looking for help

[creole]

Hello,

I am new to the ma world and looking to begin classes. I placed a post under the schools/instructor category but received no responses. So I thought I might try again under the beginer section.

Does anyone have any info on some of the better schools in Chicago? There are way too many to investigate individually and I thought this might be a good way to narrow my search. I am not sure which style I will eventually settle on but here is what interests me at this point:
a. some sparring
b. practical application
c. not soley defensive
d. not heavily focused on weapons
e. not interested in competitions
f. displays a spiritual aspect
g. light ground work

Any assistance would be appreciated.

[Melanie]

Hiya Creole

Sorry about that :)

I think you'll find many MA that will fit your criteria to be honest. Unfortunately unless you either get a personal recommendation or actually attend the class itself you won't get a straight answer. :)

As an example - you could say that you've been to a Shotokan class and discounted it beacuse it didn't meet all your criteria, however, each and every organisation in Shotokan don't have the same criteria. Some Shotokan classes will use their associations criteria as a starting point but remain independent and make alterations. You really need to attend a few classes, meet the students and work out the direction the Instructor wants to take their classes. Every class will be different and so will the attitudes in each place.

I am sorry this isn't a definative answer for you - but at the end of the day - you'll need to explore whats local to you and work you're way out. You may find cross-training might be beneficial too.

Good luck in your search :)

[Thomas]

I wish I could help but have no knowledge of the Chicago area. It seems like you have a pretty good list of what you are looking for. I would go through the phone book and make a list of potential schools by location or ad and then call 5-10 each day and ask the questions on your list until you can make a short list of 5 schools that may work. Then go and check them out and pick the one that fits your desires best.