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How to Choose a Martial Arts Gym

Martial Arts Gyms

By Sarah MillerPublished 4 years ago 4 min read
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How to Choose a Martial Arts Gym

Whether you are a novice or a professional, choosing a suitable martial arts gym deserves time and proper consideration. It’s all too easy to rush a sign-up based purely on location, price, or to train with a famed coach or athlete. While there are advantages to considering either or all of these factors, choosing a gym requires a multi-faceted approach. You may not be able to get everything you want, but it is important that you feel satisfied, comfortable and safe in your new gym.

Firstly, before anything else, decide whether or not there is a discipline you would like to train in. If you have already chosen a style, then it is worthwhile to find a specialist school that has a substantial offering in that style in regards to class availability and variety of coaches. However, if you are still undecided, check out gyms that are single discipline as well as gyms that offer mixed martial arts or cross training (athletic training other than the martial art(s) offered).

Whatever or wherever you choose to train, make sure to consider the following factors before making your final decision.

Location

Consider how far away you are willing to realistically travel for your training. But don’t be afraid to expand that radius by a few miles just to see what’s out there. Sometimes a better price is available in a further neighbourhood, or more importantly, a better instructor. Ultimately, your future goals should help you to make this decision. If you are interested in a professional fight career, then a longer commute may be worth the sacrifice. Or perhaps you are career focused and just want to learn a new skill and get fit. In this case, perhaps a gym near to work is the best solution.

Finally, being honest about your own motivation levels can also help your choice. Having a gym nearby to the workplace or on the route home can help to eliminate the possibility of skipping your session. Gyms that are too far or out of the way can kill motivation if there is no larger purpose to the sacrifice. For this reason, location should be one of the top determinants of your outcome.

2- Transportation

Closely related to location, your transportation options will also affect your ability to attend classes regularly. Review how you will be getting to the gym and how reliable and/or difficult that mode of transportation will be. Obviously, this will vary greatly depending on where you live, but checking driving or public transport routes is a must when considering your new gym.

Clogged up freeways or multiple changes on public transport can negatively affect mood and energy levels. Chances are you’ll be making that journey multiple times a week and its impact should be taken into consideration.

3- Gym Offering

Once you have decided on your discipline, check the gym schedule to make sure the class times can fit into your own schedule. It’s also worth noting whether or not the gym operates with class levels.

Gyms that only offer ‘all levels’ classes tend to be suited for beginners only (but not all) or those who are not seeking much progression. Generally speaking, gyms that separate by experience are less overwhelming for complete beginners and more challenging for experienced practitioners.

4- Trial and Membership

I cannot stress this enough: try a few classes at your gym before signing any long term commitments. Some gyms will offer a free trial class while others offer a reduced price introductory package or programme. Make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before class to introduce yourself, sign waivers, and get ready for the session.

When there, get all possible details regarding pricing. Some martial gyms keep it simple by offering a set price for unlimited classes, while others will have staggered pay structures depending on attendance frequency and number of disciplines. Some deals will throw in a free pair of gloves or uniforms. Make sure that the price and frequency suit your needs. If not, try a few others out before making a final decision. And always read the fine print before signing a contract, especially in regards to cancellation, whether that is just a class or the contract in full.

5- Community

You will potentially spend many hours within the gym community. Vet them as much as you do the coaches. Martial arts can be dangerous and is often challenging. Ideally, the people you will train with are the types of people you would like to hang out with. This is especially important in competitive gyms where you may be travelling together for tournaments or cornering each other for fights.

It’s also worth noting how many are a similar size and height to you. It’s a strange deliberation, but if you have chosen a weight categorised sport, these will be your best training buddies, especially if you intend on competing.

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