Martial art schools levels

[roger777]

I am wondering something. I am just a beginner and I am not exactly in a great shape. I want to join a school of boxing or MMA where there are people of my level. I often hear people mentionning famous schools in my area where there are professionnal MMA fighters training! Is it a bad idea to go to such a good school? Should I start on an easier, less known and more amateur school first?

[RedStorm]

Go with the school taught by MMA professionals. While I'm sure the lesser known schools will have good instruction, I think itd be a better experience for you to train with those who have similiar interests to you. They probably know what works and what doesnt.

[bushidofighter]

try different places and then go to the one where you feel more confortable.

[Skinnyboy]

Since the beginning of students looking for instructors one thing remains true - a "great" instructor is not necessarily great for all students. It depends on the personalities of both student and instructor. I had a sensei who was very eccentric, turned off a lot of students and other members of the local martial arts community, but he was brilliant at what he taught. Compared to my previous instructor I learned more in 3 years with him than in 10 years with the other. Realizing the quality of his instruction early, I stayed with him and overlooked his personality quirks. I realize that I could better make this decision than a beginner because I had something to compare to.

[Beachbum]

Yeah, check out all the good ones, that teach what you want. Don't settle for learning the Monkey if you're into MMA, or vice versa.
Like they say, alot has to do with how much you know, how you learn, what you've got to give, what you want to give, what your goals are.
Consider your goals cuz that's why you're doing it.
Some instructors emphasize the teaching & learning of techniques, slowly & carefully at first, others emphasize the practical application. Teamquest is like that. The teaching is on the fly. You spent 95% of your class balls to the wall making things happen at fast speed, but that matches their goals. Other places want you going over & over techniques before full application.
Whatever the school, you'll be humbled for sure, but everybody is so don't worry about that. Definitely go where the teaching is cutting edge though, if you can. Why not?

[Lord Strongo]

the teacher is number one then the atmosphere is number two.and it dos'nt hurt to be surrounded by a great bunch of people who are willing to help you.you'll know when your in the right spot.dont be afraid to ask questios or tell them what you want to do.
they dont have to be professionals mma fighters either,unless fighting pro is what you want to do.my advice would be to start with bjj its the foundation to a pro fighter.