Ezine Articles by Master Scott

Thanks for the post, keep posting stuff

Cathleen,

Thanks for stopping by and welcome to the community! Thanks for spreading the word!

Good luck with the videos Maria!

Good evening, sir!
I just would like your opinion on a matter. My two girls–ages 9 and 7–have started learning karate at a nearby studio for about 1 and a half month, which has been in business for about 2 years. I mentioned verbally to one of the 2 owners that I would sign them up for a karate bootcamp, which lasts for a total of 10 hours costing $299 for each. It includes new traditional kata, new traditional weapon kata, new open-style kata, point-fighting techniques, traditional black uniform with team logo, mesh gear bag, warrior face shield and pro-win chest guard. Do you think it’s worth the money? (The bootcamp is in January)
Second question, toward the end of October, the same owner asked me how would I like to pay for the month of November and is it okay to take my credit card info to charge it on that. I said sure. Then she rolled out an Enrollment Agreement and had me sign on the bottom. Only 3 days later I actually bothered to read it, which is totally my fault, I know. It is a 12-month contract for each girl. For the older one, $99 and the younger one, $74 per month. This woman had never ever once mentioned about a contract to me. And while I do think martial arts are awesome, and I myself would like to learn karate, this was very sneaky, underhanded tactic on her part.
By the way, she also mentioned regarding the bootcamp that I must purchase some gear for $129 in addition to the total of $598. (I’m not even sure if the $129 is the total or per person!)
PLEASE E-MAIL ME BACK WITH YOUR OPINION!!!
Thank you so much!

Susan,

Thanks for reaching out to me, you asked for my opinion so here it is! I think the $299 for a 10 hour bootcamp is a fair price, AS LONG AS, you receive all of the mentioned equipment as well as the training you spoke of.

When I first started teaching martial arts (22 years ago) I only offered a 6 and 12 month agreement, no month to month. The reason instructors do this is because they spend a lot of time with a new student and its frustrating when they quit after 1-2 months. The theory: I spend time with you, you make a commitment to me. After about 3 years my opinion changed, I quit agreements altogether. If a student no longer wants to train, I don’t want to force them to come to class. Now, I have a waiting list each year just to join my school because people see the value in the training I offer.

With all of that said, I don’t think 6-12 month agreements are out of line, but they absolutely should have told you! I would talk to the school owners and discuss the misunderstanding, they should work with you.

Communication errors happen, if once discovered and they are not corrected, you know what your dealing with! Good luck and let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Master Scott