From the outside the Dojo it is clean and prides itself to be better then their competitors because they will not charge for belts, patches and advancement. That belts are only earned not purchased. This will be what you hear, BUT what you do not hear unitl your children have now made friends and have become attached, have set a goal of achieving black belt....this is what REALLY happens... My children have been attending here for several year, I'd love to take them out. The owner will raise the monthly rates by 10% every year. Yep, twice as much as inflation. Even during the horrible recession. Yet, parents will pay and he knows it because the kids have now become invested in it. It's very frustrating for the parents! When it comes to belt ceremony's you are no longer aloud to take pictures of you children receiving there newly earned ranks. He has an agreement with an outside photographer. If you want pictures of your children be prepare to pay big bucks for this "privilege". Also private lessons are additional costs each month that will become mandatory, which will be told to you at a later date once your children have already invested time and you will not have the heart to pull them out. The owner relies on parents not wanting to break their kids hearts. This has nothing to do with the instruction, which seems ok, but they are really not taught about sparring, this is only focused on for about 10 minutes once a week.Also, most instructors are black-belt teenagers that are great kids but do no have any experience in actually teaching children. Before you join be careful and ask questions that are important to you, Ask about the rate increases and private lessons and exactly whom will be teaching you or your children. I want to recommend this place but I can't.
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