Way back in 1980 I entered into my first Karate dojo.
Mainly due to a friend boasting to all and sundry how all his other friends could'nt hack it and quit within the month,My friend was a green belt in shukokai, having just completed a year in boxing I was confident that I could hack it and decided to prove a point.
The contact fighting for me was'nt a problem,only that I could'nt kick above my waist and it took some time to adjust to recieving kicking technques and I stuck it out for 6 months reaching orange belt.
But to be honest I'd have probably quit sooner had it not been for signing a 6 month contract and in the end i was going just to get my moneys worth,for to quit would have mean't paying the full cost anyway.
I never again entered a contract after after that lesson in life.
As to force yourself into something when your hearts on in it is silly I think.
Have you ever entered a binding contract re:martial arts and did you regret it financially or otherwise.
2007-01-13 03:23:32 · 8 answers · asked by Zenlife07 6 in Sports ➔ Martial Arts
No I never had or will. I have a Black tag Tae Kwon Do.That is just a way for the instructor guarantee that he/she can keep his membership up, probably had to pay 6 months up front for the use of the Dojo. If they were any good the students would stay because they are enjoying and getting a lot out of the lessons.
2007-01-13 03:42:37 · answer #1 · answered by alec A 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with most people hear. In my school I offer free intro classes to all my students to see if it's really what they ant. Because I don't have the time (I am a law enforcement agent as my profession) I do use a billing company that offers many payment options to my students but they are not tied up to a contract. I do see why other schools use contracts since they rely on the school for a living and must assure an income. My personal experience is that a lot of people come thinking that is easy or is like the movies but once they see is very hard they quit right of the bat. Several times I had parents come to me to sign up their kid. I tell them that they should try the classes for free but they insisted that they wanted to sign them up because they said they wanted to do it. I kept insisting on the free classes but they declined. Finally they paid the registration and fees only to find out in the first class that the kid is not interested anymore. Then they come crying about how they want their money back and all that. In most occasions I have returned the money but I can't believe how some people are. You tell them and tell them and they don't listen. Sorry I had to vent a little bit. LOL
2007-01-13 22:00:59 · answer #2 · answered by bpshark74 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a karateka of 20 + years the only contracts I ever entered upon were verbal contracts and they weren't worth the paper they were written on. Seriously tho the moment I hear about contracts and direct debits I begin to smell a rat. If a sensei can't hold onto his pupils without a legal or financial document then there is something wrong with the club. Maybe I'm old school tho, maybe it's different were you are. Hope you're still training. If you aint enjoying it tho it isn't worth it.
2007-01-13 18:38:37 · answer #3 · answered by fatherf.lotski 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I offer both options at my club , the contract is for someone who knows it is something they want to do. It provides free lessons and free equipment , which they would have had to purchase if they didn't join for an extended time. I do not recommend it to students who are unsure of what they are going to be doing in the future.
Most instuctors will offer free intro lessons to see if it is something you want to do. My free intro can last up to a full month. And I still have the option for monthly payment , the contract is not mandatory.
2007-01-13 11:36:00 · answer #4 · answered by Vincent W 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
personaly i dont agree with contracts as it conflicts with the core principles of martial arts . no one should be forced to pay for martial arts . for me ,better to have 5 willing students than a 100 tied by contract. When i started in Judo 44 plus years ago contracts were totaly unheard of , nor direct debits . loyalty to your club, honesty &integrity in your dealings with fellow students and Sifu,Sensei. i have friends who have children who have been suckered into contracts and lived to regret it .i myself nearly fell into the trap [paying£500 for 3 months training 2xnights per week @2hours per session] a right rip off .
2007-01-14 07:32:31 · answer #5 · answered by TERRY H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i am yellow belt at tae kwondo and i would not enter a contract with any organisation, that would appear to me that the instructor is only in it for self gain and not for the love of the sport. if you are looking to get back in again i would have no hesitation in recomending you try tae kwondo.
2007-01-13 15:50:15 · answer #6 · answered by THOMAS N 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that insisting on a long term contract is wrong. I don't do it. Those who do undoubtedly get a better feeling when they look at their bank balances, I think I get a better feeling when I look in a mirror.
2007-01-13 19:53:51 · answer #7 · answered by yupchagee 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no contract - my sons are in karate and when i first signed up my oldest son it was on a contract and he ended up not liking it. my youngest son is in karate and we are not on a contract we just pay month to month and its much better that way
2007-01-13 19:17:15 · answer #8 · answered by anitaeric2004 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋