Lookin4Answers

Thank you very much for all the feedback. We're going to stick with our current Dojo. I know we're paying more than I would like - but I also feel that we are getting what we are paying for at this time. It's hard to argue. I know of two other kids that are in programs and although they pay much less (around 1/2) they get less instruction time and they are not in a dedicated Dojo and do not seem to get the same level of attention. If the last 6 months is indicative of what the future holds, I'll continue to advocate for his current place. Again... thank you very very much for taking the time to reply and all. The funny part is that I was actually paying more BEFORE than I am now (before it was 30 min. session, now it's 45 minute session)... not sure why I was so concerned. I guess, it's a longer commitment, so I want to make sure I'm "ok". These people have given me ZERO reason to not trust that they have my son's Karate goals as their concern... Hopefully I can check back here form time to time. Thanks again!

Is there a "norm" -- the classes where he goes now seems small... at times as few as 4 students with 2-3 instructors (2 lead instructors and 1 junior instructor). If the class is bigger they tend to add junior instructors to work with the kids. Truthfully, I'm likely trying to justify the high cost with the service thus far. But if I can get the same thing elsewhere for less -- then, well, obviously -- that's where I want to be. Just brainstorming...

I appreciate all the input. Next question, especially for the lower cost places: What are the class sizes? How many students to each instructor?

Harkon: I'm looking at $16 per class (45 minutes (30 minutes regular session and 15 minutes using different items (sorry, I don't know the names -- sticks, etc.) no testing fees. That is taking the total out of pocket and dividing it by the 150 classes per year. Justice: When he started he couldn't do a push-up, his sidekick looked like all the other kicks. (LOL), and he never kept his hands up. He would barely do his introduction (Hello, My name is xxxxx, and I'm x years old"), This is just to name a few. He (obviously) started as a white belt... they do the method (not sure if it is standard) where they put some black tape on the belt when you get to a certain "point" and once you have two black stripes and another red stripe in the middle you can test for the next belt. It seems that some kids do better than others and there isn't a schedule or anything like that. I'm not complaining about the Dojo at all... I like it and I like the way they work with the kids. My concern is, like everyone, I just don't want to over pay. I'm certainly open to suggestions on how to find alternatives. So far all the places I call are worse and much higher pressure. (The current place has 12 mo and 36 mo programs... the other places I called have 36 mo programs, which for a 4 year old is just nuts. IMHO). Thanks for all the feedback!

I'd love to hear about recommendation in SE Florida... or hints and tips to know if I'm paying too much. I posted here: http://www.karateforums.com/fees-i-m-reading-about-mcdojo-and-weary-of-ov-vt44331.html (New to the forum and doing a lot of reading...) Thanks!

As surprised as I am... the kid can do all the different horse stances, his seisa (spelling?) (sit/knee/one knee) (sorry if not saying it correctly) -- he does the different kicks, and much more (cross, jab, etc.) -- I am very very surprised by how's it going. My two main concerns, to be very honest is cost and, even more so, the 3 days a week... I hate the idea of putting him someplace else (most of the other places are chain-type places... and the idea of just going to a Boy's club or YMCA doesn't appeal to me. I guess I'm sort of looking to get a feel if the $$ is way overboard or what... just any brainstorming... as you provided to get some thoughts. Thanks!

My son has been in a local Dojo for the past 6 months and is doing very well. We're very happy with the self control it has taught him as well as several other self-esteem benefits. He is 4 years old (started right before his 4th birthday)... We paid $750 for 6 months (2 days a week) -- I think that was a little expensive, but I will say that their attention to detail and small class size is very one-on-one. Often (not always) there are 2 instructors (1 is the owner, the other is a long-time 2nd degree BB) -- along with several "Junior" instructors that are very attentive to the student's needs. His 6 months is over now and it is time to "re-up" -- however now I'm being given the choice for either a 1 Year or a 3 Year "commitment". 3 Year is $179 a month 1 Year is $209 a month + PLUS + $399 for some kind of "fee" -- which sort of rubs me wrong, since he's already been there for 6 months... There are some discounts if you pay ahead (either a full payment or an accelerated type payment (15-20% off)... Keep in mind the new level is now 3 days a week... Still, seems like a lot of money. The part that makes it tough is that I *really* like the place... I'm just trying to wrap my head around the $$$. What say you? Thanks! P.S. This is a one-location place...