how much would you pay for karate lessons for your child?

Question

100.00 per month plus 50.00 every two months for graduation fees is that too much or is that average?

Answer 1

That is quite expensive. In fact, it makes me think McDojo. Plus, the $50.00 graduation fee every two months is just bogus. There may be some fees if they provide a new belt and so forth, but that's just highway robbery. Plus, if you get graduated every two months, I doubt there's much quality in what's being taught.
Are there many other children in the class? Do they have an endless list of belts? Do they want you to sign lengthy contracts? If so, you're probably dealing with a McDojo. Google the term if you don't know what I'm talking about.
My suggestion to you is not to go with the big name flashy schools. Martial artists tend to be more modest and don't over-advertise. It takes a bit more effort finding these people, but it's worth it. They're more dedicated, they have a better atmosphere and they don't try to take the shirt off your back.
I pay $65 a month for twice a week x two hours.

Answer 2

I think that is high. Three years ago I was paying 65 a month, with no belt or test fees. There were 4 classes a week, 2-A classes and 2-B classes. You were encouraged to attend one of each, but you were allowed to attend all four if you wanted. Also you only tested when you were ready. If you were ready in 3 months you tested in 3 months, if it took you 2 or 4 months, no big deal, because people learn at different speeds.

In the big picture, it also depends on where you are located, size of school, instructor, instructor per student ratio, etc There are many variables to the number. Go talk to the instructor and see if you feel comfortable in what you will be getting for your money.

Answer 3

This is the ultimate repeating question which no-one but you can really answer completely. What is the value you expect to see, for the money you will use to secure that value?

If you have found a quality, experienced, and skilled instructor and school, one which will help you child immensely in self-confidence, in maturity, in socialization skills, and in understanding themselves more, then what monetary value do you place on that? Perhaps $100 a month is cheap, perhaps not.

The only way to determine this for yourself if to compare the instructor, school, students, program, and rates at the school you are discussing, with the other schools in your area. If the rate is in line with other schools, and the programs are similar, then you must decide if the benefits you expect are worth the money you will expend.

Personally if I had a child, and I could find the right instructor and school, I'd be willing to pay much more than $100 per month (if I could afford it, of course.) I don't know that I could place a monetary value on someone who would become a significant mentor in my childs development alongside their school teachers and their parents.

Every country and geographic region will be different, and every school and instructor and program will be different. You really have to determine for yourself if you believe the value you child will receive is worth the $100 per month fee you are being asked to provide. I actually think it's on the average to slightly high side for the California San Francisco area, but this depends on how many classes and opportunites are made available.

The one thing I can tell you for sure - if you find a worthy instructor and school, no money in the world you decide to pay will be sufficient to recompense the significant benefits your child will receive from such training.

Good luck to you and your child,


Ken C
9th Dan HapMoosaKi-Do
8th Dan TaeKwon-Do
7th Dan YongChul-Do

Answer 4

You need to be very careful when putting your child into a studio..A lot of studios will stretch out the training for the continued tuition, as well as have a lot of "required" extras your child will need to attend and pay for, in order to progress. A good tuition is around 80-100 a month. the test fee should not be more then $50. However, be careful of all the belts they offer because the more they offer, the more test fees you pay. As the rank gets higher, so does the fee. A Tang Soo Do studio in Moorpark California charges up to $800 for a Black Belt test..The sad part is, you are so invested, you feel you should pay to achieve your goal. Talk to "ex" students of a studio and find out why they left.

Answer 5

I pay $100 a month for each child, plus $25 for each new belt which they get with graduation every three months. It's not a cheap sport to sign your child up in and I think it's been worth it, my kids are all respectful, kind, smart, would never put chemicals in their bodies and best of all they are able to defend themselves in an ever-changing world.
The fee you quoted sounds just about average, if not a little high.

Answer 6

100.00 a month is too much. and every two months for graduation fees sounds like their just making money 99% of these places just teach garbage

Answer 7

That is alot, but unfortunately, it is what is being charged nowadays.

I teach at the YMCA and parents are paying $35 for 8 weeks for their kids. That is a great deal and one you should be looking into.

I teach Classical Okinawan Martial Arts as true as I learned it.
I could charge those ridiculous fees but it would not be ethical.

Answer 8

that is too much. A freaking graduation fee? That is the definition of a rip off fake martial arts school. And lemme guess, this school advertises "self defence" "weapon training" and "black belt clubs" and crap like that?

Answer 9

Way too much !!! What is the extra $50 for ? Where are you located ? Check prices at other schools, and whatever you do, don't sign a contract.

Answer 10

wow!! thats really high! my son takes karate once a week and it $55 a month plus $20 for each belt advancemnt test.