Cannot leave dojo?

[orion82698]

I doubt that would work. These people honestly do not care about you once they have you in. Sure, they'll teach you MA, but seriously... they're in it for their best interest. I'll state the facts after I'm out.

[whitematt]

Holding you to a 3-year contract when you can't pay is rather unethical to say the least, even if you could pay there should be a cancelation clause.

It's not in there best interest to keep you on a contract if you don't want to be there either. Simple out, write up a press release detailing your experience and send it to the owner with a note saying that if he can't deny it's inaccuracy (by letting you out) you will forward it to all local news agencies.

I'd imagine you'll be out of it pretty fast

Aside from the fact that the length of the contract is a bit long IMO, and the price is very high - what other experience do you suggest he communicate to the press? That he didn't read the fine print?

Did he say Maryland...?

http://www.oag.state.md.us/consumer/edge112.htm

If so, it doesn't look promising.

[orion82698]

Interesting!

[White Warlock]

. Also, if you're considering signing a long-term contract with a health club, weight loss center or martial arts school, check to see whether the business is registered and bonded. All health clubs, weight loss centers and martial arts schools in Maryland are required to register annually, and those that require you to pay significant fees in advance are required to be bonded, which may allow you to recover your money if the facility closes. Call the Maryland Health Club Unit at (410) 576-6350.

Something to look into, eh?

There is no universal right to a "cooling-off" period after you sign a contract. In Maryland, only a few types of transactions are required to allow you to cancel within a few days: you have the right to cancel a contract for a health club, self-defense school or weight loss center within three days after you sign, and the right to cancel a contract for a timeshare, vacation or campground membership within 10 days after you sign. You do not have a right to cancel other types of future service contracts unless it is clearly stated in the written contract.

I agree, not promising, but the bonded issue may be a point of closure.

[P.A.L]

talk directly to the sensei, if he is just a business act like a businessman ,you may bring it up at the front of whole class every singel class till he bans you from going to class. there are many way to bridge a contract just be smart and cool.

[ravenzoom]

Oh, boy I wouldn't like to be in your shoes. Up here in Canada we have laws against such contracts. I can't believe it's tolerable to sign 3 year contracts (for martial arts) where you are liable for $ 8000. It's ridiculous. I'd be panicking to if I were in your shoes. In my dojo there is no contract. In fact I haven't even yet paid for my summer courses and they don't mind, guess I'm lucky.

[Steve_K]

Try this "online expert" link, supposedly an expert on business/small business contracts

http://www.allexperts.com/getExpert.asp?Category=910

Forgive me if any of this was earlier stated.

Remember that a contract outlines the terms of the agreement, and must clearly state all possible aspects concerning the agreement. This means that if your contract doesn't say "You may not be released from financial obligation under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES other than personal medical issues, or relocation beyond a reasonable distance (x miles)" or something along those lines, then you can raise the issue of the contract's validity. But if it does mention no other circumstances other than health and location, then that makes it more difficult, but not necessarily hopeless.

If you find it too difficult to handle personally you should also consider contacting the local "Better Business Bureau" for their assistance, or to file a complaint, and if all else fails you can of course talk to your/a lawyer.

The situation you are in is really bad, not by any real fault of your own. When you get out of this, and if the owner gives you a lot of grief, you should definitely consider reporting him to the Better Business Bureau, because that is truly unfair and very bad business to make you commit to such an absolute and long term obligation.

[kchenault]

Remeber though, no one twisted his arm to sign. I feel for ya man. Marry her and claim her illness. Seems like loophole to me.

[Steve_K]

Sorry for the second post, my internet was acting up.

*But while it's up here.

No, nobody twisted his arm to sign up, but he shouldn't be punished for assuming he would be reasonably financially secure, and unable to predict that too much of his spare finances would be needed for other pressing matters.

[White Warlock]

It is not punishment, although one can perceive it as such. When one signs a contract, it is because they 'voluntarily' do so. If he assumed financial stability, and he was wrong in that assumption, then it is his assumption, not the person who presented the agreement, and thus it is on his head the repercussions for making said assumption.

However, the real issue isn't whether he signed the agreement, as much as whether the agreement was legal and binding. Personally, i feel it is not. Based on the product or service he is alleged to obtain, and the timeline it is set for, i feel there are ethical issues associated with this that can be argued effectively in a court of law (business).

On the other hand, people are buying tiny homes for half a million dollars, with the 'obvious' presentation that they cannot maintain payment on that home for 30 years, especially not if the interest increases. The law considers such things ethical. Presenting secured loans that are virtually impossible for people to pay is just one more way businesses make money... legally. Through the heartache of others...