What are the minimum age requirements for students? Will I be permitted to watch a class in progress?
Most quality schools and their instructors will agree that 5-6 years of age is the youngest that a student can begin training in a structured system. Any younger than this is simply very, very expensive baby sitting, for the student will not have the focus or retention capabilities to remember his/her belt requirements. Also, you should be allowed to watch a class in progress. If you are not permitted to watch a class while it is being conducted, then you can only assume that the instructor has something to hide, and that school must be avoided. There should be no secrets, with the exception of black belt tests, which I feel should be closed door affairs, with no audience permitted except parents and spouses.
