How much should a karate school cost?

Tiger1962 · Black Belt

I do not expect a martial arts school to be free to train there. Let's be realistic - it's also a business. I'm talking about OVER-charging AND charging high fees in neighborhoods that have middle to low income levels.

On a separate note, training at a school that awards certificates for promotions, belt rank advancement, etc., (whatever the cost may be) doesn't mean one has an ego-trip desire.
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sensei8 · KF Sensei

When I posted "NOTHING" "FREE" I was speaking of my own idle hopes and dreams of possibilities over some other horizon.

I've only known one way to operate my dojo's; as a business. In that, my business' were for profit, therefore, my prices (Instructions/Retail) were set as low as possible so that I could ensure that a profit was being made when the economic downturn was at its most dynamic point. Even before the bottom fell out of the economy, my prices were never high across the board. That's only because, I don't think that learning any martial arts should come at a high price, but at an affordable price that allows all walks of the economic spectrum to partake freely.

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1987witherspoon · White Belt

Jeez

At my club, we train 1.5hrs and we are charged £1.50.
Good value I think

shotokan-ste · Yellow Belt

i attend a dojo in north west england 2hours each lesson £5 which i think is excellent vaue,i did look at a club that wanted £250 deposit and £75 a month for a 12 month contract which worked out at £1150 a year

ArtGood · White Belt

At my son's school in Indiana they charge $109 a month for 2 classes a week. They also charge $35 each time there is a belt advancement (for the testing and belt). I think it is TOO MUCH, but it is local, and all the instructors are great people.

So, you get what you pay for is probably the rule.

monk64 · White Belt

I always thought contracts were one of the worst parts of the martial arts experience. I know why instructors do them: people lose interest. It's the same with gyms - most want you to sign up for a year (or three!)

What is fairer is a system where you can sign up for a monthly program, and then if you really like it, make a yearly commitment at a discount.

Unfortunately, with martial arts studios, there's always one more little extra you have to pay for: test fees, certificate fees, new belts, uniforms, and of course the "association". I always thought those were particularly ridiculous...sure, if it's a big national federation and you compete, maybe they make sense, but mostly associations are another fee.
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SimonAsh86 · Yellow Belt

Well having been training for only a short time i am not too well up on a "good price" but i can say this, what my sensei charges s great value i think.

£3.50 per session which are 2 hours in length

2 sessions per week

Gradings are £5 an that includes the new belt and that sessions fees aswell.

Its basically only charging to cover the rental of the hall we use.

Lookin4Answers · White Belt

I'd love to hear about recommendation in SE Florida... or hints and tips to know if I'm paying too much. I posted here:
http://www.karateforums.com/fees-i-m-reading-about-mcdojo-and-weary-of-ov-vt44331.html

(New to the forum and doing a lot of reading...)

Thanks!

JohnASE · Green Belt

Obviously, it varies a lot. There are many things to consider. Expensive isn't always overpriced, and cheap isn't always a better bargain.

The cost of real estate can be a big factor. Beverly Hills is way more expensive than Reseda (Daniel-san's neighborhood in the Karate Kid). In most areas, a retail space is much more expensive than a warehouse space which is typically more expensive than a community center. However, a retail space is often more convenient than a warehouse space, and in a community center, you might not have the kind of floor you'd like or mirrors or enough storage for training equipment.

Also, some martial arts schools might offer more stuff for your money. Some charge for testing and some don't. Some offer a choice of multiple programs. One school that comes to mind offers Tang Soo Do, Krav Maga, and fitness classes, and you can go to several classes per day if you have the time and the energy. Some have full gyms with weights, locker rooms and showers or a boxing ring or an MMA octagon. I think I have schools with all these features within 15 or 20 minutes of my house.

By the way, I've heard of programs around here running from about $40 up to something like $200 per month.
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