The instructor matters more than the style. A patient, qualified teacher will make almost any martial art safe and rewarding; a poor one can put people off training for life. Here is what to look for before you or your child sign up anywhere.

A judo instructor with a group of young students on the mat
A judo instructor with a group of young students on the mat. Photo: Marjon from The Hague, Netherlands, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Rank and experience

A black belt shows that someone has trained seriously for years, but it does not prove they can teach. Ask how long the instructor has been teaching, not just training, and whether they teach the age group you are interested in. In karate, dan grades are awarded by a style organisation; in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, belts are normally awarded by the instructor's own teacher, so it is fair to ask who that was.

Teaching children

Teaching a class of six-year-olds is a different skill from coaching adults. Good children's instructors keep instructions short, use games, praise effort and keep the mat calm. In many countries anyone who teaches children must hold a background or working-with-children check, and reputable clubs are happy to confirm it. Parents should be welcome to watch, at least for the first sessions.

Safety on the mat

  • Clear warm-ups before any hard work.
  • Sparring that starts slow and controlled, with partners matched for size and experience.
  • Mouthguards and appropriate protective gear when contact begins.
  • A first aid kit, a first-aid-trained adult on site and a clear plan for injuries.
  • Clean mats and a sensible rule about training when unwell or with skin infections.

Questions to ask before you join

  1. Can I watch or try a class before committing?
  2. How are beginners introduced to sparring?
  3. How often are gradings held, and what do they cost?
  4. What happens if my child misses a few weeks?
  5. Who teaches the class when the head instructor is away?

Red flags

Be careful with any club that pressures you into a long contract on the first visit, promises a black belt by a fixed date, lets beginners spar hard in their first weeks or discourages questions. Good instructors are proud of their teaching and happy to explain it.

Once you have found the right teacher, our programme guides explain what each art involves, and the kids' classes by age guide helps parents match a class to their child.