Why we Keep our Karate Lessons Cheap
At Dallas Karatedo, we charge $20 to $30 per month. Not per lesson, per month. This is pretty rare for martial arts groups, and for good reasons; But we have good reasons we're charging so low as well.
Let's start with some research. Are we really charging that much less?
A quick Google search will show you that the average price range for Karate training is...
(source)
Between $100 and $225? With $94 being the minimum?? And $57 is the average per-hour rate??? (Maybe we should raise our prices. Joking!)
With this being the norm, some people look at our suspiciously affordable classes and think we're offering something of low quality. In reality, each of our instructors has at minimum two decades of experience in Karate, plus some 'extracurriculars'—a.k.a., studies of systems outside of Karate. We train with experts in other martial arts. We read a lot of books. We experiment with new techniques and approaches constantly.
Point being, we're always trying to get better.
A couple shelves in our martial arts library.
Me, exhausted and soaked in sweat. Shoutout to Dallas Sumo Club! I couldn't recommend them more. If you want to have legs of steel and learn grappling dynamics, check them out!
In other words, we know what we're doing. Yet, we're charging...
Two classes a week per location, $20 a month, four weeks in a month, that's $2.50 per class? Seriously?
...We're charging really, really cheap.
So...if we're really giving high-quality karate lessons, what's the deal?
Well, it starts in the 80s, with something called a McDojo.
By its moniker, you might guess that a McDojo is the fast-food of the martial arts world--and you'd be right. It’s questionable quality, fun but ultimately unhealthy, and with meat of dubious origin. The only difference is, a McDojo is not cheap. This low-quality stuff sneaks in among the legitimate martial arts schools and charges the same high price. Beginners in martial arts can't tell the difference, so they don't know they're being scammed. They're lured in by flashy graphics and promise of ancient knowledge, and they’re being sold a system that it doesn't work.
Learn more about McDojos here. I don’t agree with every single one of Jesse’s points (‘too many kata,‘ for example, is super subjective) but if a dojo has multiple red flags on this list? Run!
The not-working part is what I'm most upset about. Teaching self defense incorrectly can get someone killed. As someone who has been in real-life self defense situations, I am not happy about that.
So, the problem is that some people are charging a lot of money for a terrible experience. We thought, hey, we have day-jobs already. We can support ourselves outside of class. So, what if we did the opposite?
We wanted to make a class where the primary focus was accessibility; We wanted to reach and educate as many people as possible. Speaking personally, I know that the self-defense lessons I learned in Karate helped protect me. I want to give other people that same chance, but without a high a price tag.
Don't get me wrong, I'd love to retire off of Karate money. But I'm not holding my breath. It's a very small group of successful people who are able to do something like that. And I absolutely do not fault other classes that have competitive pricing; There is no shame in knowing your worth. We're also not here to compete financially against other martial arts groups. If everyone learned a well-structured and affective martial art, I truly think the world would be a better place. My perspective is that we are working on that together!
Personally, I wanted Dallas Karatedo to be a school that wouldn't be a financial strain on me if I was a prospective student. I have a steady, stable job, but I don't want to commit to multiple $50+ lessons a week. That could be rent payments or groceries. That racks up fast.
Now, $20 or $30 a month...Yeah, I could swing that.
- Bridget
And with your help, maybe one day, no vengeful Karateka will be in this position. (source)
Thanksgiving Week!
Bring your friends and family and show them what you know! December 1st through 5th, feel free to bring your loved ones to class. You’ll be in charge of teaching them something; It’s a new challenge for you, and also chance to demonstrate your skills to your loved ones.
Can’t wait to see everyone, and hope you all had a wonderful time on the holiday.
Happy Thanksgiving, and a Special Announcement!
There will be NO CLASS at Arcadia Recreation Center this Thursday, November 27th, due to the national holiday of Thanksgiving. Classes at Anita-Martinez Recreation Center will continue as normal. I hope you all have a wonderful time with your families.
Now, on that note...
To celebrate Thanksgiving, we have a special tradition with our classes. The week after Thanksgiving is Family Week!
During Family Week, students are invited to bring members of their families to class and teach them what they have learned. Parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, and other family members are all welcome.
Feel free to take this opportunity to show your loved ones how awesome you are. We are thankful for every student as well as the dedication and discipline you have all shown. Every time you come to class, you are a little better. We're proud of you.