A Legend's Perspective: Recognizing a McDojo!

In the martial arts world, not all schools are created equal. Some prioritize genuine learning and community, while others are more focused on profit. These profit-driven establishments are often referred to as "McDojos," similar to a fast-food chain where quantity overshadows quality.

Here are 12 ways YOU can recognize a McDojo:

1. Cult-like Atmosphere: A legitimate martial arts school feels like a community or family, not a cult. In a McDojo, the leaders often expect unquestioning loyalty, disregard difficult questions, act superior, and viewing members primarily as mere revenue sources.

2. Lack of Structured Curriculum: In a reputable school, the curriculum is organized and well-planned. McDojos, on the other hand, often lack structure, picking techniques haphazardly, poorly imitating techniques found on social media, without proper understanding or consistency.

3. Dubious Competition Records: Investigate the competitive history and previous business endeavors of the instructors. If they have more losses than wins and only enter tournaments where they are guaranteed to boost their medal count, this is a red flag. This means they may be more interested in accolades than genuine skill development.

4. Discouraging Cross-Training: A “Professor” at a McDojo often discourages students from training elsewhere or publicly shames those that leave their “School” for another. A good school respects your autonomy and encourages you to seek knowledge from various sources.

5. Aggressive Membership Retention: If a school fights to keep your membership when you try to cancel, especially using passive-aggressive tactics or continuing to charge you even after you have left, it's a major red flag.

6. Frequent "Training" Vacations: Instructors at McDojos might frequently go on vacations under the guise of training trips. If these trips don't translate into improved teaching and just seem like personal getaways, they are, and it's a sign they’re using your fees for leisure. Which they are more than welcomed to do, however their vacations should not be misinterpreted as beneficial for you.

7. Constant Rule Changes: A McDojo frequently changes its club rules, classes, instructors and curriculum to chase the latest trends. A legitimate school will have a stable set of values and a consistent approach to training.

8. Poor Instructor Involvement: Instructors at McDojos often don’t participate in competitions or engage with students meaningfully. They might demonstrate flashy but impractical techniques and passively avoid live sparring or rolling, always expecting you to “tone it down” or “use technique only” when with them.

9. Overemphasis on Black Belts: If a school heavily markets themselves as “The only blackbelt,” guarantees belt promotions, or even gives away quick promotions, it's a sign they’re more interested in making you happy because you pay them, than your actual skill development. True martial arts mastery takes time, dedication, and effort. They will know this which makes this unbelievably disingenuous, but that is not as lucrative as making their clients happy and giving away new colorful belts.

10. Lack of Skill and Knowledge: Students in a McDojo often lack fundamental skills even after years of training. They should be way farther ahead in their development than they are when compared to the time they put in. Promotions might be based on attendance rather than skill, leading to a lack of real progress.

11. Out-of-Shape Instructors: If instructors are out of shape and avoid participating in training, it's a bad sign. Instructors should lead by example and maintain their own fitness and skills.

12. Gimmicky Names and Undefined Styles: Be wary of schools with vague or gimmicky names and claims of teaching multiple styles without clear direction or accreditation. Authentic schools have well-defined programs and recognized credentials.

Recognizing these signs can help you avoid McDojos and find a martial arts school that genuinely values your growth and development. If you realize you're in a McDojo, it's important to GET OUT. While some training is better than no training, there's nothing stopping you from exploring other programs to see if they fit you better or offer more value.

A good club or academy will let you try a few classes to see if you’re a good fit, emphasizing community, discipline, and commitment to the process. When you find a great community with a dedicated coach who promotes discipline and commitment, you'll know you've found the right place. A good coach wants their students to be better than them, pouring everything into providing value and serving club members to the best of their ability. This is the goal when looking for a real gym to train at—your skill development will be amplified.

Thank you for taking the time to read "A Legend's Perspective." I appreciate each and every one of you for being part of this journey. It's a privilege to share my thoughts and insights with such a passionate community. Stay disciplined, keep training, and remember—together, we build legends.