Here’s the most important advice anyone can give you when you’re new to martial arts training: don’t choose a martial arts school because it happens to be closest to your house or workplace, because it comes up first in search results, or for any reason other than this: the idea of studying there excites and motivates you. If you decide to make Taekwondo part of your life, you’ll probably practice for years, and it’s important to be sure you’re making a commitment you can believe in.

A recommendation from a friend might be useful, but only if they’re looking for the same thing you are. If your friend loves MMA classes but you’re looking for a martial art that embraces East Asian cultural roots, you won’t be happy in their school and they won’t be happy in ours. Don’t be afraid to try a few classes at several schools before you decide. Make sure the technical approach, the teaching style of the instructor(s), the atmosphere, and the group of fellow practitioners is what you want, and don’t be influenced by what fits someone else’s values and needs.

Trying or watching several classes is the best way to decide if a martial arts school is for you, but we know the Five College Area of Western Massachusetts has a bewildering variety of schools, styles, and locations. If you’re doing the research that will help you identify the right place, you’re already on the right track! Here are some articles to help you understand what our dojang stands for:

• Student Manual
  This gives a great sense of our school’s values and approach, and it helps you understand what to expect for your first class.
• FAQs
  After meeting many hundreds of new students over the years, these are the most common questions that come up.
• History of Taekwondo
  Taekwondo is the empty handed striking art of Korea and the most popular martial art in the world. This is how it evolved.
• About the Jidokwan style of Taekwondo
  We practice an old-school interpretation of this Korean form, and this article explains our roots.
• Our Unique Cultural Self-Study Program
  No other martial arts school in our region (anywhere?) offers the depth and breadth of extracurricular knowledge as you’ll find at River Valley Taekwondo.