Lack of funds

[Adamo]

Has anybody ever reached a point in there life where it was impossible to train because of funds?

I'm a full time college student and just realized that a down payment was taken from my account. This has left me in a terrible position. I can no longer afford to train anywhere, unless somebody was unbelievably cheap (we are talking $10 a month, which is unreal).

This is very frustrating for me and I'm not sure when I'll be able to start again.

Any similar experiences around here? What did you do in the time you weren't able to go to a school?

[JusticeZero]

Talked to people I trained with, and trained in the park on my own on material I already had or with senior student types, or with the instructor even. Really, a huge portion of what you pay for training is for the room and equipment. But you can do a lot without those.

[honoluludesktop]

Not because of money (My Sensei would let me train for free. No exams or organizational benefits however), but because of available time when classes were scheduled. Used a empty tennis court late at night only light by near by lights. Difficult despite my enthusiasm, because of the absence of feedback. Humans after all, are social animals.

[Rateh]

Are you currently training somewhere? They might give you a lower rate for a period of time.

I was unemployed and my instructor put me on a $5 a month plan for 6 months, then we would meet and decide where to go from there. I am now back to a higher payment, now that I can afford it.

Instructors don't want to lose students, they will often work with you.

If you are not at a school currently, then of course you don't have this option.

[Wastelander]

Talk to some fellow students in the area and form a club, at least for the time being. You can meet up at a park or your school's gym and work out and practice material you already know. You may even get your instructor to come in and work out with you as well.

[Zen Kamikaze]

Many colleges have martial arts classes which are free for teachers and students.

You can go ask and join the class until you'll get a balance to your economics.

[honoluludesktop]

Are you currently training somewhere? They might give you a lower rate for a period of time.

..........

I was speaking of a point in my life almost 40 years ago. Once the situation changed, of course I returned to train. I failed to make the point that its OK to train outside of an organization, but its difficult unless you have others to train with.

[isshinryu5toforever]

Depending on where you go to school, there may be a competitive WTF Taekwondo team on your campus that you just don't know about. A lot of universities have cheap Judo classes as well, like $40 for the semester cheap. Both are generally associated with local schools.

Just for example, when I was a university student just a few years ago, they had Judo (run by a local dojo on campus), BJJ (under a purple belt), WTF Taekwondo (run by a local dojang on campus), ATA Taekwondo (same), JRA Shotokan (on campus only), and you could definitely ask around and find people who did Capoeira (my friend), Isshinry Karate (me), Muay Thai (many people), boxing (many people), JJJ (a few people), as well as Escrima and a few others. Never underestimate the student body. We're in an age where a lot of people have an interest in martial arts, and a few of them have a ton of experience.

[Adamo]

Such wonderful responses. Thank you!

Really, a huge portion of what you pay for training is for the room and equipment. But you can do a lot without those.

That's totally understood. And just to clarify, I'm not complaining by any means. I know why they charge and if I could, I would no doubt support a martial arts school.

Unfortunately I am not training anywhere at the moment. I have been to two different schools in the past. Neither suited me. There's a few other local schools I'd love to give my shot at. If I were at a school, I would talk to my instructor about the issue.

I did see one thing that was pointed out. I do attend a college but it's a community college. I already looked for groups and none exist. But...fortunately I am transferring to a University this fall. A local BJJ instructor gives free instruction. There's also a Karate group as well. Then there's a group where they practice a mesh of arts with the students being the teachers (boxers, BJJ, judo, taekwondo, etc.) So I am already on top of that.

Worse come worse, I am forced to take a temporary hiatus. I keep my conditioning up so that's not a problem. Come fall, I'll be able to start up again at the University.

I'm sure this thread will benefit somebody else in the future also.

Thanks again.

[zalexia]

then i remind my husband how much home health care costs when i cant walk when my ms progresses cause i'm not staying healthy.

Though with the gas increases and recession the karate instructors are raising prices. my karate costs 80 dollars a month.

Thats not including promotion fees and gear.

i took a month off for payment and getting my kids ready to start school but i practiced every day.

if u have the fundamentals just keep practicing when u cant afford it careful w/ videos on line , many are wrong.

go w/ friends if they're in class and watch. Sometimes ur teachers are nice if they know ur having a difficult time and do go to watch my shihan would let u join in once in a while.

find another solution cheapest place but it isnt always the best instruction is the ymca.

return ur friends bottles for money etc.

maybe go a month or so then stop just let the instructor know.

if ur college has a gym and a punching bag keep practicing ur punches.

also if u have a karate center like i do they do fund raising on holiday times and at certain times of year for ppl that cant afford karate. basically a friend refers them and pays 5 dollars in donations that gets them a gee or belt not sure (white) and then they're allowed to take it for so long . its a promotional thing but also helps ppl that cant afford it.