Taekwondo for Xmas

[cappuccino]

I was thinking about signing up my nephews (8 and 5) for Taekwondo for Christmas.

I hear that once you sign up, you're sort of hooked to buy uniforms there, and then several little fees that add up. Is this normal?

I think my nephews would enjoy it and would benefit from it too.

Any advice on getting started??

[Chris Correia]

Cappy:

I think that is an absolutely FABULOUS gift idea. You are giving the gift that keeps on giving in many ways.

A lot of what you ask in your question can be normal. In our schools, one technically is not contractually obligated to buy uniforms and such from their instructor, but it is considered proper and respectful. But I suppose some schools have customized uniforms (logo's etc) which, of course, you can only buy from them. A registration fee is normal. Separate promotional test fees are typical, unless tuition is already high, in which case one might think promotional testing would be included.

Long term contracts are a problem in my opinion.

FYI, we have a monthly tuition and an agreement that require 30 days written notice to cancel. We have a small registration fee. Promotional testing entails separate test fees. And, as I noted, we prefer and encourage people to purchase uniforms (plain white) and equipment from us, but they aren't required; however, everyone does, with the rare exception.

In my geographic area, there is a karate school that, as I understand it, requires students to get a different color/combo/trim uniform with each promotion. So, they have a built-in system of selling things you normally wouldn't buy often, tied into promotion. I consider that a bit of a scam.

Aside from what I noted above, are there any other fees or costs?

[Bond007]

Cappy, what Chris described above is typical for my school as well. Although, we don't have any startup or initiation fees. And, I believe my school's first monthly fee is $49.95, which includes your uniform. The only "other" expenses after that are the promotional testing fees, part of which goes to the instructor with the remainder going to ATA national. Otherwise, our school simply charges a monthly fee due on the first of the month, and offers discounted rates if you pre-pay for 6 or 12 month periods up front.

As you progress in TKD, there will be more expenses such as sparring gear and weapons. Our school also offers "Black Belt Club" for an added monthly fee. It's basically a committment that you will follow through till you achieve black belt, plus we get an extra class each month and our colored belts also bear a black strip.

Otherwise, I think it's a fantastic Christmas present and one that seriously keeps on giving year after year.

[Tin Man]

That is great Cappy...my seven yr old daughter loves it and looks forward to it. It has also helped her be more focused in school as well. I can't comment on fees my classes are free. We don't need a uniform until we test for the first time.

[cappuccino]

Thanks for the responses, guys! I'm definately going for it. Probably will still need to put something under the tree too, though. I told my sister that it should be a gift for her instead. [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[Chris Correia]

Hey, Cappy, what's the update on the nephews and their training? Have they started yet? Are they having fun?