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

[Harkon72]

I didn't want to say it that plainly, but yes, Dobby is right; this is daylight robbery.

[JusticeZero]

I disagree that it is a McDojo, though. It's clearly good training by all description, so there is a lot of value to the training, which is completely at odds with a "McDojo". It is, however, a bit of a "Chez Do'Jeaux" in that it is unusually high cost.

Also reiterating that it is unreasonable to compare adult class fees to kids class fees. Kids classes have some legal, safety, time, etc. overhead that a room full of old sweaty guys and battlemoms do not have to consider.

[ps1]

The most important question is "in what area do you live?"

Cost of living is everything. My prices are slightly lower than all my competitors around. I charge kids a $65 membership fee and adults a $100 membership fee. For that fee they are provided a gi, patch, and handbook.

On top of that, Kids are $65/month and adults are $85/month.

They receive a 10% discount for paying 3 months in advance and a 15% discount for 6 months in advance.

Adults can have 7 classes available per week and the kids have 2 or 3 (depending on their skill basic or advanced).

That said, the prices you're quoting are high, but no unheard of.

[Rateh]

I agree that its all about where you live. Most of the time if a price is per session its in the uk, where prices are generally much lower for training. So its not really fair to compare prices when you are considering whether a dojang is charging too much. In my experience in various places within the us, most metropolitan areas charge $100+ a month for training, with some going as high as $250. Of course you will find places that charge less than other schools in the area (not counting rec and fitness centers), this doesn't mean that they are better or worse.

In other words, while this price seems pretty high, it might be right around what other schools in the area charge (maybe on the high end of that, but still within the same ballpark).

[Lookin4Answers]

I appreciate all the input.

Next question, especially for the lower cost places:

What are the class sizes? How many students to each instructor?

[MasterPain]

I appreciate all the input.

Next question, especially for the lower cost places:

What are the class sizes? How many students to each instructor?

No right answer for that. Just ask to watch a class, then you can see if it runs smoothly.

[Lookin4Answers]

Is there a "norm" -- the classes where he goes now seems small... at times as few as 4 students with 2-3 instructors (2 lead instructors and 1 junior instructor). If the class is bigger they tend to add junior instructors to work with the kids.

Truthfully, I'm likely trying to justify the high cost with the service thus far. But if I can get the same thing elsewhere for less -- then, well, obviously -- that's where I want to be.

Just brainstorming...

[JusticeZero]

Lower cost is usually adults only or large class sizes. What you are describing you have a very small class size with a lot of personalized attention. In my opinion, you are getting very good value for a high price; as such your decision should probably be made based on your finances and goals rather than on whether the school is good.

[sensei8]

Size of class isn't always dependent on the price structure, and in that, the size of the class could be predominant with the size of the available room/space.

Size of class might be indicative of the particular level of said available students, for whatever the reason(s).

Size of class: the parameters as to the 'why' might be quite simple, however, the 'why' might not be quite simple.

The instructor to the students ratio might not be an accurate concern because many very large classes are managed extremely well by one instructor.

Time to ask questions of the school/owner/instructor.

[Lookin4Answers]

Thank you very much for all the feedback. We're going to stick with our current Dojo. I know we're paying more than I would like - but I also feel that we are getting what we are paying for at this time. It's hard to argue. I know of two other kids that are in programs and although they pay much less (around 1/2) they get less instruction time and they are not in a dedicated Dojo and do not seem to get the same level of attention. If the last 6 months is indicative of what the future holds, I'll continue to advocate for his current place.

Again... thank you very very much for taking the time to reply and all.

The funny part is that I was actually paying more BEFORE than I am now (before it was 30 min. session, now it's 45 minute session)... not sure why I was so concerned. I guess, it's a longer commitment, so I want to make sure I'm "ok".

These people have given me ZERO reason to not trust that they have my son's Karate goals as their concern... Hopefully I can check back here form time to time.

Thanks again!