Personally, I like the clean, open and well-lit type of location. And, if the rent were reasonable, I would (and have) gladly choose to locate my school in such a place.
However, when starting a new school that is not always what is available.
Sometimes you have to settle for what you can get. I have started more than one school and usually had to settle for a location that was not always optimal. I do not look for or accept locations that are run-down or in known dangerous areas. But, cost is always a consideration.
Even my teacher in Japan has his main school for at least the last 30 years in a hard-to-find location in a building that is less than prime. But, it is clean and well-maintained.
The point is, I was able to find him even though I was from a foreign country. And I wasn't looking for a building. I was looking for a teacher.
If you are just looking for an activity, any activity will do. As long as it is located in a nice, clean, well-lit building that should be enough. But, if you are looking for training in a specific art, you are looking for a teacher, period.
If the teacher has the credentials, if he has the knowledge and ability, I think that is a more valid criterion. You can find out about a teacher, his reputation and his background. If that person fits what you are looking for, that is the person and location you should be looking at.
The things that are more important and worthy of consideration are:
· The teacher
· What that teacher teaches
· Is that what you want to learn?
If competing in tournaments is your passion that is what you should look for in a teacher. If traditional martial arts interest you, find a teacher that is known for his traditional approach to his arts. Also, there are some martial arts that can cover both bases (tradition and competition).
The best school for you is the one that fits your view of what a martial art should be and offers the schedule, teachers, costs and locations that are accessible to you.
I can't over-emphasize the need to do your homework. You must enter into the study of the martial arts with your eyes open and a solid idea of what it is that you want to achieve. Be proactive and then throw yourself into your studies with energy and joy.
For more information about career opportunities in the martial arts, download my free e-book "9 Tips On How To Open Your Own Martial Arts School By A Teacher Who Has Been There, Done That" http://www.mashihan.com/acma_sq.htm. David Parks-Kennedy is a career martial artist (for more than 30 years with teacher ranking in Aikido) now living his dream in Mexico.
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