Oriental Martial & Healing Arts

Head Instructor: Nick Nanos - 4th Dan
B.S., M.A., L.M.T., Dipl.Ac., L.Ac.

How to Choose a Dojo

 Before choosing a dojo, it is important to determine what you want to study. This can be determined by carefully examining your motives for studying the Martial Arts, namely, what to you hope to do with your martial knowledge and abilities, and what you expect to gain from your studies of MA. Factors like age, state of general health, and personality effect this decision.

Any dojo you wish to study in should clearly state the characteristics of that style of MA, the qualifications and experience of the head instructor at the dojo as well as the lineage of the style and the Instructor(s). Avoid flash in the pan dojos, the failure rate in such enterprises is incredibly high. Carefully sit through and watch a typical class or two. Investigate! If they will not let you watch classes leave the premises. Avoid being drawn in by fancy surroundings or equipment: they have little bearing on the quality of instruction. Avoid contracts or at very least start with the fewest number of lessons possible at the start so that your financial investment is small. If that dojo doesn't allow for signup or initiation periods, leave. Avoid schools that cater to birthday parties and kids: they are often unlicensed baby sitting facilities. The sight of 4 year old black belts detracts from those who have chosen the Tao as their way. Study with an instructor who you recognize to be enlightened: 'put on the time', be patient, practice and be with that teacher.

 

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