would you consider this a mcdojo?

[Sid Vicious]

the only place in my city that teaches Hapkido is at the Sports Com, for those of you that dont know what the Sports Com is its kinda like a YMCA. I haven't had a chance to check it out yet but i have doubts about it considering where its at. What is everyones opinion?

[Thai_Kick]

The area, building or advertising dosen't make it a Mcdojo but these are signs of one, the best thing to do is take a class and see if the training is good, because the training will determine if it's a Mcdojo or not.

 

"Would you like fries with your black belt?"... LOL

[KickChick]

The size of a school and where it is located and its advertisingare not all signs of the school being a mcdojo. The "selling" of belts and passing students who aren't ready to advance are sure signs of such a school.

 

It is the integrity of the teachers and students that qualify.....a dojo which doesn't have a good solid training curriculum, good instruction, and hard working students, does not have black belt integrity.

 

Why limit it to size and area of school and from what type of a building it operates from and whether they are making a huge profit or not.

 

Also be careful of such schools that claim to teach one thing and, in fact, teach something totally different from that which they claim.

 

Any school which knowingly makes any false claims , is IMO a McDojo ...

 

they are in fact making those claims to take your money. But do remember that martial arts is a business --- rent, utilities, teachers, org. dues, advertising, equipment etc etc. must be paid for.... anything above and beyond this is pure profit to the owner.

 

You need to observe a class .... ask questions, talk to instructors & students.

Edited October 29, 2002 by KickChick

[SBN Doug]

I agree. I'm looking into possibly teaching some classes at the Y. Mostly because I have a career and don't have the time or money to open a stand alone school. No dojang of my art within an hour, so I have to open my own if I want to pass on what I know.

[Pacificshore]

Taking martial arts at a YMCA type facility isn't always a bad thing. Many times those are the kinds of facilities that help keep the tuition down for the student. But as everyone has said, take a few classes and talk to the instructor, students, or parents of students to form your final opinion.

[Kyle-san]

I think some of the best teachers can be found passing their art down in a YMCA, community centre or high school/university gym. As it's already been said, you should go and check things out before even considering joining. Make sure it's something you'd be comfortable taking, see if the students work at it, make sure noone is getting hurt intentionally.

[monkeygirl]

One tip for determining a McDojo:

 

All McDojo's are pricey in their own way. They overcharge for belts, monthly payments, probably even charge for private lessons, may even charge you an absence fee on top of monthly payments if you don't come to class.

 

So all McDojo's are expensive, but not all expensive schools are McDojo's!

 

There's a lot more to it, but that's one aspect.

[Sid Vicious]

thanks everybody. i'll probably check it out next week.

[G95champ]

I love the term McDojo. LOL. I had never heard it till I became a member at KF and every time I hear it, it cracks me up. LOL.

[daoshi]

Centralized leadership of a single individual over a martial art will often lend a cult like atmosphere to each dojo. The money going back to the central authority makes each dojo a mcdojo.