ITEMS A MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO SHOULD HAVE
Posted: January 02, 2017
While martial arts studios usually have a very simple setup, there are a few things they absolutely must have. Visit martial arts studios in Peachtree City and you should find these five things.
CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS
The instructors are the most important component of all. You can learn karate, taekwondo, and self defense with very little equipment (or none!) if you have a great instructor (sensei). Usually there will be one “Master” of the studio or even a “Grand Master,” and a host of other instructors preferably certified by the American Taekwondo Association. In addition to the studio’s certification, look for other indications in the instructor’s title, such as “6th degree” black belt, or 5th or 4th. This indicates the instructor’s level (or degree) of competence.
SPECIFIC PROGRAMS
Whether you are interested in karate for a child or self defense lessons for yourself, there should be customized programs for all interest levels. Children should be divided into age-appropriate classes and adults should be able to receive separate training for their level. Some examples of programs at Karate Atlanta include:
- Young children introductory classes
- Kids training and exercises classes (ages 6-12)
- Adult karate
- Taekwondo
- Kids summer programs
- Women’s self defense programs
PHILOSOPHY
Since martial arts is a mental exercise as well as a physical, the studio should also display a philosophy or mission statement. Usually, a studio will also include a set of rules for obeying the instructors and for treating other students. The studio’s philosophy is important, whether you are looking for something fun and educational for your kids or to address a specific problem of bullying or violence in your family’s life. The studio’s philosophy should be reflected in the attitude of the instructors and the entire staff. There should be a sense of safety and friendship and trust within the walls of the studio, so it is a place where you can learn and have fun, but there should also be serious dedication.
TRAINING ROOM
Martial arts studios are often referred to as a “dojo,” or as the training room where they practice. The dojo should be large enough to provide plenty of moving room for each student, and includes an exercise floor mat. Some dojos may have additional classrooms for discussing strategies, or instructors may simply incorporate this training on the exercise floor.
PROPS
Many martial arts studios will supply their own props for training, however, you may be required to buy a few items on your own, such as a uniform and mouth guard. Here are a few basic pieces of equipment the dojo should carry:
- Head guards
- Chest guards
- Foam shells (for one student to hold up while another makes contact)
- Training bags
- Breakable boards
- Staffs
There may be other exercise equipment or weapons at the studio, but you should be able to identify the basics. The more equipment the studio carries, the more likely you are to have diversified training with sparring, strength training, specific weapons training, and even boxing. If that is important to you, find a martial arts studio with a variety of equipment. Keep in mind that for most recreational martial arts training, very little equipment is needed besides your body and your attitude!