This four-part article series highlights some of the obvious signs that your martial art gym - "dojo" - or class isn't actually the genuine article.
Welcome to the second installment of this four-part article series on how to recognize a McDojo and realize that you won't get the authentic martial arts training you may be looking for. As we mentioned in Part 1 of this article series, there has been a rise in the number of San Francisco martial arts schools, classes and gyms over the past few decades, which can probably be attributed to the popularity of martial arts in the media. With martial arts film stars and action movies making us "ooh" and "aah" over the cool and probably physically impossible moves they pull off, it's no wonder we all secretly want to become martial arts experts ourselves.
What's wrong with this?
McDojo McNo-no
The problem with many of the martial arts classes offered by San Francisco schools is that they do not comply with the strict 
codes revered and upheld by true martial arts masters. Rather what they teach is a vastly "watered down" version of the original form and while you think you are learning the skills necessary to defend yourself, in a real life context, you're likely to get your lights punched out.
codes revered and upheld by true martial arts masters. Rather what they teach is a vastly "watered down" version of the original form and while you think you are learning the skills necessary to defend yourself, in a real life context, you're likely to get your lights punched out.
Sure, you may find yourself getting fitter and slimmer, which is always a decent benefit, but the false sense of confidence brought about by owning a high-ranking belt in a martial art could get you into serious trouble. You may be a black belt in karate… but did you really earn that black belt? Could you go up against a real black belt opponent? Probably not. Even Chuck Norris might get his butt whipped by Bruce Lee.
So, what are the signs your dojo might be a McDojo? Let's get to it!
Sign # 1: There are 10-year olds running around with black belts
It's pure logic. If you walk into a martial arts school in San Francisco and there are young 
children holding the same colored belts as their instructor, there's something fishy going on. Mastering a martial art takes many years of dedicated practice and several hours per day honing your skills. It requires discipline, application and dedication. True masters of martial arts - those who hold real black belts – have dedicated their lives to learning and practicing.
children holding the same colored belts as their instructor, there's something fishy going on. Mastering a martial art takes many years of dedicated practice and several hours per day honing your skills. It requires discipline, application and dedication. True masters of martial arts - those who hold real black belts – have dedicated their lives to learning and practicing.
While it's really nice that there are martial arts schools in San Francisco that cater to little kids and, in doing so, provide them with good and fun exercise, it's not the real thing and you'll have to ask yourself if this is the kind of establishment you want to learn from. If you had to pit one of those 10-year olds with a black belt against a grown man with NO martial arts experience whatsoever, you can guess who will likely come out on top.
Sign # 2: They offer a "fast-track" to earning a black belt
If you have your eyes on the prize and want to earn the highest status in your martial art, it will take time and many years of practice, sweat and dedication. If your San Francisco martial arts school offers black belt status in two years or less, they're probably a McDojo. There is no fast track. If you apply yourself full throttle, you can earn a black belt in three to five years.
Stay Tuned for Part 3
To find out more of the signs your San Francisco martial arts school may be a McDojo, stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part article series.
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