Lynne
Master of Arts
I know many have a bad taste in their mouth about Black Belt Clubs (BBC) for various reasons.
I had a one-year contract. BBC extends my contract another 3 years. My tuition is locked in. I already have a good deal as my tuition is about 60% less than my daughter's (additional family member deal). If I move or have a medical condition that prohibits training, the contract is void.
Our school is not a McDojang. It is possible to acquire a Black Belt in 3-1/2 - 4 years with a lot of hard work in our school...not one year; I've heard the stories about schools cranking out black belts in a year. I don't know if that's true. Hope not.
If I pass all of my spotlights, midterms and tests, I will be at 6th gup, first level of green belt in our school, in a little less than a year's time from my enrollment (approximately 10 months - 2 months at white belt; 2 months at yellow belt; 6 months at orange belt). It is not a fast course. And people do fail their spotlights, midterms, and tests.
In our school, BBC is not an "elite" club within the school. I don't think that the philosophy of Moo Duk Kwan would support "elitism."
There are perks though. One can train as often as they like. That's what I am after, training three times a week versus two. BBC is the cheapest way to do that and since I plan on getting my black belt, why not? I love training. And I can use the physical exercise.
Other perks are the activities and events held during BBC week. I'm interested in learning the higher forms, the Chil-Sung forms. I could even complete and do a Chil-Sung form versus a form at my current level if I choose to compete.
Eh...we learn shoulder rolls, somersaults, barrel rolls, and one-hand stands, etc. I'll probably stink at those but it will be fun to try. To be honest, I'm not so sure I'm interested in the acrobatics. I have an inner ear problem and a mental block to go with it.
There are special clinics such as board-breaking clinics. Also, BBC members are allowed to attend sparring-only classes.
Does that sound like a bad deal to you?
I had a one-year contract. BBC extends my contract another 3 years. My tuition is locked in. I already have a good deal as my tuition is about 60% less than my daughter's (additional family member deal). If I move or have a medical condition that prohibits training, the contract is void.
Our school is not a McDojang. It is possible to acquire a Black Belt in 3-1/2 - 4 years with a lot of hard work in our school...not one year; I've heard the stories about schools cranking out black belts in a year. I don't know if that's true. Hope not.
If I pass all of my spotlights, midterms and tests, I will be at 6th gup, first level of green belt in our school, in a little less than a year's time from my enrollment (approximately 10 months - 2 months at white belt; 2 months at yellow belt; 6 months at orange belt). It is not a fast course. And people do fail their spotlights, midterms, and tests.
In our school, BBC is not an "elite" club within the school. I don't think that the philosophy of Moo Duk Kwan would support "elitism."
There are perks though. One can train as often as they like. That's what I am after, training three times a week versus two. BBC is the cheapest way to do that and since I plan on getting my black belt, why not? I love training. And I can use the physical exercise.
Other perks are the activities and events held during BBC week. I'm interested in learning the higher forms, the Chil-Sung forms. I could even complete and do a Chil-Sung form versus a form at my current level if I choose to compete.
Eh...we learn shoulder rolls, somersaults, barrel rolls, and one-hand stands, etc. I'll probably stink at those but it will be fun to try. To be honest, I'm not so sure I'm interested in the acrobatics. I have an inner ear problem and a mental block to go with it.
There are special clinics such as board-breaking clinics. Also, BBC members are allowed to attend sparring-only classes.
Does that sound like a bad deal to you?