1 They teach a style called Tang Soo Do.
#2We called and the head instructor said we could come in a few minutes before class, so he could talk to us and then we could see or I could join in on class.
#3 I walked in and they had a huge sign that said "This is a Black Belt school". I’ve heard stuff like that is an indicator of a Mcdojo. but they also have their black belts up on the wall and there are only like 5 student black belts.
#4 They have contracts, but it’s for 3 months, 6 months, a year, or whatever you choose.
#5 it costs a month and there are classes for me monday-friday.
#6 They have a Black Belt Club. It’s more per month. But they don’t have to pay testing fees (- per test). They get an extra uniform for being members, they don’t have to pay for seminars, they get a few extra classes per month, and they get discounts on gear and stuff.
#7 There are 3 instructors. 2 or them are 4th degree black belts in their 30s who have been training since they were kids. 1 of them just got his 7th degree black belt. He’s almost 40 and he’s been training his entire life (his dad owned a martial arts school).
#8 One of the instructors offers an invitation only class to certain students after class.
#9 They do do sparring.
#10 I talked to one of their black belts and she’s only 18. She says it took her almost 6 years.
Also, the instructor said that you usually get promoted in about 3 months for lower ranks. but it depends on the person, some are able to test sooner. Is that too fast?
They gave me a handbook with the requirements for promotion to each rank in them, so the student has to meet those to get their belt.
No, no black belts under 12. The youngest one is 17
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6 Responses to “Is the Martial Arts school I'm checking out a McDojo?”
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It is real school ,but, I disagree with bb clubs.
As long as they don’t give out black belts after like five months of training then it’s a decent place.
EDIT: Aaron J is right by the way.
Sounds pretty good to me. Especially the no long term contracts part. Wish I could sign up! The only thing I would not like is the extra $25, but then again, I’m known for being stingy with my money.
Is promotion based upon how well you do with sparring? Or is it simply static?
Are there any black belts under the age of 12?
It sounds a bit mcdojoish, but overall not too bad of a place.
It’s not as bad as others that are out there but it implements mcdojo-ish practices.
But I have a general rule: when in doubt – GTFO! ("f" is for flowers, okay?!!)
I agree that it is not as bad as others, but it is possible that the cautionary practices could be just to sustain the school as a business, and not for profit, since there are only five black belts at the school. I’ve heard of some black belt clubs being a waste, and I’ve heard of some clubs being a motivator for the student to stick with it, and it has it’s monthly fees for future use and bbc specific training.
The fact that the youngest is 17 is a good sign, and the fact that it took her almost six years at that particular school is also a good sign.
The only way to really know is to go there and see.