A defined curriculum is important because the study of an unarmed art encompasses a variety of strategies and techniques which cannot be learned in one session. The curriculum, to be effective, must be comprehensive yet must be graduated so new skills build and strengthen previously-learned skills. A quick look in any yellow pages reveals a number of schools with very strange and difficult to pronounce names. Decide what it is you want from your studies. Many schools offer these in varying degrees, but some specialize in some areas more than others.
Some schools concentrate on the sporting aspects and are heavily involved in tournament competition.
A large display of trophies and announcements or flyers on upcoming area tournaments would be signs indicating this concentration. Some schools emphasize the spiritual aspects of karate and are usually concerned with the perfection of technique and the honing of the human spirit. A minimalistic look and an emphasis on Oriental terms, traditional uniforms and correct etiquette are signs of this emphasis. The best of these schools blend the most effective strategies and techniques from many styles. Some of these schools attract the best, brightest and most progressive martial artists and can offer very, very advanced training in fighting and self-defense.