Martial arts classes such as Taekwondo have become so popular in New York City that finding a truly great instructor has become somewhat of a conundrum for prospecting students. There are martial arts inspired gym classes, which do nothing more than give you a good workout. And then there are the notorious “McDojos,” which are run by instructors who don’t have much experience at all and who only provide weak training at best: training that is more like fight choreography than it is genuine martial arts and self-defense.
So if you are interested in Taekwondo classes in New York, how can you find yourself a teacher who will provide you with authentic combat skills that can be applied in real world situations requiring self-defense and who will transport you to Korea – the birthplace of this martial art form – during class? This article provides some tips and advice.
What Makes a Master of Martial Arts?
The definition of a good Taekwondo instructor is one who will whip you into shape, teach you excellent combat skills and technique and provide you with the focus, drive and inspiration you need to keep coming back for more. But the definition of a truly great Taekwondo master is one who recognizes the ambitions of his or her students and helps them to achieve them.
“Learning a martial art form is about more than just what happens on the mat or in the dojo,” explains an experienced Taekwondo instructor in New York. “It’s about how you apply what you’ve learned to your life and a truly great instructor will help you achieve just that: apply your lessons to your life in a way that will serve you best. This means you should be learning more than combat technique, but also respect, self-control, discipline, meditation, honor and the achievement of greater harmony and inner peace.”
“The instructor who shows you the way to achieve the best version of YOU is truly a master of his or her martial art.”
How Do I Find a Great Taekwondo Master in New York?
Nowadays, there are a staggering number and variety of martial arts classes in New York City, so finding one for you can prove to be a little daunting. Obviously your primary concern will be convenience and so the dojo (training gym or academy) closest to your place of work or residence will likely get preference. However, it is important that you at least do a little homework on a potential Taekwondo school before simply signing up.
- Is it accredited or registered?
- Does the instructor have a lot of experience?
- Are the students actively involved in tournaments?
- Do the students perform well at these tournaments?
- How many students does the instructor or school have?
- Does the school provide a holistic approach to training in Taekwondo (meditation and lessons in culture and history), or is it purely physical?
The answers to these questions can bring you a long way to choosing the best Taekwondo instructor in New York and the most suitable one for you.
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