Martial Arts training is a great way for your child (and yourself) to gain better health both physically and mentally. Your child can learn other benefits such as discipline, self-control, and learning how to defend themselves. Choosing the right school is very important, and parents should take the time to research the schools beforehand.

The teaching of Martial Arts has turned into a multi-million dollar business here in the United States, and parents must be aware of what they are getting themselves into before having your child start his or her training.

Unfortunately in Florida and many other states, Martial Arts schools fall into a loophole when it comes to regulation. Most do not "technically" fall into the designation as a day care, so laws that are designed to protect children are not applicable to Martial Arts schools. This puts more responsibility on the parent/adults to make sure the school they choose is at the highest standards.

I would like to point out a few areas you should look for and be wary of when choosing a Martial Arts school.

• Never sign a membership contract without first learning the details of it. Martial Arts schools will commonly use outside billing services to take of the billing process. Now this in itself is a good way for schools to manage their student’s financial payments. However, this is also a tactic to lock you into a contract.

• These contracts which are often referred to as "membership agreements" are often very difficult to get out of. Most want you sign up for a minimum of a one year term, but I have seen them go as high as five years. Some of these contracts offer no way to get out even in situations where you would have to move out of state. I do not advise ever signing one of these contracts, but if you must, make sure there are provisions that are clear on how you may leave the contract without further payments. If they instructor/salesperson refuses to do this, then walk out. There are always other alternatives.

• Make sure the employees and instructors have background checks. In this day of people preying on children, it is vitally important that anyone who works around children has a proper background check. This is part of the loophole I mentioned before that Martial Arts schools are not required to perform background checks. Make sure you ask to see the background records of the people who will be in contact with your child.

• Always take a trial lesson. Any reputable school should offer a trial lesson at no charge. If they are confident in their training, then you should not have to pay for a trial lesson. While attending a trial lesson, you the parent should take the time to inspect the school. Does it look like a safe environment for your child to train in? Is the facility well maintained and clean? These are things you should look for where evaluating a school. If there are other parents there feel free to ask them questions on what they think of the school.

Martial Arts is a great activity for yourself or your children, but you must take the steps to ensure a safe training environment. The best weapon you can use is knowledge. Use the Internet to look up reviews of schools, and to research the type of Martial Arts the school offers.

Keep this in mind as you search and evaluate schools for your children. It can and will make all the difference.