4. What Not to Look For
The race or gender of the instructor is completely unimportant. Don’t automatically assume that an instructor is good merely because he’s an Asian male. Likewise, don’t assume one is not good because she’s a non-Asian female.
Do not allow your decision to be swayed by unrelated features, such as the availability of exercise machines, hot tubs, and tanning beds. Many people are getting excellent training in their instructor’s garage or back yard!
In some arts like Sumo, the size of the instructor is important, but this is an unusual exception. For the vast majority of styles, the size and strength of the instructor are not important. You should not generally be concerned with whether you are built the same way as the instructor.
Also, don’t make your decision based on the garments worn during practice. Students in one school may wear something that looks like a skirt, while those in another school may wear something that looks like star-spangled pajamas. Pay attention to the techniques and attitudes rather than the garments.
Don’t be impressed by a large collection of huge, shiny trophies. In many tournaments, the trophies are plentiful, and nearly everyone takes one home for something or other. Some get one just for being the only one present in their particular category.