He won't hand it over!!?

Question

I have been doing Tae Kwon Do at this one place for 8 years. Last december, i finally tested for my black belt. I didn't pass one of the requirements, so i went back to the gym to practice. During practice, I broke my ankle. After a test there is a thing called an "Extravaganza" where the martial artists show off their skills and receive their black belts. So, on crutches, we made up a skit and I went to Fargo. I knew that I wouldn't get my belt, and i was soo upset. But then, the president of the Northwest martial arts awarded me the belt for my courage to go up on stage. After that day, (In january), I quit. Before the black belt test, I bought a black belt certificate for about 300 dollars, and the master who owns and runs the gym that i train at isn't returning my calls or emails. what do I do? I've known these guys forever and this situation is making me feel really uncomfortable. Thanks to anyone who can respond.

There is no receipt or anything, and the other girl that I tested with hasn't received hers either and is curious as to where it is.

Dear Mr. Deadbrokejoke-
You can take your snide comments and shove them. i quit because of damage to my ankle and i cannot continue training. In fact, I cannot do any sports, because I cannot walk or run for more than 20 minutes because my ankle get sore. I got into Tae Kwon Do to beat the sh!t out of as$holes like YOU.

Dear Mr. Deadbrokejoke-
You can take your snide comments and shove them. i quit because of damage to my ankle and i cannot continue training. In fact, I cannot do any sports, because I cannot walk or run for more than 20 minutes because my ankle get sore. I got into Tae Kwon Do to beat the sh!t out of as$holes like YOU.

Answer 1

First of all, I am sorry to hear about your troubles. It reminds me of some of the knuckleheads I have dealt with over the years. Maybe this might help:

Don't just call the instructor, go down in person. But don't go alone. Go with someone who has a vested interest in you, ie. spouse, bf/gf, parent, bro/sis, co-worker, best friend, etc. Don't go in looking for a fight or an argument. You should know by now that martial artists are by necessity high-strung people. He may just be looking for a fight, literally.

Go in calm stating exactly what you want, either your certificate of acheivement or a refund. Calmly tell him that if you don't get satisfaction you will be calling your lawyer. If it comes to that, first call the president of the association and set up an appointment to meet him. Calmly tell him (or her) when you see him what has been happening. If he says he can't help you, tell him you are going to be reporting him, the association and the instructor in question to the Better Business Bureau.

At that point, follow through with what you said you would do. Report them, call your lawyer, and have him or her serve them papers. There may be anything from bad business practices to discrimination involved. Write a letter to the editor in the local newspaper informing the public of this problem. There may be others who have been mistreated by the same person(s).

Just try to remain honest to yourself while everything is going on. Take care of what you need to take care of, and let the rest get taken care of for you. Remember, that what comes around goes around. Just try to accomplish what you originally want. Nothing more. That's the key to letting Karma take care of everything else.

Good luck to you.
VT

Answer 2

No offense, but I don't believe the persident of the Northwest martial arts had the right to award the belt to you (unless he had permission from your master)
there is a possibility that your master is just taking a while. if not, maybe he doesn't agree with what that person did, and doesn't believe you deserve the belt. that letter you wrote was VERY offensive, and you should have more honor than that (I guess they don't emphasize integrity and humility at other martial arts schools)
try going in person and appologizing
those people are your brothers and sisters and gave their valuable time to train and teach you, and deserve your respect.
also, if your ankle gets better, you could try transfering schools. In my martial art (tang soo do), when you make your first advancement you are registered and given an identification number. The tae kwon do association probably has your record on file, and you could probably transfer to another school with your current belt level still the same.

Answer 3

I don't understand why you should get your money back.
I think what you are saying is that since the Prez of the NW martial arts awarded you a black belt, that you don't need to take the test now (that you had paid for in advance). I don't see why you think they should refund your money. But you need to go there personally, not just call and email, and find out. Also look at the terms of what you bought--the certificate...to see under what conditions it can be refunded.

Answer 4

uve been there for 8 years n they treated u like that? Wow, there must be somekind of attitude problems going on there. Im not sure what really was happening but as some have said, go there with somebody u know n have a calm talk.
Ok, so u broke your ankle, itll limit your movements but it doesnt stop u frm practicing a martial art, maybe u need to look for other syles perhaps.
Whatever that is, i wish u good luck.

Answer 5

Just a suggestion, but you might want to go there in person. Don't take no for an answer, you paid for it, you're entitled to it. Either that, or he can refund your money to you. Make sure you take your proof of purchase with you, and be firm with them. Don't call first, just show up, and if there's a receptionist, don't allow her to keep you from seeing him. (Alot of times, they are specifically told not to let someone see the head guy, to say he's out of the office, in a meeting, you get the idea).

Just make sure you stand your ground. Good luck.

Answer 6

Hobble over to that gym on your crutches and whack 'em a few times. Tae kwon do is nice and all, but it's got nothing on a long, metallic weapon.

Answer 7

WOW, $300 for a certificate.
I knew Tea-Kwon_Do was expensive, but that is robbery. You've paid it and not gotten what you paid for. Take someone with you and go in and get it. He won't have it ready so make him give you a reciept for it while you are there.
Take care of that ankle.

Answer 8

From the sounds of it you do not want to go this route but you may have to get a lawyer or even take him to small claims court yourself. $300 is a substantial amount of money and if you are not going to get what you paid for then you need it back.

Answer 9

first off.. why r u doin tae kwon do... (i have another name 4 it but ill spare myself from offending u) 2nd 8if u bought a certificate and quit ur art... they shouldint wanna talk 2 u.. u would just b another hallow bb

Answer 10

YOU'VE GOT YOUR BLACK BELT, GO OPEN UP A CAN OF WHOOP A$$ ON THE GUYS AT THE OLD GYM, THEN OPEN UP A GYM OF YOUR OWN.