Tips to help you pick the best martial arts school

• Common sense: Always use your common sense and listen to your inner voice. If something sounds too good to be true then it usually is. Be self-confident enough to walk away from a bad deal.
• Ask questions and learn: As the old saying goes the only stupid question is the one you didn’t ask. Call the school and ask questions. Then you can hang up if you don’t hear the right things. Visit three or more schools, talk with the parents, ask for references, and learn as much as you can before making a decision.
• Introductory Classes: Our introductory classes at the Panthers Den are FREE with no bligations what so ever . They are offered on every Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 pm (See our schedule). We encourge everyone to attend our classes and see class sessions in progress from start to end. When visting a school watch a higher level class, if possible. Good schools offer introductory classes and do not require purchase of a uniform or equipment to attend these classes. Never join a school that restricts access to a class. Exception; attendance to the black belt and instructor training classes are often times restricted. Remember; introductory classes are meant to be simple and brief. Look for clear teaching and positive reinforcements.
• Contracts: At the Panthers Den we do not require you to sign a contract. You should ask yourself why would a school need you to sign a contract? If a school provides you with good service and training at an affordable price then why do they need you to sign a contract? Individual goals change and you don’t want to sign a contract that will restrict your choices in any way.
• Schedule: Look for a school with flexible schedule for kids and adults. (See Our schedule)
• Tuition: Typical tuition for a martial arts school can be $40 to $200 a month. Price is not always a good indicator of quality. Just because a school charges $100 a month it doesn’t mean it is a great place to learn martial arts and bigger isn’t necessarily better. Some very good martial arts instructors teach for as little as $30 a month out of their garage. They do it because of the love of art and not to make money. (See our prices)
• Testing: Most martial arts schools have a formal curriculum that involves some kind of testing. Ask about the testing requirements and procedures. Who determines when a student is ready to advance to the next level? What happens during a testing? What is the objective of a testing? How much does it cost? What happens if the student doesn't pass? Good schools prepare their students for success during every class. Testing sessions are used as a learning opportunity.
• Testing fee: Most schools have regular testing every few months also and a testing fee associated with it. Ask what the testing fees are. Typical testing fee can be between $30 to $60. Testing fees are usually higher for the black belts. Good schools have documented pricing for their programs, no hidden fees, no mandatory rules for purchasing equipment, and no contracts. Our testing fees are between $40 and $55 depending on the level the student is testing for.
• Facade: Don’t be impressed with fancy uniforms, trophies, and buildings. Any one can buy a black belt for $30 with some really cool oriental writings on it. With a nice color laser printer they can also print nice certificate and hang it on the walls. I am always little bit leery about a place where students wear bright colorful uniforms.
• Instructor: A good instructor doesn’t have to be oriental or have a 9^th degree black belt. Most likely, you can’t tell the difference between a 3^rd degree and a 9^th black belt any way (Meet our instructors).  Remember; look for an instructor that can help you meet your individual goals. What really matters is the instructor’s relationship with his or her students. Observe the instructor’s that are teaching the classes. Are they paying close attention to details? Do they use encouraging words? Is there more than one instructor per class? How are they interacting with the students? Are the students having fun? Remember; do not assume you know what is going on in a class. Some times the instructors will have lower belts or younger adults help teach part of a class. This is intended to develop student’s skill in teaching and build their confidence.