How can I tell if a martial arts school is legitimate or a McDojo?

A

adam

Active member
I'm interested in learning traditional/Okinawa karate, but I want to make sure I go to a legitimate dojo to learn legitimate Okinawa karate...How can I tell if a dojo is a McDojo?

I live in Tempe, Arizona...If you know of any legitimate dojo around here, that would help...I'm 24 years old and I'd prefer to find one with no belt ranking system.
 
K

Kat

Member
There is actually a really good FAQ on this, which you might want to use as a checklist as you browse through your many options: http://mcdojo-faq.tripod.com/

For legit schools, I'd suggest finding a list of possible schools though yellow pages, arranging a trial lesson or two with them (if they don't let you see the lesson in progress, then most likely, its a mcdojo of some sort) and then use the 'red flags' and 'warning signs' in the website I just gave you to see if they are legit.

Good luck!
 
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