Martial Arts in U.S.A.

[nine_weapons]

You know what bugs me though? How you have to pay to learn how to protect yourself. You shouldn't have to pay to prevent somebody from beating you up on the street. Its just not right.

by that logic, housing should be free. Why should I have to pay to keep a roof over my head? I mean, I have to live somewhere, right?

here's a question though... the thugs that beat you up on the street - where did they learn? how much did they pay? hmmm.....

[YoungMan]

Newsflash: America is a capitalist society, run by the dollar. Anything other than basic necessities (food, shelter, clothing) you're on your own. Unfair? Maybe. But a fact of life. Martial arts training isn't free in the Orient either.

[marie curie]

including basic necessities you are often on your own

[shogeri]

If a person cannot afford it, I would teach them for free...

If you truly love something it would show by your willingness to give it away, as you would yourself.

Because of the cost in formalized training, I traded my time and skills for the opportunity to train with some highly skilled people in many different arts.

Bartering is still a concept that many people may explore in the US.

You never know, as it wouldn't hurt to ask.

[Montana]

Aalong that line, I've taught many people that had the interest and were willing to train hard...for free, because they couldn't afford it. Slackers? No...they can use the door.

I use barter quite a bit actually. Mostly mechanics, a dentist once, students father that was a professional sign maker (I had some really nice signs in my dojo), etc. To me, barter is the same as cash, especially with a low overhead that I have.