Is this the right gym for me? 3 Questions to ask yourself when looking for a martial arts studio.

As a newbie, how do you know that this is the right gym for you? I’ve trained at my fair share of dojos and gyms over the course of my 20 years in martial arts - some were great for my development and some I would now tell my younger self to run away from and keep running lol.

Here are 3 questions to ask yourself before deciding on which gym to pursue your martial arts career / journey with.

1) Do I resonate with the coaches’ communication style?

This is a big one for me. In my earlier years I was under the impression that I just had to listen to the coaches. Some felt like they were Demi-gods, and some were plain brash; but I still just listened. Looking back, those were massive red flags. “Effective communication” is one of the most important things when selecting a gym and team to trust and commit to. Do you feel like you can share your thoughts and concerns? Are they talking to you or at you? Martial arts is a challenging journey and you want to pick the right team for you through thick and thin. Without effective communication, there will be misunderstandings, conflict and unnecessary tension in the relationship between gym + coach and student. Martial arts can also be dangerous. With fight sports especially, you want to find a coach and team that will listen if you have health or safety concerns. Yes, there is always an element of discipline, respect and listening in martial arts. But that comes with trust that you can trust your team and coach. That you are listened to when you speak up. And that you can communicate at any time without worrying that you will be reprimanded.

2) Does the gym and coaches encourage a positive training environment?

From your first trial, you should be able to pick up on the vibes at the gym. Are students tense and anxious? What is the tone at the gym? Of course depending on what the gym’s focus is (read question 3) - you’ll have to expect a different energy during training. I feel that training should be challenging, but positive. Positive in the sense that the coaches and team have the intention of helping you improve (through hard training), not so that it is an ego boost when they “bash” the new guy. A positive training environment in my opinion should lay out the direction and steps in which you will take to progress in the sport or martial art. In addition to that, a positive gym culture and coaches that can effectively communicate.

As a newbie, it’s unlikely that you feel “right at home” from day one. But after a month or so, if you're still feeling that something is “off” and you’re not getting a positive experience at training, take these as red flags that maybe this isn’t the gym for you. Some red flags to keep an eye out for - You’re constantly getting injured in training by others; you’re ignored or spoken down to by the coaches; you feel unsafe at the gym; and as a female - there is disrespect and unwanted sexual attention from fellow gym mates.

In quick summary, you should feel like you can learn, progress, make mistakes and form long lasting friendships in a safe, healthy and positive learning environment.

3) Does the gym and its focus meet my martial arts goals?

As a newbie, you may not know just yet your martial arts goals. Or they may change as you train, like mine did!

Every martial arts gym will have its own focus - whether it is a fitness-focused gym, a fight-focused gym or a mix of both. Depending on your goals, you have to find a gym that aligns. Going to a fitness-focused gym to try to set off your fight career probably isn’t the best way to go about it.

Have a chat to the coaches, team and admin to get a feel of the gym’s focus. Are majority of the students here fighters or do they train as a passion or hobby? This will also help you align with the right team with the same goals. How often do students train? And how committed are they? Having like minded teammates are a huge plus in assisting and progressing in your goals.

Whether you’re training just for fun, to lose weight or to take it to the top and be the next world champion, the people and environment you’re in matters… Their energies, passion and drive will rub off on you. Surround yourself with the right people to ensure success and longevity in your pursuit :)

I hope you find your “second home” ! The gym and its people will play a huge part in your life so be sure to take the time to pick what’s right for you!