discuss martial arts

Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/8Vw9d7j
Find an MMA Gym in the USA: http://www.findmmagym.com/
BlackBeltWiki, great source of info, trivia and help: http://www.blackbeltwiki.com/
Beware the MCDOJOS: http://mcdojo-faq.tripod.com/

What to look for in a martial arts gym:
•Physically conditioned, fit participants
•Trainer with certified professional record and a training history with at least one athlete who competes successfully
•Sparring, "aliveness" in training
•At least one participant competes at amateur or professional level
•Physical conditioning part of training
•Clean facility with mats frequently cleaned
What to be wary of:
•Fat, physically subpar students and instructor
•Graduation fees (e.g. "pay $200 and advance to next belt extra quick!")
•No proven athletes training there
•No sparring, moves shown are choreographed (e.g. "the attacker does this, then I do this, then you do this...")
•Cult-like atmosphere
•No physical conditioning
•long mandatory contracts with hefty fees for breaking