I've practiced various martial arts, on and off, since I was 6.
Most of that time, I've gone to dojos where the fees were quite minimal - because they were non-profits. My current kendo kai charges me something like $65/quarter. It's a traditional school and by all indications a very successful one.
I've also been looking to join an aikido or hapkido (Korean form of aikido) dojo. Unfortunately, the ones I've found of late seem to be very profit-oriented. $100/month is a typical fee and some do the contract thing.
This seems very out of place with the way I've always learned and I was so refreshed to see that my kendo kai held traditional values. Not just because it's cheaper but because they see a mission in spreading the values and educating people about how kendo can change their life.
To such an organization, I'm much more inclined to volunteer my time and skills. I feel like there is substance there, not just an attempt to part gullible me from my money.
I may still join an Aikido dojo but I'll be looking very closely at their teaching practices and community involvement before forking over the bucks.
Posted by artandscience at October 24, 2007 07:54 AM