[email protected]

It's possible that the school wouldn't take kids who hadn't willingly visited
and signed up themselves. Where Kirby goes, the kids have to sign an
agreement concerning behavior and intent. They won't take a child against
the child's will (so they wouldn't be able to sell gift memberships to
not-yet-members/students).

Some schools stress tournaments and competitions and others don't.

Some are more interested in character building than in butt-kicking.

I would say without even leaving the house you could read the ads in the
yellow pages--how do the schools present themselves? You'll note differences
right away.

You could look on line for overall descriptions of the philosophies of
different associations. Many times local schools are affiliated with one or
another national or international association.

If there is a local martial-arts supply house in town (like a store that
sells gear for the different sports) you might ask the purveyor (who is
likely also a martial arts teacher) about the differences in the types of
martial arts.

One thing you could do as it's a gift would be to promise to pay for lessons
and a good uniform. In some schools you can get the basic cheap uniform
which will be cotton/polyester blend, or you can opt for a better all-cotton
uniform.

Sandra Dodd