New to Martial Arts

[kanjc]

I am new to formal martial arts training and I am trying to find some place near me to take classes. I am looking in Puyallup,Wa and the only place I have found near me that I "feel" ok about is a place called Master Na's (tae kwon do). The only problem is they are $100 a month so for myself and my little sister (15 1/2) t is going to cost me $200 a month. I know you get what you pay for and I have heard nothing but good things about this place but the price seems rather steep. Is this the average price for lessons or have I just happened to find the most expensive place around. Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated.

Joe Carron
"I have learned that brute strength and ignorance is not always the best solution"

 

[DeLamar.J]

I have never seen a place charge that much, shop around a little bit.

 

[tshadowchaser]

First Wlcome to the forum.

I agree look around a little. It may take a short while but I'm sure you may find a place you like for a less$.
Try ayellow pages search of a radius 05 25-59 miles (or whatever distance) on the internet under Martial arts and the city your in

 

[Zepp]

If that $100 a month includes a uniform, gives you access to weight machines, and there are no testing fees to pay later on, it might be worth it. Otherwise, I'd keep shopping. Actually, you look around some more anyways. Maybe try a free first lesson if they offer one.

BTW, welcome to the board.

 

[Blindside]

That sounds like alot, actually, to be more precise for that much you should be able to get very high quality instruction.

I used to live in Seattle and if I could offer a couple of suggestions:

http://www.lendermanacademy.com/

I only know them only by rep, but their guys are pretty good.

Sigung Ron Tapec is lives down in Puyallup, and I don't think he advertises but if you can find a contact with him he is very good. He teaches a kajukenbo variant called Taichi Chaunfa and arnis.

Besides these two, you may want to just look around in community centers, YMCAs and whatnot. There are alot of good instructors out there who don't advertise in the yellow pages.

Good luck,

Lamont

 

[jwreck]

Yeah,, that sounds outrageous. There used to be a Kenpo place on I-5 headed toward Tacoma, butt ha was 10 years ago. There was also a Hapkido place in Puyallup, but I don't recommend it (sorry I can't remember the name of it) because they screwed me pretty with a contract. Anyway, best of luck to you.

 

[kanjc]

The place that "feels" ok includes the uniform, a free lesson to see if you like it, and a free month if you enroll, also includes hapkido lessons, as far as the promotion testing I don't know. I have checked a few other places and most are around $80, I did find one place that was $28 for the first fam member and $22 for the second, but the hours were extremely limited because it was at a rec center and the location was not very workable you also had to supply your own uniform. I have always depended on my size to help me defend myself (5'7", 225+lbs) but the world is changing and my little sister does not have my build (thankfully) she is about 5' on a good day and all of 100lbs soaking wet with combat boots on but I really want her to be able to defend herself if need be.

 

[hedgehogey]

Kanjc, what are you looking to get out of martial arts? Self defense?

 

[Andrew Green]

Kanjc, what are you looking to get out of martial arts? Self defense?

Hopefully to have fun first and foremost

I know what you are going to say, and I kinda agree.

But not everyone needs or wants all ranges and hard training.

You don't need a nuke to kill a fly, a fly swatter will do just fine.

 

[Flatlander]

what are you looking to get out of martial arts

I am looking for the center of the Universe

 

[Andrew Green]

<snip>... what are you looking to get out of martial arts? Self defense? ....

I am looking for the center of the Universe.

For only $199.95 I can sell you a 10 part video set on how to find it...

Each video is 30 mins long with a 20 min intro and 5 mins of credits.

 

[Flatlander]

I am certain that the center of the universe exists not within 5 minutes of video. (I don't get paid until Friday)

 

[Andrew Green]

I am certain that the center of the universe exists not within 5 minutes of video. (I don't get paid until Friday)

Well there are some slow motion replays, but 10 videos for $199.95, I mean, if you really are a martial artist surely you must see the great deal that is

 

[shesulsa]

Kanjc -

If the closest one to you is in Puyallup, then you must be too far away for me to recommend a dojang in Brush Prairie/Battle Ground...right?

 

[kanjc]

Kanjc, what are you looking to get out of martial arts? Self defense?

Self defense, structure, discipline, (getting my fat butt back into shape),etc.... my current style is akin to putting my hand all the way through a wall and dragging somebody back through it.... not really an art, just brute force and ignorance...

 

[hedgehogey]

For self defense, you're going to need to practice "alive", that is with an uncooperative opponent at whatever range you're studying at. Many schools practice without ever testing their techniques in a full contact environment. You want testing, so you know what works. Avoid schools that advertise "streetfighting". They usually suck.

It's best to be proficient in all three unarmed ranges (standing, clinch and ground):

Arts that train alive in each range:

standing: boxing, muay thai, kyokushin-kai

clinch: judo, muay thai, wrestling

ground: brazilian jiujitsu, wrestling, judo

 

[Shogun]

It's best to be proficient in all three unarmed ranges (standing, clinch and ground):

Arts that train alive in each range:

standing: boxing, muay thai, kyokushin-kai

clinch: judo, muay thai, wrestling

ground: brazilian jiujitsu, wrestling, judo

Or do Bujinkan Taijutsu and get all three!

 

[kanjc]

Well I have done what many of you have suggested, I have looked around considerably and I have set up appointments for "visits" or trial sessions. Many of the places I have found are still running around $80 -$100 but, many of them also teach tae kwon do, hapkido, weapons and a few things I couldn't pronounce. I would also like to thank all of you for the warm welcome.

 

[Flatlander]

Of course!

Feel free to carry on with asking any questions you come up with, you'll find most of the people here to be quite helpful.

 

[DeLamar.J]

I pay 100$ a year at my school.