I don’t have a systemic way of making sure, but when I checked out a local dojo the guy was more interested in showing people how to be flashy and also handing out belts like candy until you reached the higher tier, then suddenly you stagnate arbitrarily and have to pay for more lessons
Look for reviews. Ask around in the community. Check Bullshido to see if they're mentioned there. Traditionally you'd challenge the dojo and fight a series of bouts with students.
You choose the one that isn’t a McDojo where the spectacle is prioritized
How can you tell a McDojo apart from a real one?
If they add extra colors of belt so you have to pay for more tests, there's a red flag...
I don’t have a systemic way of making sure, but when I checked out a local dojo the guy was more interested in showing people how to be flashy and also handing out belts like candy until you reached the higher tier, then suddenly you stagnate arbitrarily and have to pay for more lessons
Look for reviews. Ask around in the community. Check Bullshido to see if they're mentioned there. Traditionally you'd challenge the dojo and fight a series of bouts with students.