Things to Look For When Choosing a Tae Kwon Do School

Arrange for a visit to each school to observe the classes and make sure it's a friendly learning environment. If you're uncomfortable, your child will be as well.

Make sure there is a good ratio of students to instructors. Especially with younger students, it can become very important.

Watch for the instructors to be knowledgeable of the curriculum they are teaching. If they aren't sure what they're doing, there is no way they can adequately teach you or your child.

Be sure the head of the school is a master instructor, and check into his affiliations such as the Independent Tae Kwon Do Association, Independent Tae Kwon Do Federation, World Tae Kwon Do Federation or similar.

Ask about the competitiveness at the school. Some schools require their students to enter and compete in competitions with others schools, while others don't do any competitions at all. Again, it all depends on what is best for you or your child.

Ask about the fee structure. Some schools require contracts for at least a year paid up front, while others have a monthly fee. It all depends on which is more convenient for you.

Check on the school's average time to go from white belt to black belt. Sometimes it is done in under a year, sometimes it takes several years. It all depends on the individual school, and you should be comfortable with the rate at which you or your child will be pushed.

Often Tae Kwon Do schools have weapons programs or requirements. Ask what the requirements for weapons will be and when the student is expected to fulfill this.

Be wary of schools that have no known ancestry or lineage style, as sometimes these rank certificates won't be recognized by other schools and/or styles, and could become rejected during a transfer.