whats your views on annual contracts / monthly direct debit

[Fish]

Like it or not, every Sensei who teaches in return for fees is running a business. Why shouldn't they be business like about it? IMO they are entitled to have some security - being able to rely on a reasonably predictable income stream. Of course, they may need to be flexible in allowing people a few weeks to decide if they like Karate enough to stay, and dealing with injuries or planned holidays, but otherwise I don't see why they shouldn't be able to sign people up on contracts. In our dojo I think some people pay per lesson, so they pay when they turn up. Personally, I prefer to pay a month up front, then Sensei and I both know where we are, and it's my responsibility to make lessons. But that's just me.

[NidaninNJ]

direct debit might be good for the students so they don't have to remember to pay each month and also for the teachers who don't have to get on the students backs about paying. But I haven't seen a dojo yet that FORCES students to sign a contract that is any good.