Martial Arts/Karate Schools aren't all the same!
Visit 3 or 4 martial arts/Karate schools before signing up!
The generic name karate is now used for world-wide fighting instruction regardless of background. Some schools have traditional lineages going back to the home of karate, Okinawa while others are just made by someone who scribbled some notes on a napkin one night after having too much to drink.
Your purpose in learning karate/martial arts determine your school type.
If you are looking for structure and discipline for your child most any place will do. The majority of schools will teach you, and your child, competitive karate so you can win trophies and participate in tournaments and you can enjoy large classes with a slew of children.
If you are looking for traditional self-defense instruction for life preservation or for learning the art of Karate there are very limited schools available, though everyone says that is what their students learn. They don't. I have seen world title trophy winners get badly defeated by street fighters. Tournaments don't prepare you for street survival where there are no rules.
Adult Instruction versus Children's Instruction
Most instruction is geared towards children. That is where the money in the industry is found. Schools with 150+ students normally have 120+ children and maybe 30 adults. If you are lucky you may find an adult class in one of these schools and the instruction will be similar to that taught children.
Adult-oriented classes/instruction is often much harder to find as these are not as well advertised as the children's oriented classes. There is less advertising as there is a limited market to draw from. Most adult-oriented classes can trace their lineages/instruction back a few generations to their founders.
Try a Class or Two Before Signing a Contract!
Try out a class! Answer these questions:
Do you like the instructors and instruction?
Are people smiling and happy?
Are people friendly?
Do you spar the first day in class?
Do you learn body control before sparring?
Is this safe for you?
Do you like it?
Is this competitive karate with trophies and various colored uniforms or traditional self defense where everyone wears the same type of uniform?
List the 5 things you don't like. These will become much more important to you in the future.
What to expect when decide to you sign up.
You may pay a registration fee.
You may be required to purchase a uniform.
You may be required to purchase protective equipment.
You will find the opportunity to pay on a monthly basis or sign a contract for monthly/yearly payments. Normally, if you sign a contract for three years or so (are you really going to attend classes for three years?) you get the best monthly price. It is even better if you pay for three years up front! Yet you probably best economize your money by paying for a month's trial, or two, or three.
Money Saving Thought: Roughly 30% of participants drop out after the first month and roughly 90% quit before the end of the first year. I have met people who signed a three-year contract for thier child who quit after the first month! Ouch! Three-years of contract payments for unused instruction.
Save Your $
Ask about the penalty for early contract termination if there is one.
Can the contract be switched to one of your other children, or you, or another family member?
Family and Military Discounts Often Exist
Ask!
What about the Old Guy teaching adult-focused karate in non-commercial space?
Ah, you found my school. This is traditional Okinawan Self-defense karate. We focus on cooperative learning so we all improve together. Every day you will learn or improve your self-defense skills, body control, flexibility, balance, reduce stress, and have FUN!