Fees... I'm reading about "McDojo" and weary of ov

[Lookin4Answers]

My son has been in a local Dojo for the past 6 months and is doing very well. We're very happy with the self control it has taught him as well as several other self-esteem benefits.

He is 4 years old (started right before his 4th birthday)...

We paid $750 for 6 months (2 days a week) -- I think that was a little expensive, but I will say that their attention to detail and small class size is very one-on-one. Often (not always) there are 2 instructors (1 is the owner, the other is a long-time 2nd degree BB) -- along with several "Junior" instructors that are very attentive to the student's needs.

His 6 months is over now and it is time to "re-up" -- however now I'm being given the choice for either a 1 Year or a 3 Year "commitment".

3 Year is $179 a month

1 Year is $209 a month

+ PLUS + $399 for some kind of "fee" -- which sort of rubs me wrong, since he's already been there for 6 months...

There are some discounts if you pay ahead (either a full payment or an accelerated type payment (15-20% off)...

Keep in mind the new level is now 3 days a week...

Still, seems like a lot of money.

The part that makes it tough is that I *really* like the place... I'm just trying to wrap my head around the $$$.

What say you?

Thanks!

P.S. This is a one-location place...

[AdamKralic]

Hello,

I am the father of a 12 year old that is 2.5 years in.

He started at age 9.

How much do the kids your child's age really learn would be my concern. I see the very young kids classes occasionally if I get to the dojo early. It really seems more like games and fun rather than actually learning. I mean I realize that they are getting SOMETHING out of it...but $209 worth a month?

Maybe try another 6 month intro at another local school? Do this until your son reaches an older age?

Not my call...but those are my thoughts.

[Lookin4Answers]

As surprised as I am... the kid can do all the different horse stances, his seisa (spelling?) (sit/knee/one knee) (sorry if not saying it correctly) -- he does the different kicks, and much more (cross, jab, etc.) -- I am very very surprised by how's it going. My two main concerns, to be very honest is cost and, even more so, the 3 days a week...

I hate the idea of putting him someplace else (most of the other places are chain-type places... and the idea of just going to a Boy's club or YMCA doesn't appeal to me.

I guess I'm sort of looking to get a feel if the $$ is way overboard or what... just any brainstorming... as you provided to get some thoughts.

Thanks!

[Harkon72]

Lets compare it to our Dojo, Our instructor is 4th Dan, there is a female 2nd Dan and her sister also teaching who goes for her 1st Dan this year.

They charge £4.50 a session, £10 insurance a year and £20 for each grading. Their reputation for excellence is up with the best in the country.

Please do the Math.

[JusticeZero]

Well, if he is actually getting good results, then there is nothing "Mc" about that.

A "McDojo" has high costs combined with a very fast belt progression (accompanied by grading costs) but very little pressure to actually achieve quality results - you might grade for a new belt every three months, but if you show up and pay the fee, you'll probably get the belt no matter how awful your performance is. You see a lot of kid black belts there who cannot do the stances and techniques very well.

I have no idea how that cost compares to cost of living, etc. in your area. My costs are less because we only have grownups and do not have any of the overhead involved with teaching children, and also because I only teach a couple times a week for a short off hours class because it's my hobby. There are places that are more expensive than what you say, and it sounds like you are in fact getting your money's worth out of it. Whether you personally can afford that cost is, I would think, between you and your balance book.

[Zaine]

I think a lot of times people equate high prices with McDojo and, while this can be a quality of a McDojo, it doesn't mean that they are a McDojo. The prices are high, but if the results seem legitimate and they aren't moving up through the ranks at an accelerated rate because that's in the contract or something similar.

[sensei8]

It is said that price reflects demand. However, imho, I think you're paying enough to support college and/or a nice car.

The pricing structure that you've described rubs me wrong in all kind of ways. I don't even come close in tuition to what you've described, and I'm of the opinion that that price is beyond ridiculous to say the least.

Why?

Imho, after all, it's just the MA, and the MA is a want and not a need.

[kensei]

Man, I am in the wrong business....wait...Im in that business....GEEZ!

Okay, for one thing their should never be a Dojo that charges so much that you have to miss out on things in life like RENT and or HOME PAYMENTS...

Our club teaches twice a week and a kid pays about 35-40 bucks a month...and includes free access to two other clubs that also teach twice a week...you could train five times a week for $40! No contracts so you can come and go as you please if you dont like the instructors ext.

First thing off the bat I take a better look at some places when I hear "Contract". some are legit, but most are a bit scammy!

[Lookin4Answers]

Harkon: I'm looking at $16 per class (45 minutes (30 minutes regular session and 15 minutes using different items (sorry, I don't know the names -- sticks, etc.) no testing fees. That is taking the total out of pocket and dividing it by the 150 classes per year.

Justice: When he started he couldn't do a push-up, his sidekick looked like all the other kicks. (LOL), and he never kept his hands up. He would barely do his introduction (Hello, My name is xxxxx, and I'm x years old"), This is just to name a few.

He (obviously) started as a white belt... they do the method (not sure if it is standard) where they put some black tape on the belt when you get to a certain "point" and once you have two black stripes and another red stripe in the middle you can test for the next belt. It seems that some kids do better than others and there isn't a schedule or anything like that.

I'm not complaining about the Dojo at all... I like it and I like the way they work with the kids. My concern is, like everyone, I just don't want to over pay.

I'm certainly open to suggestions on how to find alternatives. So far all the places I call are worse and much higher pressure. (The current place has 12 mo and 36 mo programs... the other places I called have 36 mo programs, which for a 4 year old is just nuts. IMHO).

Thanks for all the feedback!

[Dobbersky]

This is a "Mc" Dojo, this is a "seen you coming a mile away" Dojo!!!!

OMG, and he actually has a full dojo paying that. He must have a house in the richest area, drive the nicest car and sent his kids to harvard on them prices.

I feel guilty charging £7.50 or $10 a week for my club. £10 a year insurance, £10 grading fee fro Kyu grades and £80 for ALL Dan Grades.

Don't care on the grades of the Dan grades as I've trained with 1st Dan's who have more skills and knowledge than some 4th Dans I've trained with. So whether he's a grandmaster or not, doesn't warrant the extravagent prices. The reason why its such a nice place is because you guys are paying him the money to be abel to afford to make it look nice. This is a business not a martial arts school.

OMG!!!

Edited January 15, 2013 by Dobbersky