Karate price for my son. Am I being ripped off?

fay144

Agree with others. I went to karate over ten years ago, from 11-14, and then it was either £2 for 2 lessons in a week, or £1.50 if I only went once. Additional costs were gradings twice a year (about £5, I think). We could buy suits from anywhere, but I hated them (put me off ironing for life!) and often wore shorts and a t-shirt.

So even if it's doubled in the past ten years, it is still massively cheaper.

The other thing that strikes me as odd is that they claim to get up to black belt standard in 3 years. At my club most people would take at least 8 gradings to get to brown belt (so 4 years) and then stay there for a year or so before aiming for black. Different associations have different standards, but I would be wary that they were just selling belts, rather than grading properly.

Smashing

going2die_rich wrote: »

Just offer your son a PS3 to give up karate and you will see his "WANT" disappear.

Obviously then find a much cheaper alternative than being ripped off as a hobby so he does have a more active hobby also.

It's not just an active hobby though - there are many skills you learn in karate (and other martial arts) - the big ones being disipline and respect. It's not just jumping around going HYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! and pretending to be the karate kid. Any decent club also educate you about the actual philosophy of karate and the importance of using your skills appropriately, not just to torture your siblings.

devils_advocate

Smashing wrote: »

It's not just an active hobby though - there are many skills you learn in karate (and other martial arts) - the big ones being disipline and respect. It's not just jumping around going HYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! and pretending to be the karate kid. Any decent club also educate you about the actual philosophy of karate and the importance of using your skills appropriately, not just to torture your siblings.

I completely agree, Smashing. what it's given my kids is a self-confidence which extends not only to potential "rough and tumble situations" but also in a dealing with adults in other walks of life. The elder does help out with teaching both other kids and adults, and is acquiring good skills from this. But where are I feel it has given great benefit to them he is in the mental discipline and concentration area. When they try, they can really focus on their homework!

ButtonF1Fan

twice or 3 times a week, for an hour. but thats HARD as we've also a newborn son. so that won't keep up at that rate. i reckon would settle to an hour a week, which ok, our choices, but its the no escape element of what my older sons club are propossing.
Am not going to give it to them! i'm sure damon will understand if i point out this a buying a car type of money.

i_wanna_save_money! wrote: »

Can I ask how much time a week he will be receiving for this amount? It is a massive amount to be paying and I certainly wouldn't but if he went daily it would work out at just under £3 per hour i think, but on the other hand that would require commitment not just from your son, but also from whoever had to take him to each session...

ButtonF1Fan

This is why we looked into karate. I had to tell my family its not about fighting. Damon was showing plenty of anger and jealousy issues. i wanted to give him a moral education and excersise and anger managment all at the same time. Martial arts (whatever style) fits this. So, karate is the best known sytle, which others suit a six and a half year old please??

devils_advocate wrote: »

I completely agree, Smashing. what it's given my kids is a self-confidence which extends not only to potential "rough and tumble situations" but also in a dealing with adults in other walks of life. The elder does help out with teaching both other kids and adults, and is acquiring good skills from this. But where are I feel it has given great benefit to them he is in the mental discipline and concentration area. When they try, they can really focus on their homework!

Smashing

Various other forms include Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, Judo and Jujitsu to name a few. For a 6 year old, I would think Karate of Judo would be the best fit. Judo is arguably the 'safest' martial art, but if he has a taste for karate already it really is worth following up for some cheaper weekly lesson.

Enjoying it is the main thing. Maybe try a few judo lessons and see which he prefers.

KellyWelly

JulieJesta wrote: »

This is why we looked into karate. I had to tell my family its not about fighting. Damon was showing plenty of anger and jealousy issues. i wanted to give him a moral education and excersise and anger managment all at the same time. Martial arts (whatever style) fits this. So, karate is the best known sytle, which others suit a six and a half year old please??

It's not about fighting, you're right. I did Tang Soo Do when I was a kid and I've never had a fight ever. My teacher used to tell us we were not to use the things we learnt outside the classroom unless we were in serious trouble and would tell us he had been training for 25 years and had never fought anyone outside of a competition.

I don't give a monkeys if my son can punch somebody or kick somebody - I send him there for the exercise and the discipline. His instructor works very hard with him on his listening and concentration skills and this has helped him in school.

Threebabes

My son does Ju Jutsui, hes goes twice a week £2.50 a lesson. We do buy his suits from the club which is about £15. We pay £20 a year for a license for him to fight and £15 for each his gradings.

It seems to be extortinate what they are trying to charge you.

RoxieW

my young cousins go to a kickboxing club which I think is the biggest rip off going. I also dont agree with them going as they're parents come out with awful brags such as 'yes she made the other girl cry/gave her a limp' etc. I'm sure this isnt the same case here though.
this club fights in the 'world championships' which doesnt seem to be regulated or worth the paper the certificates are printed on to be honest - and the kids get charged horrendous rip off prices to go on these trips. For example, last year my auntie paid £600 per person to go to a horrible 3 star place in benidorm - in November! Anyone could pick up a week in benidorm this time of year for a fraction of the price. But of course, they had to all stay in the same hotel and it could only be booked through the club. Disgusting.
I'm sure some clubs are great and above board but some just seem like one man and his dog can set them up to exploit youngsters dreams and parents competitive streaks.

mamamia

JulieJesta wrote: »

When i mentioned this I was told i could pay £1800 in one lump at the begining, but thats still 2thousand in debt!! for a hobby!!

Everything in me says this is wrong, but my son wants karate. Anyone who goes to karate, or whose children do, please let me know what you paid?

They are only interested in your money and nothing else. I have noticed over the years that my children enjoy activities where it's pay as you go better than pay upfront. The Karate they attend here in the NW is only 2 pounds per hr and we paid 12 pounds for the uniform just last month.

I am positive that if you ask around, there will be other karate classes locally where there will be no need for you to see your bank manager.