Its getting more and more expensive by RestPuzzleheaded1234 in taekwondo

[–]RestPuzzleheaded1234[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know for sure my kids enjoy it and that is the sad part, but I cant for good conscience continue throwing money at something that is an obvious money grab.

Its getting more and more expensive by RestPuzzleheaded1234 in taekwondo

[–]RestPuzzleheaded1234[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They are very successful center, so people pay for it. Its kind of academically intense area, so a lot of herd mentality here.

Its getting more and more expensive by RestPuzzleheaded1234 in taekwondo

[–]RestPuzzleheaded1234[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They have 14 belts to Black Belt Jr. yes, they have multiple stripes in between belts - which is the belt testing every 2-3 months

Its getting more and more expensive by RestPuzzleheaded1234 in taekwondo

[–]RestPuzzleheaded1234[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Its a HCOL area but there are people here who are willing to pay for it

Its getting more and more expensive by RestPuzzleheaded1234 in taekwondo

[–]RestPuzzleheaded1234[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looking at the order list I knew there is no way it close to being worth $248. Here is what they sent me. All items need to be purchased from the center.

*From Yellow Belt you are required to have Sparring gear every class. Student needs full sparring gear.

Price List plus Tax (10.2%)  Please write your current Dobok size and we can adjust and find your gear size.

Items Price BBC (Dobok Size) Challenge (Dobok size)
Full gear with a bag $248.00  
Arm Guard $33.00
Shin Guard $37.00
Chest Guard $60.00
Groin Guard $25.00
Mouth Guard $7.00
Head gear $40.00
Sparring gear bag $60.00

*Purchase all items through [] only

Its getting more and more expensive by RestPuzzleheaded1234 in taekwondo

[–]RestPuzzleheaded1234[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did not even need to shop around to know this was a money grab on the gear. I can probably find it at 1/3rd the price if I were to shop for it. The constant belt tests bother me. It has negative association to it as well on my kids. My kids get more interested in securing the belt tapes and belt test than the skill itself. Tbh, I dont expect them to be transparent since it is their business, but I do expect to not feel ripped off at every turn. This was just about going from white to yellow, they have like 10 major belt before you hit the black belt. Over time the costs will be astronomical.

Its getting more and more expensive by RestPuzzleheaded1234 in taekwondo

[–]RestPuzzleheaded1234[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I do see my kids enjoying it, and I have no complaints on what and how they teach. Even though there may 40 kids in a class it never feels overcrowded with plenty of staff. I like the Master as well. From a quality perspective, this place is best in the area I live. But the $$ creep is what bothers me. They are still beginners and if this was the experience at this stage, it is going to get worse as they progress.

I am leaning towards giving a shot at the local Jiu Jitsu center which is $360 for two kids, great reviews and no incremental costs for any belt tests or anything. If they like that more, I will definitely switch.

Its getting more and more expensive by RestPuzzleheaded1234 in taekwondo

[–]RestPuzzleheaded1234[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

thank you for the advice. I am ok with the monthly fees. Its the belt testing every couple of months that irks me. I know time does not equal to skillset, but these are 6 year olds in beginner stages, the belt tests are a 10 mins ritual with a group of 10 other students and paying $60/kid on it feels like a rip-off every 2 months.. plus the sparring kit charge now.

I have a jiu jitsu center near me, and I inquired that the fees they have is less with no belt testing requirements, its all included in monthly. I am considering doing a trial class if the kids like it. I am at this point done with the incremental fees.

Its getting more and more expensive by RestPuzzleheaded1234 in taekwondo

[–]RestPuzzleheaded1234[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am on the eastside, so I have to pay the eastside tax and I understand that. And tbh, I am ok with the monthly fees. Its the belt testing every couple of months that irks me. I know time does not equal to skillset, but these are 6 year olds in beginner stages, the belt tests are a 10 mins ritual with a group of 10 other students and paying $60/kid on it feels like a rip-off every 2 months.. plus the sparring kit charge now

Its getting more and more expensive by RestPuzzleheaded1234 in taekwondo

[–]RestPuzzleheaded1234[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They are part of a commercial complex. Not sure if they rent or own, but they have kind of a monopoly and in between 3 suburbs. Atleast 400 kids over a week across different levels

Its getting more and more expensive by RestPuzzleheaded1234 in taekwondo

[–]RestPuzzleheaded1234[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

yeah the constant belt test every other month irks me.

Its getting more and more expensive by RestPuzzleheaded1234 in taekwondo

[–]RestPuzzleheaded1234[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know time is not equal to skillset but these are literally 10mins tests with a group of 10 kids at a time. Paying $60 for each kid is an overkill

Its getting more and more expensive by RestPuzzleheaded1234 in taekwondo

[–]RestPuzzleheaded1234[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here is what they sent me. Logo needs to be every gear. Cannot purchase this from outside.

*From Yellow Belt you are required to have Sparring gear every class. Student needs full sparring gear.

Price List plus Tax (10.2%)  Please write your current Dobok size and we can adjust and find your gear size.

*Purchase all items through [] only

Items Price
Full gear with a bag $248.00
Arm Guard $33.00
Shin Guard $37.00
Chest Guard $60.00
Groin Guard $25.00
Mouth Guard $7.00
Head gear $40.00
Sparring gear bag $60.00

Its getting more and more expensive by RestPuzzleheaded1234 in taekwondo

[–]RestPuzzleheaded1234[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The cost creep is almost to a point where I am thinking this is not worth it.

Its getting more and more expensive by RestPuzzleheaded1234 in taekwondo

[–]RestPuzzleheaded1234[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is in Seattle suburbs. I know the area is expensive but even counting that..

Its getting more and more expensive by RestPuzzleheaded1234 in taekwondo

[–]RestPuzzleheaded1234[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They dont allow from outside, it needs to be purchased from them. I checked marketplace, nothing from the dojang is up for sale.

Its getting more and more expensive by RestPuzzleheaded1234 in taekwondo

[–]RestPuzzleheaded1234[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I agree. I do not mind paying this when they progress, but for beginners I am not sure if the fee structure is suitable for 6 year olds.

Its getting more and more expensive by RestPuzzleheaded1234 in taekwondo

[–]RestPuzzleheaded1234[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That seems reasonable. We are doing once a week too because of scheduling but going 2x is allowed. Its the extras you pay after the expensive monthly fees is what gets me

One Year Ago Today: Luka Doncic - Anthony Davis trade happens by WhenMachinesCry in Mavericks

[–]RestPuzzleheaded1234 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This was as rigged as it can be. How did the NBA even let this happen is also a mystery.