Lack of funds

[bushido_man96]

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.

Along with this, there should be some bulletin boards up arond the campus, especially in the lunch room or student union. Just print of some flyers stating that you are looking for an MA training partner, leave a number, and see what shows up.

Also, don't forget about collegiate Wrestlers. Who knows who might be willing to work with you.

[DWx]

I know how you feel with money being tight. Sometimes you just have to cope for the time being. Everyone's suggestions for training at college clubs or with individuals are good. But have a look round and contact local instructors and try to work something out. You never know till you ask. Some might even offer you a reduced rate if you offer to help out for example if once a week you cleaned the mats or equipment. Failing that just keep practicing what you know until times get better.

[honoluludesktop]

............ But have a look round and contact local instructors and try to work something out. You never know till you ask. ..........

Personally, I think "free" is wrong. How fair is it if the Sensei is psyched into giving free lessons. But as suggested, you offered to do some kind of services, like cleaning the dojo, the toilets, etc. in return for fees, then OK. There is no free lunch in life.

[wldct69]

When I was going to university, there was a club taught by one of the professors that was completely free. I continued training, that I had started in grade school, and then taught for a year and a half. I think for college students it would be easy to find a place to train. They have access to all of the college facilities.

Those that lose a job or have families that, rightfully so, take priority over training at a dojo have the most difficult time to find a suitable place.

My two cents.

[honoluludesktop]

IMO, you get what you pay for. Pay by money, service, etc............

[evergrey]

IMO, you get what you pay for. Pay by money, service, etc............

Loyalty and the promise to pay it forward and pass along the knowledge of your instructor and his or her instructor can be highly valued as well, however. For some, it is not about the money, and they have resources that give them the luxury of not having to be as concerned about the money, though you should always keep in mind that they make sacrifices to you, and even when you pay money, what they give in time and knowledge, wisdom and effort, is worth far more than the cash you pay to help keep the doors open.

I have been very, very blessed with good and wise instructors who have given me so much of their time and effort and passed along so much of what they have learned even though I am very poor. For this, I owe them all a great deal, and I will never forget it.

Some day, when I am an instructor, (life and gods willing,) I will look at someone with fire in their heart and an honest love and passion for Kyokushin, and I will tell them, "it isn't about the money. If you want it badly enough, a way can be found. Just come to class tomorrow.

I hope, original poster, that someone will say that to you as well!

OSU!