How can you tell a McDojo from a real Dojang?

Question

Can you tell by the instructors credentials? What are some signs you might have joined a McDojo?

Answer 1

the mcdojo i was at had:

a punch card system, and it really didnt matter how skilled you were, if you attended say 22 classes, then you could test. they had a sign on the wall that had the time required for each belt/stripe to get to black belt. the sign claimed black belt could be reached in 2.5 years.

each test costs like 30-50$ (increasing in price)

there was usually a group testing at the end of each month (testings, if at all, should be done one on one)

rarely anyone was failed, no matter how poorly they did.

also the instructor rarely taught us, he usually sat in his office.

most of the black belts (and other belt colors) had the skill of a beginner or intermediate yet still possess bad form and improper technique.

on average we would have about 50 students in one class sometimes 20, sometimes 70 etc.

to top things off it is rated one of the better ITF Tae kwon do schools in the area.... yes, we're flooded with mcdojos and they all believe the hype and think they are doing/learning real martial arts.

when in fact they are just doing aerobics with a martial art theme

hope my experience helps you

Answer 2

http://mcdojo-faq.tripod.com/

Everything you ever wanted to know about McDojos is right there

check it out

Answer 3

Many of the best schools and best teachers have aspects of "McDojo".  From Tae Kwon Do, to karate, to the "Gracie Academies", all of these contain "symptoms" of McDojo.

My own school has some aspects that some would think are McDojo, but I know my Master is legit because of his credentials.  

Some people think that if a school is interested in money, then it must be a McDojo.  I argue that by saying that if this is my master's only source of income, and he works about 70 hours or more per week, then I think it's fair that he makes a decent living.  I have no problem with a school making profit.

Contracts are typical for schools that are interested in money, but a contract doesnt mean that the instruction is poor.  It is also a way to verify as sincere desire to train and a commitment to learning for a said time period.  

I would focus on your school/instructors credentials, how long they have been in business, the flexibility of their class schedule, and their standing in the community.  

For example, my school has been in business for over 20 years, my master has been on the cover of TKD Times magazine in 1996 and published a book "Competitive TKD" in 2006 that you can buy at B&N or Borders anywhere in the country.  He is a former Olympic coach.  We also had foreign Olympians train with us this summer in preparation for Beijing.  I have video of myself sparring against a Beijing Bronze Medalist (Chika Chukumerije of Nigeria).  My Master has also holds an annual tournament for charity and does other charity work.  He is also a former FBI Academy instructor and has thank you's from multiple law enforcement agencies.  We also have local police and prison guards that train with us.  

While it doesnt take those types of credentials to make a good teacher, it shows you that your not getting taken by a fraudulent black belt.  

Do I agree with everything my master does?  Of course not.  He has kids I think he lets grade faster than they should.  We have advanced students who are not as skilled as they should be.  But I must be humble in my perception of what he does.  I know that when I went to him, I already had 20 years of experience, and I know now that I he has made me better, so what more can I ask for?

James

Answer 4

The important thing to remember is that you get out of it what you put into it. If they're promoting people who aren't ready, make sure that you deserve your belt. If you go in there and give it everything you've got, then, for you, that McDojo will turn into the real deal.

Answer 5

This is a little bit tricky to tell. Most mcdojos will have you sign a contract to lock you into paying them. They are out to get your money and training you in the arts is only of secondary importance.

With that in mind look around your class and look at the number of students. Are there more there than the instructor(s) can reasonably teach? How often are people promoted in rank? Is it every month or so? A mcdojo knows their students want that black belt so they will promote you whether you are really ready or not.

These are just a couple of things to look for. Affiliations are a grey area, sometimes they actually stand for quality, sometimes they are just there to give an illusion of quality standards.

Just use your judgement and pass on promotion if you feel you aren't ready, just because it may be a mcdojo doesn't mean you have to train like it is.

Answer 6

Some things that I've learnt about McDojo's:

> They make you sign a lock in contract - on your first night!!

> You must pay ridiculous fees (eg $10-$20 per class)

> They have a "black belt club" in which low kyu ranks can be accepted into

> 5 yr olds running around in black belts

> Kids and adults who are not even capable of throwing a punch or even remembering a simple kata wearing black belts

> Gradings nearly every month to every three months

> Compulsory competitions and gradings

> Undisciplined students

> Students awarded for random things, just because they can

> They advertise themselves as a "black belt school" and guarentee you a black belt in 2 years even though they have never seen you train

> The instructor is an egotistical idiot

> No instructor seems to have any idea what they are talking about

> HUGE advertising

> Paid instructors

Thing's I've found in a proper school:

> Decent fees (around $5-$8 per training night - so you could go to three sessions that night and still pay only one amount)

> Encouragement to do better and perfect yourself before a grading

> You grade because you feel that you are ready and so does the instructor, not just because it's grading time again

> Optional sparring classes and competitions

> Instructors know what they are teaching and can also answer questions about technique, etiquette and fitness

> No contracts, only admin forms - medical etc

> Lessons are structured, not spur of the moment ideas

> Trail period of a few lessons to a few months before committing to the club

> Instructor will take time after class for a one-on-one mini session

> Gradings can be based on your physical/mental capabilities (my style has a sandan ranked adult who has severe aspergers syndrome)

> It is ok to miss a training payment, just make up for it next time or through instructing instead (for higher ranks)

> Instructors are not paid, all money goes towards the club and EVERY member - eg equipment, training camps