“How do I know if the instructor is legit?” One way to discover if an instructor knows the art they are teaching is to simply watch them move, teach, and explain techniques. And if, after class, you are invited to ask questions, respectfully do so. Inquire about the style’s origin, who the instructor’s teachers were, how long he/she have been teaching, etc. Then, hopefully, you have either researched the style or system in question or immediately go home after the conversation with the instructor and cross-referenced what they have mentioned to you.
As it pertains to traditional styles, it may be easier to trace the lineage as to where it came from. The same may also be said for knowing an instructor’s origins and who taught them, and where they received their rank from. However, with some newer styles, this may not be possible, i.e., the person is the founder of their own system. In this case, you will need to rely on watching them demonstrate proficiency in the techniques/stances they are showing you, i.e., are the moves crisp, sharp, full of precision and power, and or steady if performed on one leg.
Basically, do not suspend your mind from reasonability. Even though you may not have any formal training in the art you are researching, you will want to ask yourself if something seems reasonable, and if you are unsure (which most likely you will be), then seek out more information on the subject and other expert opinions in the field.
There is nothing wrong with asking questions as long as you do it respectfully and with the right intention, and that is to learn, not to discredit.
