I'm curious what the atmosphere of your studio is. I'll give a little background for the question.
Our school is not professional, meaning that the head instructors have full time day jobs, and they do kenpo as their second career. Our school consists of two studios located in neighboring towns, about 12 miles apart. The studios are open on alternating nights (one Mon, Wed, the other Tues, Thurs, Sat), and there is only a single membership fee to attend both studios. The curriculum is the same, and each school has its own head instructor. Most students have a "home" studio, and occaisonally visit the other studio.
However, a very distinct difference between the two schools is the atmosphere. One has a very "family" atmosphere, meaning there is alot of camraderie and friendship among the members. The other has a very "business" atmosphere, meaning you come in, train, and leave. Of course there are friendships, but it is alot more difficult to interact with fellow students.
Both schools turn out good kenpoists.
In my experience visiting other schools, the professional full-time instructor usually have more of a "business" atmosphere to their school, while clubs have more of a "family" approach. I have been to professional studios where members didn't know each other because of intensive private tutoring and small group classes that compartmentalize the student body.
What do you prefer, and what do you think are the benefits of each model?
(Thanks for putting up with my long-winded question.)
Lamont
Our school is not professional, meaning that the head instructors have full time day jobs, and they do kenpo as their second career. Our school consists of two studios located in neighboring towns, about 12 miles apart. The studios are open on alternating nights (one Mon, Wed, the other Tues, Thurs, Sat), and there is only a single membership fee to attend both studios. The curriculum is the same, and each school has its own head instructor. Most students have a "home" studio, and occaisonally visit the other studio.
However, a very distinct difference between the two schools is the atmosphere. One has a very "family" atmosphere, meaning there is alot of camraderie and friendship among the members. The other has a very "business" atmosphere, meaning you come in, train, and leave. Of course there are friendships, but it is alot more difficult to interact with fellow students.
Both schools turn out good kenpoists.
In my experience visiting other schools, the professional full-time instructor usually have more of a "business" atmosphere to their school, while clubs have more of a "family" approach. I have been to professional studios where members didn't know each other because of intensive private tutoring and small group classes that compartmentalize the student body.
What do you prefer, and what do you think are the benefits of each model?
(Thanks for putting up with my long-winded question.)
Lamont