"It isn't what the book costs. It's what it will cost you if you don't read it." - Jim Rohn Lifting The Lid On The World Of Martial Arts From The Perspective Of A Parent And Paying Customer Are you about to enrol your child in a martial arts class or even join one yourself? Don't know which combat style to pick? Will what they learn actually keep them safe from bullies at school and on the street? Is the club the real deal run by genuine enthusiasts or is it first and foremost a money-making venture peddling bogus martial arts-lite? In this concise, practical manual author Seamus Martin gives you the benefit of all he has learned - pitfalls and plus points - during the first two years of taking his own children to martial arts lessons. He includes a short introduction to each of the most popular martial arts taught in the Western world today - Taekwondo, Karate, Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Kung Fu, Jeet Kune Do, Muay Thai, Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Plus he explains the crucial difference between traditional, stylized martial arts, combat sports and real-life self-defense. Seamus Martin also flags up all the little but important practical things you need to think about when selecting a good martial arts class for your child or yourself so as to avoid frustration and disappointment, not to mention a hole in your wallet Topics include: Why do you actually want your child to learn martial arts? How to pick a martial arts dojo (training place): Real martial arts or McDojo and how to tell the difference - a for-profit "belt factory," so-called "Karate daycare" or serious fighting techniques? The importance of the training venue location, facilities and staff. The Costs - upfront and recurring including: lesson fees, personal insurance, long-term contracts, registration fees, joining fees, termination fees, fees for grading or "belts," competition and seminar fees, equipment and transport expenses plus the cost of a costume and why one gi does not fit all martial arts. The Sensei (Martial Arts Instructor) including: Who actually teaches the class? Checks and credentials; Competence, confidence and class discipline; The impact of having the sensei's own children and other young relatives in the class; The pros and cons of signing up with a one-man band instructor; The positive impact of female instructors. The Martial Arts Lesson Itself including: The actual purpose of the class - does it really do what you want? Children only or mixed-age? How things go wrong when very young children are allowed to join; What level, if any, of parental involvement? The importance of good punctuality and record-keeping; The structure of the training - how much time do you actually get to spend practicing the fighting skills? Sensei's little helpers; Martial arts vs. fun and games."