The benefits of martial arts training include improved self-confidence, self-defense, physical fitness and personal enjoyment. These are qualities that almost everybody could use, but the price of martial arts training has nearly doubled over the past 10 years. Fortunately, it's possible to find classes for free.
Quality
Some people are concerned about the quality of free programs. After all, "You get what you pay for" is an American truism. However, some of the best martial arts programs are run by somebody who teaches part time. When your teacher gives instruction out of love for the art, you can get very good instruction. The biggest concern is reliability. If your instructor earns a living at a different job, that job can force him to miss classes or even discontinue the program entirely.
Satellite Programs
One source of free martial arts training is programs run as an adjunct to a larger business. Health clubs sometimes include martial arts in their group fitness schedule. Employers, community centers, churches, day cares and even apartment complexes also provide these services for free to keep their customers satisfied. The advantage of this kind of class is that it's often quite reliable. If one teacher has to leave, the organization often finds another. The disadvantage is that schedules are often quite limited.
Promotional Programs
Many karate schools offer free lessons to bring potential students into contact with their program and staff. It's a promotional gambit common in the industry. This might take the form of a free introductory course at the school, or the school might conduct a class at a local health club, school or church. One advantage of this kind of program is that you get classes taught by professionals. The disadvantage is that these free classes don't last forever. Eventually, the parent school will start charging for them.
Outreach Programs
This is the "holy grail" of free martial arts training. In an outreach program, martial arts training is offered for free because the teacher or a parent organization thinks it's the right thing to do. Chuck Norris' "KickStart Foundation," which inserts a dojo directly into public schools -- is one large-scale example. Local and regional organizations can also be found. These programs are often high-quality and reliable, with two major disadvantages. Their funding can dry up unexpectedly, resulting in a canceled program. They can also fill quickly or have a long waiting list.
References
- Dave Coffman; Martial Arts Historian; Hillsboro, Oregon
- Tom Callos; Martial Arts Industry Consultant; Hilo, Hawaii
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