Frequently Asked Questions

1. I am new to martial arts, and there are so many different styles, options, training environments. How do I even start making the right decision?

2. From some of the schools I've visited, I get the feeling that they are more interested in my money than me. I get the feeling that I am a "consumer" more than a "student."

3. How do I know that the instructors are qualified?

4. Are there any specific things I should look for in a school for my kids?

5. What about for adults?

6. Some schools advertise that they are "progressive," "modern," "Americanized" (without the "BS"), "practical," "street-oriented." Is this a good thing? After all, why not learn things quickly?

7. How do I know if the instructor is truly qualified?

I am new to martial arts, and there are so many different styles, options, training environments. How do I even start making the right decision?

In order to make the right decision, you must clarify to yourself why you seek to learn martial arts. Unfortunately, the term "martial art" has come to have too many meanings, which cloud up the picture. The term gained popular usage in the 1970s, principally to describe East Asian systems, such as Kungfu, Karate, and Judo. Today, the term "martial art" is used for any and all sorts of styles and systems of fighting, even Western boxing. Our thinking will become clearer if we divide up the generic term into narrower categories.

• Martial Sport - Learning fighting skills for primarily competitive purposes and/or fitness.
• Self-Defense - Learning fighting skills for primarily practical self-defense purposes and/or fitness
• Martial Art - Learning fighting skills for competition and self-defense with the emphasis on discipline, respect, and hierarchy
• Martial Way - Learning fighting skills in order to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the "self," to build and strengthen one's character, to live in accordance with the "Warrior's Path" - a path of respect, honor, duty, integrity, courage, and loyalty as a way of life.

From some of the schools I've visited, I get the feeling that they are more interested in my money than me. I get the feeling that I am a "consumer" more than a "student."

Regrettably, this is a growing phenomenon in the martial arts community. No doubt the number of martial art schools in your area is growing at a substantial rate. That is because the increased interest in martial arts such as jujitsu, karate, and tae kwon do is seen as a valuable commercial opportunity. But you should be cautious about overly "commercial" schools if you are instead interested in an institution that holds steadfast to tradition, culture, etiquette, and the martial art experience as a complete endeavor of mind, body, and spirit. Never set your standards solely to cost or convenience, as there is no set price for education. Rather, look at the quality and the motives of the school. Although a "Martial Sport" may survive in an overly commodified or commercial setting, a "Martial Way" never can.

How do I know that the instructors are qualified?

Remember that very few legal regulations constrain the opening and operation of martial arts schools. Generally speaking, any "Joe Blow" can open a martial art school and teach martial arts. Furthermore, martial artists can become overly confident of their abilities if they are unchecked or unsupervised. Such arrogance can be a tremendous detriment to you and your children. This is why it is important to check if the instructors and the school are affiliated with an official organization with its set of public rules and guidelines. Instructors who have abandoned their ties to such certifying organizations as well as their former teachers should invite special scrutiny on matters of loyalty, propriety, and competence. Obviously, these characteristics-especially loyalty -- are viewed differently by Eastern and Western societies. This is another topic at another time.

Are there any specific things I should look for in a school for my kids?

To find a great school for your family, be aware of the school environment and how confident and concerned the instructor seems in your growth and development. Make sure that the emphasis on children is discipline, respect, developing confidence, and the ability to learn self-control to help them fight without fighting.

What about for adults?

For adults, make sure to examine the comprehensiveness and diversity of the art. Does it offer more than just one aspect of the arts; is the school professional and affiliated with a renowned source of knowledge; are the instructors interested in the growth of your character and not just your physical well-being.

Some schools advertise that they are "progressive," "modern," "Americanized" (without the "BS"), "practical," "street-oriented." Is this a good thing? After all, why not learn things quickly?

Do not be fooled by martial art schools claiming fast, easy, painless training without the hard work. Indeed, all these advertisements should be red flags. What do they really mean? If you are seeking an Eastern Martial Art or Way, you must recognize what attracted you in the first place: the traditional values of respect, honor, integrity, loyalty; the ceremony and etiquette that demonstrates humility and maturity; the Eastern philosophies of harmony with nature, strong disciplined character, honoring elders and seniors with respect, inner peace; the balance of juxtaposing forces of nature, which permeates every aspect of the physical and intangible (Um/Yang or Yin/Yang).

If this is what you are seeking, what can "Americanized" or "new and improved" possibly mean? If we want Italian food then we go to an Italian restaurant; if we want Chinese, then we go to a Chinese restaurant. There are no American Italian restaurants: At most, they are "fusion" and we know not to expect Italian, but something like Italian. The same goes with the traditional martial arts, and even an attempt at "fusion" requires extensive formal training. A Martial Way, developed through 5,000 years of history, cannot be quickly "Americanized" for easier consumption.

How do I know if the instructor is truly qualified?

If you're looking only to learn how to kick and punch, you can examine how your instructor kicks and punches (although this too is difficult for novices). The task of evaluating an instructor is far more difficult if you're seeking a Martial Way. The instructor does not have to be Asian. However, the instructor must be someone with a deep understanding of the relevant historical, cultural, and philosophical traditions and values. This is evident in their attitude, the content of their speech, answers to your constructive questioning, and the school's atmosphere.

Here is a little story to explain the difference between knowing and understanding. When asked, "Do you know why you bow?" a renowned martial artist replied, "I am not sure, but I heard a long time ago someone telling me that a long, long time ago in Japan, all the doors to the house or dojo was only 4 feet high. So, to enter the training hall they had to duck and that is why we bow." This is totally inaccurate, but also completely understandable. Obviously, his teacher never explained the purpose and value of this aspect of etiquette.

On a similar note, many schools teach their students to bow with their eyes fixed on the person they are bowing to. This lesson comes from the film, "Enter the Dragon," in which Bruce Lee smacks the head of his student for bowing with his eyes looking down. He admonishes his student, "Do not take your eyes off your opponent." This might be sage advice in certain circumstances. However, let's look at the purpose of a bow as a form of salutation.

It is the same as a handshake in the Western culture. Do you know why you shake hands? I am sure you have accepted it as a standard social convention. At bottom, it is a physical display of trust. At one time, most gentlemen carried weapons, and by extending their weapon hand, usually the right hand, they communicated "hey, you can trust me not to kill you."

Why not bow instead? Well, this can be explained due to the Western cultural and religious connotations of bowing as an act of submission and not merely a sign of respect and trust. This is not only western. A Muslim student raised this question, and we suggested that he talk to his spiritual leader by asking whether it is the act that is primary or the intent. If the bow is done with the intent of showing respect and trust and not submission, then is it religiously acceptable? His leader agreed and explained that bowing was permissible as long as he bowed to a person and he/she reciprocated. You see, it is always important to understand rather than assume.

In Eastern culture, bowing is done with the eyes looking down from the other person, showing "hey, I trust you to not draw your sword and cut my head off." So, in the case of Bruce Lee's lesson to his student, it is almost a combination of the two cultures, showing "hey, I respect you, but I don't trust you that much." Western culture always has the "self" in mind, whereas Eastern culture dwells on "selflessness." It is not a question of right or wrong, but a question of understanding.

In Hwa Rang Do,^® we explain that bowing displays three things: 1) humility by lowering yourself, 2) respect, and 3) trust, by taking your eyes off the other person. Therefore, if you are facing your enemy, then maybe it is a good idea to keep your eyes on them, but here at the dojang, we are family, not enemies. Then we add, only half in jest, "If you get really good, then you can take your eyes off of the enemy and still sense if they are going to strike."

We hope this has not confused you even more, but rather has helped you to form the right questions. Good luck! If you have questions about Hwa Rang Do^® schools in your area please contact the World Headquarters <whrda@hwarangdo.com> for a free listing.