The Rise of McDojos: What They Are and Why You Should Avoid Them

As martial arts have become more popular over the years, they’ve attracted a diverse range of practitioners, from those seeking to improve their fitness and self-discipline to others wanting to learn self-defense or even compete at high levels. However, with this increase in popularity, there has also been a rise in something far less noble—the “McDojo.”

The term “McDojo” has become a common phrase in the martial arts world, often used to describe schools that prioritize profit over quality instruction, integrity, and the true spirit of martial arts. Just like the fast-food chain it draws its name from, a McDojo is more concerned with quick, easy access and flashy marketing than with actual substance. In this blog, we’ll explore what a McDojo is, how to spot one, and why you should avoid these places if you’re serious about learning martial arts.

What is a McDojo?

A McDojo is essentially a martial arts school that sacrifices the core values and skills of martial arts for financial gain. These schools typically offer low-quality instruction, often focusing on rapid promotion through belt ranks, and use aggressive marketing strategies to attract as many students as possible.

While every martial arts school is a business and needs to be profitable, the defining feature of a McDojo is that its primary focus is profit—sometimes at the expense of the student’s progress, safety, or understanding of martial arts. The integrity, discipline, and authenticity that are core to true martial arts training are often lost in the process.

Key Characteristics of a McDojo

Quick Rank Advancement

One of the hallmark signs of a McDojo is a suspiciously rapid progression through belt ranks. In traditional martial arts, earning a black belt takes years of dedication, practice, and improvement. However, McDojos often promises students they can reach black belt status within an unreasonably short period, sometimes in as little as 12-18 months.

Frequent belt testing fees often accompany this quick rank advancement, in some cases as often as monthly. At a McDojo, you might find that students are asked to test for a new belt , even if they haven’t demonstrated significant improvement. This creates a system where belts are essentially “bought” rather than earned, which undermines the hard work and skill that real martial artists invest in their training.

Guaranteed Black Belts

Some McDojos go even further by offering “guaranteed” black belts. These programs promise students that if they attend enough classes or pay enough money, they will receive a black belt, regardless of skill level. While this might sound appealing to beginners, it completely disregards the importance of mastery and proficiency in martial arts.

A legitimate martial arts school will never guarantee rank advancements, because they understand that each student’s journey is different. True martial artists understand that a black belt is not the end goal, but rather a symbol of personal growth, discipline, and understanding of the art.

Instructors with Inflated Credentials

Many McDojo instructors will claim impressive-sounding titles or achievements, but when examined closely, their credentials are often dubious or inflated. They might boast about “grandmaster” titles or claim to have black belts in multiple disciplines, but lack credible proof of their qualifications.

Instructors should be able to demonstrate the skills they are teaching with proficiency and confidence to back up their claim of rank and achievements. In legitimate martial arts schools, instructors often have well-documented experience, compete in or have trained under well-known teachers, and have proven themselves over time.

Overemphasis on Child Programs or Black Belt Clubs

There is nothing wrong with teaching children martial arts. Many legitimate schools that produce future champions are known for their children’s training. Conversely,  McDojos often focuses heavily on child programs and youth entertainment because they are lucrative. Parents are often pressured to enroll their children in “Black Belt Clubs,” where the child’s path to a black belt is expedited through expensive long-term contracts and frequent testing fees. This is completely different than instructors who offer private lessons and more focused individual training sessions to help their students build their skills with more attention and focus.

Children can benefit from martial arts. Different age groups should have different levels of class content, instructor delivery, and focus. A class of 4-6-year-old students will not respond at the level of comprehension as a 14-year-old student. Having said that,  genuine schools will not push them into fast-tracked programs that undermine the integrity of the art.

The Consequences of Training at a McDojo

Training at a McDojo can have several negative consequences, especially for students who are serious about martial arts:

False Sense of Confidence

One of the most dangerous aspects of a McDojo is that students may leave with a false sense of confidence in their abilities. Being handed belts without earning them can lead students to believe they have skills that they lack, putting them in potentially dangerous situations if they ever need to use martial arts in self-defense.

Poor Technique and Skill Development

Because a McDojo prioritizes rapid progression rather than skill development, the quality of instruction often suffers. Students may develop bad habits, poor technique, or lack the depth of understanding that real martial arts training provides. This can also make it difficult to transition to a more legitimate school later on, as bad habits must be unlearned.

Wasted Time and Money

Students at McDojos often end up spending significant amounts of money on long-term contracts and gear, only to realize later that they have not received the quality instruction they were promised. By the time they realize this, they may have already wasted years on ineffective training.

How to Avoid a McDojo

Do Your Research

Before joining any martial arts school, research the school’s history, instructor credentials, and student reviews. Look for schools with a proven track record of success, where instructors have real experience in their disciplines. If an instructor’s credentials seem unclear or exaggerated, that’s a red flag.

Visit, Observe, and Try Classes

Attend a few trial classes or observe how the school operates. Pay attention to class sizes, instructor engagement, and student progress. Are students encouraged to work hard and improve, or is there an overemphasis on belt promotion? Legitimate schools should offer at a minimum a free trial class if not a free week. Chemistry with both the instructor(s), school, and content is critical. This can seldom be learned without trying at least one class. If an instructor refuses to allow at minimum one trial class, this is a red flag.

Ask Questions

Don’t be afraid to ask about belt progression, fees, and the school’s philosophy. A legitimate school will be transparent about these things and won’t pressure you into contracts or rapid rank advancement.

In the world of martial arts, not all schools are created equal. If you’re serious about martial arts, it’s essential to seek out schools that prioritize quality instruction, personal growth, and respect for the art.