It's always interesting looking at MMA Web Sites from all areas of North America ( and the Niagara Region of course ) and reading what is offered. I have to admit that as this industry ages into maturity that it is being run much better as a business across the board.

Clubs and schools are operating with multiple instructors multiple disciplines and have begun to work together to grow the industry much faster and stronger than ever before. My schools are incredibly active in MMA and have met several promoters along the way and I've also noticed many promoters working together and streaming their resources to better the sport.

With all that said check for the following when trying to choose your school when you decide to make that exciting journey into MMA.

1) What are your goals?

- Regardless of what the schools in your area have accomplished or not your goals need to be clear. Do you want to step into the cage, ring or onto the mat in competition one day or are you looking just for fitness.

  Many great schools offer both and the best schools actually offer both. This is because the competition keeps the instruction fresh and keeps the instructors sharp.

-If you are looking to compete be sure the school you are looking at actually has current MMA fighters and nutures them properly. Do their athletes have winning records and do they compete in multilple disciplines.

- Are you a person who craves more one-on-one attention or do you prefer group settings? If you like one-on-one perhaps private lessons are the way to go. If you like groups get a feel for the clubs you are looking to join before you commit.

2) Quality of instruction

- Don't fall for an instructor just because he or she is a good competitor. How are they as a teacher? Perhaps he or she are good at both, but the most important factor is how happy are his or her students and how do you relate to the instructor?

- Be current and up to date. A pet peave of mine is seeing Web Site with instructors stating they are the best, only or most respected etc. etc. etc. . Perhaps they are but make sure "the proof is in the pudding" so to speak. I.e. if they are the best, only or most respected or whatever, what makes them that? They better have a current roster of MMA fighters with good records before making statements like that otherwise it is just rhetoric.

3) What is the appearance of the instructor? Out-of-shape trainer = bad trainer

- Like any business look for professionalism. An unshaven gruff looking instructor may be tough and cool but if he or she can't attend to personal appearance they likely lack attention to detail.

- Is your trainer in good physical shape? This is huge, a trainer should have a fit physique, how can he or she preach health and fitness when he can't keep in shape himself. A physically fit trainer reflects passion for the sport .... can you trust a chef who doesn't like food?

4) Location of course, but depending on your goals and expectations you may need to travel.