Armafit Academy / May 02, 2022
Should I take in-class or online martial arts classes? Which one is better?
Many people may have these questions in mind. So, what is the answer?
The answer depends on what you prefer and what your expectations are.
Many factors need to be considered to make the decision that fits each individual's expectations and needs. Let’s do some comparison.
First, is flexibility
In-class Martial arts course requires a specific time and location, whereas online martial arts courses don’t, and you can learn anywhere and at any time that fit your schedule.
The second is discipline
The second is to consider whether you are self-motivated or not？ Do you have self-discipline and self-managing abilities or do you want to develop these abilities? If the answer is yes, you can take either an in-class or online martial arts class. But online martial arts course requirements are higher than in class.
"师父领进门，修行在个人." This means the master teaches the martial arts techniques, but what level individuals can be is dependent on their self – Chinese Proverbs
The third is the price
The online class is less costly than In-class prices.
The in-class price range usually is around $20 - $40 per group class. If you take one class per week, the price would be about $80 - $160 per month, and if you take two classes per week, it will double the price. If you take a personal class would be more expensive.
For online martial arts classes, there are 3 types, subscription, pre-recorded video courses, and live-streaming classes.
For subscriptions, the prices range from around $10 to $40 per month. Normally take 3 to 5 years to reach the black belt level from beginner, which depends on individuals' time and effort.
For live-streaming classes is around $10 to $50 per group class.
For digital courses, it depends on the content and length of the program. For example, the online martial arts program offered at Armafit Academy are Martial Arts/ Wushu Essentials, Shaolin Forms, Wushu Weapons, Chinese kickboxing or Sanda, Wushu Short Weapons Game, and Black Belt Program, the price is $49, $79, $99, $49, $49, and 279 correspondently. These are one-time payments and have lifetime access, so you can watch and learn as many times as needed. Students can get support from the community and Master Zhang when needed. It also included the first-time certified certification fee.
Fourth, the communication and support
If you take an in-class martial arts class, you may find it easier to ask questions during the class and get an immediate response, but most students can not come out with questions immediately since they are focusing on learning how to do it at that moment. They may come out with questions later on, and unless students can reach out to the master at any time, otherwise, they have to wait until to next class session. Some students may forget about the questions when the next class session comes.
For an online martial arts class, you can ask questions to your master or in the community at any time. You do not have to wait until the next class session, and you will get responses either immediately or within a couple of days.
Next, the attention of the Master
Unless you are taking private martial arts classes, group classes may have many students. For example, if a class has 20 students, you can get approximately 3 minutes from the masters and some corrections per one-hour class on average.
For online martial arts classes, students can send their training videos to Shifu or Master and get full attention with detailed feedback. This means you get a personal course benefit with less cost.
In-class martial arts class allows you to meet friends and gives opportunities to practice together. But location is limited.
For online martial arts classes, you can make friends with the whole community from anywhere, and location is not limited. But may only physically practice with someone closer to you from the online martial arts classes.
Lastly, the equipment
If you take an In-class martial arts class, some martial arts schools may provide equipment such as sandbags, etc. But you will still have to buy most equipment needed.
For online martial arts classes, you will be responsible for purchasing all the needed equipment for online martial arts classes by yourself.
Conclusion
So, after comparing martial arts classes in-class versus online, which type of class fits you? Both types of martial arts classes have their advantages and disadvantages. Preferences may vary for different people. Some people may prefer online martial arts classes and some people may like in-class martial arts courses. If budget isn't an issue, you can take in-class and online martial arts courses simultaneously to enjoy all the benefits that both bring. But you may face a situation where you learned the same form with different movements.
Related Articles: Why do many Chinese martial arts/Wushu forms have the same name but different movements?
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