I've been training in martial arts for about 10 years and have a black belt in Kajukenbo (mainly it's kenpo, with a bunch of dirty street fighting, self defense and weapons defense thrown in.) I spent 2 of those years as an assistant instructor and most recently taught as an instructor with the permission of one of our systems 9th degree black belts. I've recently taken a hiatus - getting ready for a marriage and spending a lot of my time putting in extra hours. I can commit to training right now.
Here's my 2c.
Everyone always has different opinions - MMA guys say Mui Tai, BJJ etc. you've got classics who will tell you goshu or uechi or some other, more traditional karate. Having trained in a number of systems, I can tell you that no one system does it all. BJJ is great - but when you go to the ground and lock one guy up in side guard, you're defenseless against his punk buddies. You can train your body hard in goshu, but when someone gets you on the ground or pulls a gun on you close quarters, you don't have training for that either.
My advice is this: if the instructor of your chosen school says their system is better than any other system in the world and that nothing can beat it, walk away. If the system you choose says you can get a black belt in 2 years for the fixed price of _____, walk away. If the system you choose gives black belts to people who have never been in a real fight, or whose black belt (and other senior color belt) tests aren't absolutely grueling, walk away. Oh and tae Kwon do - if you're going to Korea to train, do it. Those guys can fight. Training state side tae Kwon do? Walk away.
Look for something that covers the general direction of self defense you want to learn. Look for a clean, reputable gym or dojo. Look for somewhere that doesn't charge annual fees or locks you into a contract. Instructors who teach because they want to don't use long term annual contracts.
Systems that use belt systems can be very rewarding, especially to students who like to have a physical manifestation of their progress - the belt (which is called an Obi). There's nothing wrong with wanting to go this way. Traditional schools do require kata and other seemingly hokey things, but at a good school, you will learn this is about tradition, mindset and respect and more than just physical combat. Other schools dispense with that entirely. Think about what you as an individual might enjoy.
Lastly, ask to observe a class. Do not participate the first time. See how the instructor handles questions, demonstrates techniques and treats students who are either out of line or not paying attention. A good instructor will be professional, keep discipline on his (or her) floor and above all, will be able to demonstrate techniques thoroughly. Their school should be clean, near and tidy with no smell or other areas of hygienic concern. Lastly, if they require the purchase of a gi or other gear in access of $60 or so - be weary.
I've done this for a long time and would be happy to have a pm convo with you.
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