Selecting a School

Reprinted from the USA National Karate-do Federation
Written by: Katherine Thiry, USA NKF Board Director 1994-2005

For the uninitiated, the Karate school may offer the first opportunity in which to be exposed to any type of Japanese culture. It is very important, however, to understand that Karate is a martial art that may or may not reflect in its pedagogy common Japanese social norms and protocols. So be careful not to confuse the two elements. What is used in the school or "dojo" may or may not be appropriate in social settings, and more often than not, may be not be reflective of social etiquette. Although the bow, for example, is used in the context of Karate training, there are subtleties for its usage that may differ in certain social settings. One of the hallmarks of a good instructor, however, is the length that he or she will go in order to help ensure that their students are well apprised of those protocols that have long remained as part and parcel of Karate training. Whether learning the social etiquette and/or the etiquette that is appropriate for Karate training, it is advisable to learn as much as possible about the culture and training habits of the country of origin for the scope of understanding that such education will present. This understanding only enhances the experience and should never preclude ones allegiances to ones own country, traditions or beliefs.

Japanese is the technical language of Karate just as French is considered instrumental in the study of Ballet. A working knowledge of Latin or German is critically important for the disciplines of medicine and law, for example. For reasons of international communication, it is wise to learn the Japanese Terminology and its correct pronunciation. Not being versed in more than one language limits the practitioner to those instructors and educational forums conducted only by native speakers. Even so, much is lost in the way of explanations even when the student has a "working knowledge" of the Japanese Karate references and terms.

Just as an understanding of the technical language of Karate is important, so are the protocols that are usually expected for participating in, or conducting, a traditional Karate class. These protocols will always depend upon the experience and range of understanding on the part of the Instructor or "Sensei" to whom "quality control" is charged.

Some of the examples of theses mannerisms and protocols often include:

• Removal of shoes at the entrance of the dojo floor
• Demonstration of deference and respect (bowing) towards the instructor/s
• Recitation of dojo "kun" or tenets of behavior and expectations from, and for, Karate-ka
• Deference to the higher ranking students and responsibilities for lower ranking students
• Verbiage requiring appropriate expressions of "please" and " thank you" before and after class instruction
• Appropriate care for Karate equipment, belts and uniforms

Danger signs may include:

• An inability or reluctance for the instructor or manager of the school to communicate an overview of the system, pedagogy, goals, programs or fee schedules.
• Unruly or slovenly behavior, profanity, horseplay among students.
• Enticements or rewards for learning. This includes gimmicks for engaging the attention of students (regardless of the age) as well as retaining the students. The thrust of learning and mastering any discipline depends upon time honored and familiar elements that will never reward a pupil for lackluster work, an absence of a rigorous work ethic or a lack of attention to detail.
• An over-inflated ego on the part of an instructor or a lack of humility demonstrated by higher ranking students ("sempais").
• Inappropriate remarks on the part of an instructor which does not serve to edify the class/student with the points of criticism
• Inexperienced staff by age or experience and/or unsupervised assistant instruction.
• No oversight person or organization and/ or quality control to ensure adherence to rules and regulations as well as the pedagogy.
• No affiliations that would allow for continuing educational opportunities for the instructor/s, talented or motivated students.

Most importantly, in choosing a Karate school, have confidence in your personal ability to assess the intelligence, talent and style of the instructor/s from personal observations of their PRODUCT, which is the student body. Take the time to interview the instructor/s and to watch a class in its entirety. Trust your instincts and make the logical associations with those teachers in your experience who have been proven competent and/or exceptional at their work. You need not be experienced in martial arts in order to make a solid assessment if you take the time for a little investigation. Most of all, speak with others regarding the reputation of the school.

The interest of the USA National Karate-do Federation is to not only serve as the National Governing Body for the sport of Karate in the United States, but to help in the promulgation of "traditional" Karate-do to the extent that we can help preserve those tenets of the art within the context of sport. There are many sport oriented schools and clubs, but the name of the USA-NKF suggests that we are a Federation dedicated to the principles inherent in Karate-do. Karate-do has at its heart the principle that Karate must be used to contribute to society, to enhance our humanity and as a vehicle to make us effective citizens. Karate-do is unique in too many ways to expand upon here, but the characteristic elements that are the most canonized are those familiar traits that are heralded universally:

• Courtesy above all else
• Contribution to the community of which one is a part
• Benevolence and Spiritual understanding
• Compassion
• Duty
• Personal accountability
• Diligence
• Loyalty

It is most important to keep in mind that there are qualified and dedicated teachers throughout the United States who have spent more time and energy developing and honing their skills than in their scholastic degree/s. Like most teaching posts, Karate teachers expect and deserve a certain deference for the role they play in culling the best qualities from their charges. When assessing a club or school, if you have found a vested and qualified Karate instructor with the qualities listed above, never think twice about the financial "commitment". No fee will ever be able to cover what you will glean from this experience called Karate-do.

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