is my dojo a mcdojo

[dear john]

oh man my computer went dead for like 2 weeks it sucked.

 

i would have to say that even though the technique is not always required to get a belt, they are a somewhat diciplined school.

 

in my jujitsu school, if you have poor technique, you go nowhere, but at they same time they are noot the most mootivated bunch of people. either you want it and practice it or you dont and go nowhere.

 

in taekwondo everyone is more peppy

 

it is kinda of wierd the way there system is set up

 

you would think that if they put more pressure on their students to have better technique then they would have better technique, but most of the instructors are impressed if you simply hustle.

 

you guys wanna hear some prices

 

$450 for second dan

[47MartialMan]

Does a McDojo school have a display counter selling items? Does a McDojo school have a Coke machine or candy machine? Does a McDojo school have a coffee/consession counter? Does a McDojo have beautiful colors all around from carpet to "stripes", or other, on the walls? Does a McDojo school have a "Black Belt Club". Such a club that "signs up" students that are "working" towards the "coveted" belt? Like a bait dangling in front of a fish. Or a apple on a string/pole dangling in front of a mule to get him to move? Does a McDojo school add "stripes" per every colored rank?

 

What next? Coined bathrooms? Coined dispensing machines in bathrooms, etc.? Free toys or items upon every belt completion? Drive up lessons?

[dear john]

well my school covers eveything you mentioned except the drive through.

 

and the blck belt club allows you to get things cheaper like monthly payments or belt prices.

 

it is funny as hell because this guy in my class is always trying to do things better than me. he knows that his skills will never exceed mine but he still tries to one up me alot. back when i was still paying he decided that he was going to get blackbelt club($300) and glote about it, saying that he could come as many times a week as he wanted and payed less for his monthly payments, well i dont pay at all so HA. he is so dumb though, he doesnt even come that much, like twic a week sometimes.

 

one time he told the teacher on me, telling him that i was saying my kihups wrong, you are supposed to say but i invent my own most of the time. the instructor said he liked mine and to keep doing it lol. he then told me i wasnt i know it all. he is such a funny guy. i even try to help him sometimes but he ignores me. oh well.

 

thanks for the advice guys.

[47MartialMan]

So, is a black belt club like a MCDojo "Kids Club"?

[dear john]

the blackbelt club costs $300. the instructors incourage their students to get it because it is suppossed to represent dedication to the art. it allows you to come as many times a week as you want, without it is limited to 2, except for me of course:) it also gives you discounts for items such as a spiffy new gi or weapons.

 

most of the little kids get it. plus you get a this shiny new patch that says

 

BLACKBELTCLUB on it

 

i like the friendly atmosphere of the place and all in all it has only done me good. it definatly boosts your confidance.

 

oh well i have already informed you of my decisions. thankyou for the help.

[thaiboxerken]

I think your school is most likely a McDojo, John. I happen to think your particular system is riddled with those type of dojos as well. Perhaps you can look into other martial art systems.

[47MartialMan]

The "Black Belt Club", is a commercialized, "bait dangler". It is to keep the customers, er students, to remain motivated, thus staying enrolled. Thus to ensnare students, and their tuition, for a given time while keeping membership percentages up. All of the schools that I have known and seen in the 70's did not have this. Sorry, this is a McDojo tactic.

[longarm25]

if you have to ask....

[47MartialMan]

So, if it is a McDojo, doesn't McDojos have some quality, benefits, and standards?

 

Are they better thsn "nothing at all", esp if there isn't a "Dojo King" nearby?

[thaiboxerken]

McDojo's might put out some good information and techniques, but most of their standards are poor because they are more interested in making money and keeping a full class than in teaching people. McDojo's can also give a good environment to socialize with other people. A good think about McDojo's is that you can eventually wear a black belt and convince other people that you are a good martial artist, this is particularly useful for attracting naive beginning hotties at the McDojo.