Make sure your Training Meets your End Goal

Now, I don't know if your goal after years of training to get your black belt is to be one of these guys, but I would really hope not.

I do understand and agree that all martial arts offer a value, sometimes it is simply friendship and the idea of doing something different. Sometimes, the interpretation of skill is a little less important, completely vague or mostly irrelevant to teacher and/or student.

When you set out on your journey, be sure to question everything. Observe the instructor, senior students, and make your own assessments about what you will get as your learning progresses. Don't get caught up in what looks fancy or pretty.

It doesn't matter how big, small, fancy, down to earth gritty, great location or seedy location any club is. It's about the quality of instruction that you are looking for and the program being offered. Be sure of that before you make any judgments about facilities.

The first place I studied martial arts was out of a studio apartment that had a curtain blocking off my instructors personal space and the facility he taught at. I had the best introduction a guy could be offered to the martial arts in that studio apartment in downtown Toronto yet tucked away in a remote location.

You don't have to know the path you will take on your journey, however you can make an assessment on where you want to start, and what you want to get in the end. Try and find a place that matches those as close as possible, and enjoy the ride.

Even if your goal is being like the guys in this video!