Ego Driven or Student Driven

When you determine what you want out of a Martial Arts program, you must then determine what kind of school you want. Most break down into 2 categories. Ego driven and student driven. You can easily see the difference. Ego driven schools are usually shrines to the "head instructor". You can see photos in the lobby of them performing superhuman martial arts feats like breaking blocks that are on fire or jump kicking over something high. Another sign of an ego driven school is an excessive amount of awards or trophies being displayed. Some love to brag about how high rank they are. Be careful of ego driven schools because these types of school care less about the student's enjoyment and progress than they do to build their own egos with "special" accomplishments, many which are false or politically acquired. Most "competition focused" schools are ego driven. Many are so consumed with their egos that it reflects in their poor business practices as well.
Student driven schools are all about providing the best possible experience for the students. You will see the staff being very courteous and professional. You will see a clean, well equipped facility. You will see the classes being run with drills and talks that actually develop the students in a positive and safe way. We at American Kempo Karate Academy are VERY student driven. You will see it in every aspect of our operations. Visit us at http://www.akka.com/ for more information.