Thx for input everyone.
I had visited 4 schools in my area and actually left out the schools that seemed fishy! I couldn't believe who passed themselves off as an instructor.
Every one of them had some sort of contract that was ultimately quite vague and full of smoke and mirrors. In general, schools are not usually up front with the students, at least in my area.
The initial school I had trained with was in another city. No contract. Paid month to month. Fair testing schedule and fee for color belts. However, I was there for less than a year then moved away, so I don't know what happened after black belt, etc. I have yet to find a school like that and probably never will. It was also located in a city where, in general, life is much cheaper.
I think fees and contracts have to do with the city, economy of certain areas, as well as competing schools, which as a whole, set up a standard that is ultimately accepted by all. This ends up leaving little choice to the interested student.
It would be nice if it was all romantic and cozy and we could have an instructor who only cared about teaching their art and lived in a shack (was the Karate Kid real?). Unfortunately, like any other successful business, this is not the case.
You wouldn't believe the number of martial arts schools I have seen come and go in my area. Got a black belt? There is leasable space in a mini-mall near you!! I feel fortunate that where I am at now has at least weathered the economy and found a way to survive.
I am obligated to 2nd deg BB at this point. Paid in full... The average monthly payment over this period of time turns out to be a shade under $100/month. This flat fee I paid up front included 2 nice Adidas uniforms (around 100 bucks a pop) and a bag with complete sparring equipment, swords, nunchuks, etc (? cost).
To be blunt, this credit testing has me by the balls and I feel there is nothing I can do about it.
Oh well. Miyagi doesn't live in my area...
Squashed like grape
