tight spot

[Feathers of Doom]

i recently joined a Kempo school and signed a contract. over the past 2 months i have come to realize that im not happy with the training im recieving there. but i cant leave the school becouse of the contract, ill have to pay for it anyway whether i stay or leave.

should i try to get out of the contract and if so how should i go about it?

or........

should i ride out the contract then leave?

[EmrldWepn]

You might want to address why you are unhappy with the training with the instructor. The school I am in now changed hands almost a year ago and the new people had the same style. When they took over, the first 3 months was almost entirely a new style and frustrated all of us. It wasn't until I spoke with the instructor that he told me, he was simply trying to introduce us to that and after that time would go back. Knowing that made me decide to stick around and I'm glad I did now.

If you still decide to leave, I guess it may come down to what penalties are written into the contract.

[Shotokan-kez]

I have never heard of having to sign a contract before for ma training. But i guess thats just the same as paying a yearly membership? I think i would probably ride it out if it brings penalties, but i really don't see how it should.

You never know though, things may improve and you may start to enjoy it and get on better there.

Good luck.

[NightOwl]

Do you have to pay a penalty fee if you leave early? Or did you just pay for multiple months beforehand?

[lordtariel]

Any specific reason you're not happy with the training? Usually, you have to ride a contract out, that's why I'm very careful when I sign them. Do you have a copy of the contract? It would probably say in there if there's any escape clause.

[bushido_man96]

There is good advise here so far. Talk to your instructor about the classes, and see if you can work something out about what you do in class.

Are you a beginner? Or do you have lots of experience? If you are fairly new to the arts, you may just stick with it for a while, and see if it gets better for you. What is it that you don't like about the training?

If you really want out of the contract, then sit down and talk with the instructor about what the two of you can do about it. Usually, good instructors will work with you, because it means good business.

[Feathers of Doom]

im a blackbelt in another style, so i am well aware of what a class should be and what kind of effort the Martial arts require. the class im in seems to be oblivious to this though.

im not happy with the training becouse it lacks intensity. when i look at an advanced belt i expect to see full intensity and good form. when im in that class advanced belts and even some jbb's just kind of put there arms and legs were they should be and dont actualy do a strike or a block.

the head instructor promotes kids when they "promise to work harder." just the other day a green belt was promoted who didnt know his kata. he was promoted anyway becouse he made the promise.

[bushido_man96]

It sounds like you need to have a meeting with your instructor, then, to figure out what you can get worked out.

[jaymac]

I would sit down and talk with your instructor. If you are unhappy with the program, he/she knowing you have ranked in another style, may allow you out of your contract. They would rather not have bad publicity from their students. By the way, the legal fees involved in trying to get money from someone who bailed on a contract cost more and is more hassle than just letting them go.

[ps1]

Alot of "contracts" out there aren't really that sound legally. If you want out of it, all you should need to do is ask and the school can let you out. Remember, a contract is a mutual agreement between two parties. There should be expectations expressed in it as to what is expected of each party. If it just says you'll pay "X" amount each month for "X" months, but does not specify what you can expect in return, it's probably not a great or solid contract. Of course then you're talking about fees for lawyers and court costs. Most places I've seen will let you out without much trouble.

Of course the best advice I've seen so far is to simply talk with the instructor about your concerns. Maybe he/she can incorperate some of your ideas or you could become a more instrumental part of the school. In the end, you need to do what's best for you though.