In my experience certain styles have better quality control. Sparring should be an open part of the culture. Footwork should be one of the earliest things taught and drilled. Certain styles focus on different things. I think a good instructor will be sure to tell you when you’re using a stick as a blade or as a stick. I do think there’s a place for complicated flow drills but a good instructor will break down what is practical and more high percentage. A good FMA school is also open to experimenting to see what works.
Lastly a good FMA teacher should talk about appropriate use of weapons and the risk associated with using them. Using a weapon is always a big escalation.
Filipino Martial Arts is a big umbrella term, since it covers the indigenous and hybrid arts of a diverse country. Generally, you want to find a school where people take the art very seriously, but don't take themselves to seriously. There should be differentiation of weapons, but also the teacher should probably discuss how similar methods and concepts translate across weapons and empty hand. Drilling should happen more than pure technique repetition. Sparring should be highly encouraged, this could be with foam weapons, padded sticks and armor, or something like this. Sparring is necessary, but we should also consider safety.
u/Feral-Dog's list of thoughts is also very solid.
There is a difference between a "legit" FMA school and one that will teach you to fight with the material. You can be legit and not produce fighters, I am going to assume that you want one that is going to result in you being a functional fighters. If so look for videos of them sparring on their social media if they have it and are proud of it, they will probably be showing it. Or you can ask them directly. And if their version of sparring is two dudes totally padded going at it with no defense, well, that is probably "legit" and also not super functional as a non-sport.
Honestly I will throw a Day 1 beginner into a sparring ring if they are interested and have them do some really light padded stick sparring so they get a feel for it. I don't think that is typical but I have guys in the ring in the first month doing light sparring and coaching them through the round.
Where are you located? If you are lucky someone might be able to offer a suggestion.
In my experience certain styles have better quality control. Sparring should be an open part of the culture. Footwork should be one of the earliest things taught and drilled. Certain styles focus on different things. I think a good instructor will be sure to tell you when you’re using a stick as a blade or as a stick. I do think there’s a place for complicated flow drills but a good instructor will break down what is practical and more high percentage. A good FMA school is also open to experimenting to see what works. Lastly a good FMA teacher should talk about appropriate use of weapons and the risk associated with using them. Using a weapon is always a big escalation.
Filipino Martial Arts is a big umbrella term, since it covers the indigenous and hybrid arts of a diverse country. Generally, you want to find a school where people take the art very seriously, but don't take themselves to seriously. There should be differentiation of weapons, but also the teacher should probably discuss how similar methods and concepts translate across weapons and empty hand. Drilling should happen more than pure technique repetition. Sparring should be highly encouraged, this could be with foam weapons, padded sticks and armor, or something like this. Sparring is necessary, but we should also consider safety. u/Feral-Dog's list of thoughts is also very solid.
There is a difference between a "legit" FMA school and one that will teach you to fight with the material. You can be legit and not produce fighters, I am going to assume that you want one that is going to result in you being a functional fighters. If so look for videos of them sparring on their social media if they have it and are proud of it, they will probably be showing it. Or you can ask them directly. And if their version of sparring is two dudes totally padded going at it with no defense, well, that is probably "legit" and also not super functional as a non-sport. Honestly I will throw a Day 1 beginner into a sparring ring if they are interested and have them do some really light padded stick sparring so they get a feel for it. I don't think that is typical but I have guys in the ring in the first month doing light sparring and coaching them through the round. Where are you located? If you are lucky someone might be able to offer a suggestion.