Before we discuss different types of programs that schools offer, let’s talk about how schools might be run. Here are some key aspects of how a school might be structured to operate:
Individual classes for children and adults (occasionally, though, ages might be combined once or twice per week particularly on Saturday’s when the schedule is shorter. Flexible schedule. For example if you are a yellow belt your schedule should offer a variety of times so that you can pick the days and times that fit your schedule:
o
Monday 5PM
o
Tuesday 6PM
o
Wednesday 7PM
o
Thursday 8PM
o
Friday 5PM
o
Saturday 9PM
For any given belt rank, the schedule will vary something like the example above so that no matter what rank you are, you will have some variability in your schedule.
Free intro class: Some schools generally have some type of introductory offer to allow you to have two or three classes or more so that you can try it out to see how you like the school. Often the intro offer will include a free uniform. However, the free uniforms are generally very light weight and inexpensive, so don’t expect that uniform to last long. Once you have decided to get serious about your studies you should invest in a medium-weight uniform. As you become more advanced you may want a heavy
weight uniform simply because they stand up better to the type of treatment that you will be giving them.
Some schools are also open on Sunday’s, but that is much less common.
Open sparring or training sessions so that you can simply go and spar and workout. Ideally your school is large enough that maybe there is a second training room so that a class can be taking place in one room and other students can be practicing in another room.
Does your school actually have martial arts seminars by visiting martial artists? Many schools claim that is a benefit. A school that I belonged to for nine years claimed this and never offered a single seminar during the entire nine years! (and we inquired repeatedly)
Competition program: if you’re into that
Separate self-defense classes that focus on realistic scenarios and training methods
Separate weapons classes (generally for students who have been training for at least a year)
Demonstration team or a competition team to go to tournaments and demonstrations
Programs for younger students ages 4-6 (Little Ninjas, Junior Dragons or something like that) Generally these are Karate-like classes where children will usually wear a uniform and maybe earn a white belt but not study and actual curriculum. These programs are generally intended as a feeder to the regular programs and allow younger children to begin to learn some basic martial arts concepts and activities.
Generally it should be allowable to come in and practice whenever the school is open as long as there is a practice room or space toward the back of the main room to practice as long as you are not disturbing the class.
Monthly programs allow students to join and pay on a monthly basis without having to sign up for a one year or longer program. This provides flexibility so that if a student moves, changes schools or simply does not like the program a month or two into it; they are not stuck with a one-year membership. The disadvantage of this type of program is that over a longer period of time you will probably end up paying more than if you did sign up for a one year or longer program. There are always trade-offs.
If you sign up for some type of one year or longer program there will often be several payment methods:Make an initial deposit followed by monthly payments until the program fee has been paid off. (interest will almost always be included)
Make four equal payments four months in a row and the program is paid off. Obviously these four payments are larger than the 12 monthly payments mentioned above. One lump sum payment for the entire one year program. Usually some type of discount (10%) might be offered if you are paying in full.
Contracts will be written to provide the most flexibility and benefit for the school versus the student. That’s simply how the business works. Read every line carefully and ask questions if you do not understand. Look for late fees, testing fees, belt fees, uniform costs, sparring equipment or any other requirements that might be part of the program. Find out if your program has a set time limit, such as one year, if it is possible to freeze the program. In other words, you may want to stop the clock for a few weeks if you know you will be out of town, or you become sick or injured or maybe just want a break without losing the time you have purchased. Often a program will say, for example, that you have one year or until you reach the rank of Blue Belt, whichever comes first. So if you are super dedicated like some students I have had, and earn your blue belt in six months, then your program is over and you have to sign up for the next level. On the other hand, if you spend a year training and you have not reached blue belt yet, your program is over. Either way this situation favors the school more than the student.
At United Karate, we did the opposite to favor the student. You could sign up for blue belt and you either had one year or you could continue to train beyond a year until you reached your blue belt. This positive policy actually resulted in more students staying with the program and ultimately accomplishing blue belt and continuing on to the black belt program. That is the goal of the school – retention of students. By favoring the students, you are actually favoring the school.
33 Schools will offer black belt programs and second degree black belt programs and masters or life programs. Each involves trade-offs which are based on whether you think you will stick with it or whether you are willing to make a long-term commitment. No one knows what the future holds.
disabled, lose interest (ask if
You may get transferred, become
your program is transferable to another family member or someone else) or the school may go out of business. Not all martial arts schools are very financially stable. You will have to consider carefully which program suites your goals and tolerance for risk or uncertainty. (I sound like an investment advisor here, but that’s what you’re doing – making an investment).
You’ve heard that saying before. What I mean by this is that there are many locations or places to find a martial arts school. You may find a school a the YMCA, or within a sports club or a county recreation center. Your school may be located within a local strip mall shopping center or inside of a larger enclosed mall. It really does not matter where it is located as long as it is in a safe neighborhood and is a clean, and reasonably spacious facility. I’ve already said this but it bears repeating, that you need to go watch several classes on several different occasions to see how they are run and how different instructors interact with students and how they control and motivate their classes.
34 schools generate revenue and keep the cash flowing in. This is not a bad thing, but you need to be aware of the various costs that you will likely incur on your journey.
Martial Arts Costs and FeesUniform (good idea to have two)
Sparring gear. Padded head gear, mouth guard, hand, feet, shins and chest guard.
Testing fee (each belt level may require a test fee before you can graduate to the next belt level. This is in addition to your regular membership or program fee.
Seminar fees (unless they are included in the program contract)
Weapons (advanced students often purchase practice weapons such as foam nunchukas, or wood or bamboo swords or rubber knife or wooden gun for self-defense practice.
Tournament or competition fees (not generally part of your school)
If your school is part of a national or international affiliation such as the U.S. Tae Kwon Do Federation, or the World Tae Kwon Do Federation, then there may be separate annual membership fees or testing fees. Inquire about these fees or see if these are included in the membership at your school.
After school fees if you participate in one of these programs at the school.
