hi TenTigers!
Ok, here’s the thing with family and pride, threatening, discipline, etc. I understand a lot of that is the culture and basis of martial arts. But this is not Asia, this is the USA, where we pay YOU. Meaning, to me, if I’m writing you a check for a large sum for you to teach me how to do self-defense moves and give me a workout, you do just that. I do not pay you $200 per month to clean your toilet. Very irritating to me. Even dusting, vacuuming. Um, helloooo? I’m paying $200!!! I have other crap to do like cleaning in my own home. Perhaps I should not pay my maid to clean my home with the idea that she should have pride in my home. Just doesn’t make sense to me. I get the ideology, really I do. But when you are the one dishing out the cash…
Your quotes are from NY but our economy is much different here. We have a much lower cost of living. NY to us is VERY expensive. So speaking competitively, we have been seeing costs of around $160 for the both of us, not each. Which would mean that USSD is wayyyy overpriced, charging nearly double.
Thanks for that information and background about sifus and such. I guess it’s just hard to enforce that attitude in a primarily consumer based society.
I get what you are saying about letting us join in. But we had talked to him over the phone, then showed up. We aren’t fatties, we are a little overweight, but could certainly have joined in doing basic kicks and punches. No ninjas there last night. In fact, I’ve been to far worse boot camps in my rec center.
Even if we are nutsos, again, we have the competition angle. If every other dojo in town will allow one or two or even 2 weeks of free trial, then you appear weird if you are the only one in a 10 mile radius making us sit there and watch. Maybe he’s trying to keep it traditional, but see my notes about how the students were certainly not traditional.
Anyway, dinosaur, hahaha, thanks again!!
[QUOTE=TenTigers;998789]actually, in many schools the students help clean up after class. It’s a matter of pride-a Mo-Kwoon/Dojo is like a family.
When I did Karate, we would all line up and push a wet towel across the wood floor.
Sensei always threatened to have us use our Gi tops-that way it would insure that we wash our uniforms! (come ta think of it..that’s not a bad idea…)
In our school-someone always grabs the vacuum cleaner, and the others put the pads away and straighten up. They aren’t asked. They just all chip in and help out.
I would never ask a student to wash the toilet! That’s nuts!:eek:
You are lucky to have found a school so inexpensive. Frankly, the average price for monthly tuition ranges from $120.00 to $160.00 (in NY) except perhaps for part-time schools, rec centers, or classes at a gym.
In some schools it is even more expensive.
As far as private lessons are concerned-if the classes are small enough, and the isntructor cares enough that you are getting personal attention, then privates aren’t necessary unless you have something specific that you need to work on.
Besides, you get alot more out of being in a group.
There’s the different size, energy of other students to train with, and group classes have a high energy level.
As far as watching a class- not everyone allows you to just come onto the floor and “join in.” I wouldn’t until I’ve first spoken with the person, felt them out a bit, then I offer a free introductory class.
Otherwise, I have no idea who I am bringing onto my floor, training with my students. What if he’s mentally/emotionally disturbed? What if he’s got an ego/attitude problem? It’s like bringing a stranger in off the streets into your home and family.
In fact, in alot of schools in Chinatown, you weren’t allowed to even watch a class, unless you first had an interview with the Sifu. He is interviewing YOU, not the other way around.
In a traditional school, the Sifu is not selling a service, and the student is not a consumer.
The Sifu is sharing his lifelong commitment to his cherished art, his years of training, his experience, with you-the student.
It is considered a gift to be valued, not a service.
This is why we say, “Dohr-Che, Sifu” after class.
(“dohr-che” is what you say when you are given something such as a gift.
“M-Goi” is what you say to the waiter when he brings you your water.)
yeah…I know.
I’m a freakin’ dinosaur…[/QUOTE]
