better to exhaust after every class, but you must ask yourself if you have progressed or learned something during the class. The teacher should give feedback to each student during the class for better understanding. Are the content clear and adapted by the beginners? If yes then you can join this club without any doubt.


3.The martial Art culture

Of course, every sensei (teacher) has technical knowledge of karate like kihon, kata, bunkai, and kumite. Apart from that the sensei should be able to teach self-defense tactics and strategies. There are some sensei who just talk about or mention the culture and historical aspects of the martial art.



4.The Partner

Karate is an art which is fun if trained with the right partner. So if you have joined any dojo you must see who is attending classes regularly and doing sincerely. If there is any, then talk with him and him your friend because he may be your future training partner. Also check the other student's ability, rank and performance so you can make a team. Which helps you to improve quickly.


5.The dojo

One more important thing is that the club (dojo). The dojo should have enough space according to the number of practitioners. Also check the type and quality of the floor whether it might be wood floor, tatamis or mat. A dojo or club should have available required equipment for adults as well as kids for better training.

6.Belt exams

Another thing you must check before joining any club or dojo is, Belt Exam. Either it is a color belt (Kyu) exam or Black Belt (Dan) exam. There are several things to check. The teacher and examiner should know the rules and the different tests occurring during the belt exams. There are some dojo who just conduct the exam for formalities, and pass all the student weather their performance is good or not. Also check whether the teacher is completing the syllabus according to belt level or not.


7.The seminars And Tournament

Practicing in your club on a regular basis is quite good but it will not make the best karateka. You need to participate in seminars and tournaments to enhance your skills and to open yourself to the ‘outside’ world. So, it will be a good sign if the club in which you are going to join will encourage you to participate in seminars and tournaments. If the seminars and tournaments are organized by your own club then it will be better.


8.The atmosphere

One of the most important things you should neglect before joining any club is the atmosphere. Indeed, a cheerful atmosphere can motivate and encourage you to train better. The junior student should respect the teacher as well as the seniors and the seniors should respect the teacher as well as the juniors. Try to avoid those clubs where karate or any other martial arts etiquettes are not respected. Also the chemistry between the student and teacher should be good.


9.The life in the club

Once you join any club or dojo it means you have started living two lives, one is outside the dojo and the other one is in the dojo. Karate is a good opportunity for you to make new and good friends, so the club should organize some meetings, dinner parties, workshops, and other celebrations. These are the opportunities to develop and learn new things.


10.The trial class

I would advise you to take a trial class before joining the club so that you can see how things are going. Sometimes, it is better to go an extra mile to find a better dojo than joining any dojo that not deals with the above tips or point. If you are still confused, take some time and read the above 10 criteria then take your decision.