Martial arts classes - Page 2

[spruce]

We do Tang Soo Do, also, and I've never heard of a "contract" for anyone in the martial arts community where I live.  We pay month-to-month, and we pay for tests and competitions.  (Our dojang also has a less-is-more rate, where multiple kids from the same family are charged less and less per child, until, when you get to more than 4 family members in the school, the rest are free). 

My daughter is taking her black belt test tomorrow night, and she attends 3 to 4 days/week in preparation.  When I had 4 kids in the school, they went sometimes all 6 days per week, but never more than 3 times/week for any one child. 

Another good winter sport is swimming (lessons or team).  I still have one in lessons and now two on the swim team.  We love it, and swimming is mandatory in our home, anyway (for safety reasons). 

Good luck!

love, p

[Flor]

Dh went down and signed up our then 14 year old for Tae kwon do-- wish I were there because he locked us into a 2 year contract (to get the best monthly rate). Dss is almost a black belt now, but he's also in varsity sports and has started to hate his martial art since he can't take a break (well, he can, but we still have to pay).  If I were to do it over, I'd probably start him off at the Y or parks and rec.

[Drummer's Wife]

My 6 yo just started Martial Arts and luckily there is no contract.  It's $40 a month, on a month-to-month basis, and $35 for the uniform that includes a white belt.

[VisionaryMom]

We are in the trial month for Tae Kwon Do right now. They don't actually give you the rates upfront (which seems to be standard here). We have to meet with someone to go over the options, though the receptionist told us $120-160 a month. That's more than I want to pay. While DS is enamored now, he'll also want to play soccer in the spring, and we don't have the time to do both. He also can go up to 6 days/week, though 3 is considered the minimum. We're supposed to memorize all kinds of things in Korean as part of the program. It's definitely a "lifestyle" feel to me; that's how DH & I keep talking about it. The jury's still out for me, though I suppose that we have to decide soon.

[Evan&Anna's_Mom]

You can definitely find a dojo that doesn't take that kind of commitment.  My son takes karate.  The dojo charges a flat monthly rate with no contracts ($115/mo).  They offer classes for his age range 3 times a week and prefer that each child comes at least twice a week but it isn't a requirement.  There is a fee for belt testing (which I dislike) but they don't do a lot of tournaments or seminars which add additional charges, unlike most in the area.  Before you decide on a dojo, visit several and watch the actual classes for your child's age.  If they won't let you watch one and your child try at least one before making a commitment, keep looking.  Be sure you like the instructors style's because that will make a huge difference in how your child responds to the classes.  I love the fact that DS's instructors are all relatively young, high energy, caring and good role models.  They challenge but don't belittle kids. 

YMCAs and Rec Centers can be a less expensive and lower commitment option, but again be sure of the teach quality.  We started at a rec center and the lead instructor was OK but he had his 13 and 15 year old kids instructing all of the beginners.  Since they had no concept of age-appropriate understanding, it was ugly to watch a 13 YO girl berate a 4 YO because he couldn't tell his left from his right foot.  We left after I saw that.

If you are actually in the San Diego area and want a recommendation, feel free to PM me.

[Flor]

In addition to the 80/month for 2 years, plus $40 for each belt test, just found out (now that dss is ready for it) the black belt test is $500! Grrrr.

[Hoopin' Mama]

Our kung fu class is $125 for a 12-week session and we go once a week. The kids have to log daily practice minutes at home and pass tests. They can choose not log practice minutes and only go for a certificate of achievement. I don't think I would sign up for a year or 2 year long commitment.