Most people who are interested in starting a MA often have the same mis-conception. They come into a school thinking that they are all the same. I get asked many times, by people that I know, if what I train in is the same as some school in their neighborhood. Here’s the lowdown:
- Every school teaches it’s own style
- Every school teaches it’s own combination of styles
- Each style is different
- Each school teaches it’s own version of a style
- Instructors in a school may teach differently
- A school that is a member of a governing association might be similar to another school that is a member
- Each school will have a different level of traditionalism
- Each school sets up it’s own rules
And many, many other things. But suffice it to say, unless the school is part of a large chain of schools, you will have to evaluate each one on its own merit. Your success will be better if you do the following:
- Learn about the different styles
- Honestly evaluate what your needs are
- Honestly research/evaluate the school
- Decide
Good luck!