Kids Martial Arts – Costs?

[SimonB]

Does this seem excessive to anyone else or is this about normal for kid’s classes these days? He only turned 4 about 2 months ago (went to his first game against Swansea and loved it).

That sounds steep!

One of my lads has recently started boxing, after lessons 1 and 3 he was adamant he was never going again, he decided to stick at it though, and he's had 10 lessons now. I'd hate to have paid a massive fee up front and for him to have not kept going.

Incidentally, it's £5 membership once they know they're sticking at it, and £3 for a 1 hour session, 3 times a week, which I think is about right for kids classes of any sort. It's a 'not for profit' organisation though, which I suppose makes all the difference.

 

[Little Ralphy]

No worries, my lad got to black belt and it developed his balance and flexibility, and gave confidence.

It was hard sell all the way for the full four years, you had to buy their equipment too which was expensive and overpriced. Oh and there was a fee to pay to move up a belt...no fee, no graduation to new belt, regardless of ability, which I thought was disgusting considering its kids.

but the boy enjoyed it and wanted to complete the course. In that time I saw nothing remarkable about their training methods compared to other gyms.

The stranger /dog/fire stuff you can teach yourself.

The cost was scandalous and we were pleased to take the opportunity to get out.

By the time he finished my lad had started to show interest in playing football so it naturally finished.

Last year we were at speke retail park and the guy/bell who runs it was there flyering. He said hello to me and the Mrs, but didn't seem to recognise my boy, despite having taught him for four years.

Just say no.

Nice one for that mate, that confirms we're defo not going back there. Just shows their motivation that they recognise the people who pay and not the kids they are training. Its bad for kids that as well cos obviously the kids will remember the teacher. Disgusting that they make you pay to progress as well, fck me dodged a bullet here glad i posted the thread. Shame cos on the face of it sounded a good course, just their motivation is all wrong.

Just need to find an alternative for him now.

 

[Little Ralphy]

That sounds steep!

One of my lads has recently started boxing, after lessons 1 and 3 he was adamant he was never going again, he decided to stick at it though, and he's had 10 lessons now. I'd hate to have paid a massive fee up front and for him to have not kept going.

Incidentally, it's £5 membership once they know they're sticking at it, and £3 for a 1 hour session, 3 times a week, which I think is about right for kids classes of any sort. It's a 'not for profit' organisation though, which I suppose makes all the difference.

That's what i was worried about, you've paid out £600 and your kid says he doesnt want to go. Difficult one.

 

[barmcake]

Both my lads do karate (in Wigan) although the youngest has only recently started. It's a great club and you pay when you go. It's £20 per year for a license and £4.20 a session. My eldest lad goes 4 times a week (hour sessions) but you get the 3rd and 4th half price. You pay for gradings/belts which is £20-25 depending on the belt. Karate Gi's/suits are around £20 and I think he's still only on his second one (maybe third). So in fairness it does add up but I think the key is that you pay as you go. If they don't like it you stop. He's been going for 4 years now (since he turned 5) and you see loads of kids come and go.

In terms of what it has done for him....confidence, discipline and fitness. In these times I like the fact that they are strict with kids. If they mess about they are told about it. Up until recently, my lad went to the kids class. He would get up on his own in front of 30 kids and do the warm up. I thought that was great. As for putting the karate into use, I'm not sure he'd use it if he had to yet but I can see it coming together as he gets older. He'll go to high school in a few years and I like to think he'd be confident enough not to have to worry about bullies etc after doing karate for 6+ years.

Tip: I've been watching now for 4 years. Sometimes I wish I'd joined with him at the start so if it's something you fancy too, give it a go.