Having a beef with testing fees

[shukokai2000]

Ok, I was all pumped up because I am going to be elligible to test in April. However, I found out that the testing fees are not what I thought they were. I thought I was going to be able to test for 3rd dan recommended and decided for around $500 total. I found out yesterday that each testing is going to cost $400 a piece!!!!!!!!

$800 to get to 3rd dan! Does this sound unreasonable to anyone else, or is it just me? How much have any of you paid for a testing?

Yeah you get ripped off. i know some organisations that charge £450 for a Dan grade and some that charge £50 for the same Dan Grade, with the same recognition/ractification

[bushido_man96]

It's just so frustrating, but there really isn't anyone I can bring this up to, except y'all.

[White_Tiger]

Our association is $300 for 3rd Dan. I have a buddy in another association who says his 5th Dan test is about $2500!! Varies so much from association to association.

[bushido_man96]

Wow, White Tiger! That is nuts!

[Blakey]

Think I paid £50 for my 2nd DAN. I hate it when its all about the money I mean $800 for a grading is draft. The belt or grade should be about the persons ability not how much they are willing to pay.

Some people however do seem very eager to move up the grades very fast, I've been 2nd DAN for 6 years now and I'am just starting to think about maybe going for 3rd DAN. But to be honest I'm not that bothered about grade , its more a ability, knowledge and effort.

[french fri25]

wow thats ridiculous. my dojang doesnt have testing fees. its absolutely free for every belt, including black belts. i always knew there were testing fees in some schools but $800? wow. that does seem like a hefty fee.

[stejitsu]

My WC 1st degree cost £0.

If it cost as much $800, sadly i would not be able to train

[shinnekodo]

In my style, on paper at least, the dan grades cost $100 x dan rank (IE, 3rd dan would be 3 x $100=$300), but that cost is rarely put in place.

$400 x 2 tests spread over several months with the added chance of failure and a return to where you started from is somewhat steep.

*shakes head* Good luck to you in this matter.

[bushido_man96]

Although the costs are steep, I am trying to start saving money so that I can hopefully get both tests in by the end of this year. We will see how that goes.