Pricing

Cost Secrets Martial Arts Schools Don’t Want You to Know:

(Our prices are listed at the end – but take the time to read the article. You’ll be glad you did.)

To answer the question, “How much does martial arts cost?” we must look at the strategy behind fitness industry pricing.

Contracts

Most martial arts studios are encouraged by industry business groups to offer minimum 1-year contracts.  The intent is not necessarily to “lock” the person in, but rather acknowledge the commitment associated with the learning process.

If you sign your child up for a sports team it’s expected that they will come to practice, play games, and finish the season.  Martial Arts is the same except your child will usually attend class 2 or 3 classes per week plus testing rather than 4 or 5 days of practice and game day on Saturday.  The same holds true for adults.

Can I get out of my contract?

It depends on the contract and the timing.  In California the state mandates an exit period based on the total contract amount.  The following is California State Law:

Cancellation Rights for Agreements $1,500.00 and Over:

7(c)(1). Nothing in this section shall apply to an agreement for $1,499.99 or less.

7(c)(2). If your agreement requires payment of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) to two thousand dollars ($2,000), you have the right to cancel the agreement within 20 days after the agreement is signed.

7(c)(3). If your agreement requires payment of two thousand one dollars ($2,001) to two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500), you have the right to cancel the agreement within 30 days after the agreement is signed.

7(c)(4). If your agreement requires payment of two thousand five hundred and one dollars ($2,501) or more, you have the right to cancel the agreement within 45 days after the agreement is signed.

An important thing to remember is that you will still owe for the lessons time used, so there won’t be reimbursement issued even if you haven’t shown up for class.  However, you will not be held responsible for any payments past the cancelation notice if it falls within the legal parameters.

If I walk away from my contract, can I be reported to the credit bureaus?

Simple answer – yes.  It depends on the discrepancy of the martial arts school.

Payment in Full vs. Monthly Payments (12-month contract)

Most schools offer some sort of discount for paying in full.  It generally ranges from 10-20%.  It’s a legitimate way to save money in the long run if you can afford it.  When you’re paying for three kids – it’s expensive.  Sometimes parents will pay for one child in full and place the other kids on a monthly payment plan depending on their budget.  If you’re signing up your family – make sure you’re ready to make another car payment!

Down Payments vs. Registration Fees

A down payment is just what it sounds like – a down on a total contract fee.  Let’s say the school charges $175 per month for 12 months.  It’s just like a car payment – the more you put down, you essentially buy down the finance rate along with the monthly payment.

Registration fees are either padding that can be played with or they incorporate an equipment and uniform fee.  Registration fees without equipment can be bartered.

Month to Month Agreements

Very few schools offer month to month agreements.  A recent nationwide survey of gym members asked what the most desirable membership criteria would be.  The number one answer?  No contracts.  Month to month contracts mean that you must give 30 day written notice and you’re done.  At first glance it looks great.  “Excellent, I can bail whenever I or my kid get bored!”

But here’s a note of caution:  it may be convenient for you to pull your child from an activity as soon as they get bored, but that’s a problem.  These days kids get bored of everything in 2 weeks because they are over-stimulated.  Social media and electronic devices have changed our brains to expect rapid rewards and continuous incoming data.  If we can’t learn an activity right away, we give up and move to the next thing.  Kids – and I would venture to say adults, need to stick with activities that require skill built over time.  It’s the only way we learn to reach long term goals.

Price Ranges

Is cheaper better?  Does higher price mean higher quality instruction?  A typical pricing scenario can range from $100 to $300 per month.  Some of the Machado Brazilian Jiujitsu schools in LA will cost $250 per month for 2 classes a week and no other amenities.  A small Tae Kwon Do school at a strip mall may cost $100 per month.

Part of it depends on who leads the program.  Are you learning from a 1^st degree black belt who just leased a space and is now teaching?  What qualifications do they have?  Don’t be afraid to question the instructor – what’s your background?  Who did you study with?  What’s your educational level?  What’s your background in teaching?  Do you background check your instructors?

The national average for monthly fees at martial arts schools is in the $175 to $250 range.  This might come as a shock if you’re used to $30 a month gym membership.  But remember, a martial arts school is just that – a school when it’s run correctly.  You are learning a curriculum, presumably from a skilled individual who took years to learn their art.

Testing Fees

Testing fees are common.  They tend to average around $40 to $60 every 3 months.  Higher belts cost more because it takes more time and more staff.  Black belt tests typically run anywhere from $200 to $1500 depending on the school.

Up Sells

Here’s something that you might encounter rather frequently.  Every time you turn around there’s a new charge for something.  Do you need equipment – yes.  You wouldn’t go out on the ice to play hockey without pads and a helmet, would you?

However, it can become excessive.  If it seems reasonable, it probably is.  If every time you walk in the door, they’re trying to sell you something – you may be in the wrong place.

Private Lessons

Private lessons are divided into sub-categories.  For personal fitness training there is one standard and for martial arts training it’s somewhat different.

Personal Fitness Training

Like anything else, who you’re working with makes all the difference.  Personal training certifications vary in depth.  Trainers with certifications like NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine), NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) along with degrees in exercise science, kinesiology, physical therapy, etc. command higher fees because the certification programs are more extensive.

There are literally dozens of certification programs that anyone can sign up for online and in a weekend get your certification.  Look for a comprehensive program and then ask about the trainer’s experience.  What type of clients do they work with?  Ask them how they would approach working with you to achieve your goals.  If you’re 50 years old and a couch potato and they say that they’re going to take you into the parking lot and start flipping tractor trailer tires, it’s probably not your best choice.

For a competent trainer, rates should range from $80 per hour to $250 per hour depending on their experience and educational background.  One other consideration – are they walking their talk?  Is your trainer fit?  Why would you want to learn how to be fit from someone who is out of shape?

Martial Arts Private Training

In martial arts, it’s pretty much the same.  What is their educational background?  Can it be verified?  How much teaching experience do they have?  Are they treating your kid like an Army Ranger?  If you’re 45 and can’t lift your leg above your knee, are they trying to make you do splits on your first day?  This is all common sense.  Just be able to verify their experience and use your head.

At the very least, the instructor should have verifiable experience/credentials and they should be a good teacher.  Teachers shouldn’t demoralize their students.  They shouldn’t scream at them or make students feel bad about themselves.  Why would you want to learn from someone like that?  Find someone who is kind, warm and enjoys being with students.

A Final Word

One last word.  Ok, I know it’s more than a word, but I can’t help myself.  There’s nothing wrong with charging for a service.  But you must discern if the primary motivation for the school is money, money, money or is it to educate a child or adult and better their physical and mental state.