*** I have never written a review in my life. However, I felt compelled because this personally affected my child and I don’t want it to affect your child’s life.
I know that all the reviews have been “5 star” positive and it was that way for me until, I was resistant to agreeing to a 3 year commitment for my child (9 yrs. old). The Dojo has a positive atmosphere and messages throughout the place. However, it’s all a façade!!
We let the owner know that the Dojo sold itself because of his tutelage and passion for the kids.
Initially, we were paying $810 for a 6 month commitment ($1620.00/yr.) and my son was going twice a week. He really enjoyed his time training but, he would tell me that he only “liked” karate and wasn’t sure if he wanted to go all the way to black belt.
I would tell him that it’s his decision but, that “we’re not quitters”. However, with all of his other activities going on, if he wanted to take a break I would honor that request.
I explained this to the owner but, he just didn’t hear me (or want to hear me).
Instead, he called me, emailed me and looked around for me in the back parking lot to corner me into meeting with him (to talk about agreeing to a 3 year commitment program).
The owner says he cares about the kids and their growth. I agree that becoming a black belt is a great accomplishment but, it’s not the only thing in my child’s life.
Because of that, I could not agree in “good faith” into a 3 year ($199/month fee -- $2400.00/yr.). The new commitment essentially was paying a total of $800.00 more for the same training (with the added commitment and committed payments).
We had the meeting along with my wife and child (per his request). This is something I definitely don't agree with, having your child involved in financial matters.
We again discussed that a 6 month commitment was better suited for our situation. He finally agreed to accept us for 6 months ($900 for another 6 months). However, when my wife came to give him the payment she commented that “she didn’t appreciate the hard sell from him”. To be quite honest, that's exactly what it was, a hard sell.
Apparently, he didn’t like that comment and later that evening he kicked my son out of any future training at the Dojo (via email).
Frankly, cutting my son's opportunity to attend the Dojo because of a misunderstanding between his parents is not looking out for my son’s best interest. In fact, it’s the direct opposite of everything that is promoted at Dojo USA.
Certainly, when a parent disagrees with a teacher (at school), the child is just not kicked out because of a disagreement or misunderstanding especially not by email.
Sending us an email notifying us that my son is no longer allowed to attend class is not a characteristic of someone who holds the core values of a black belt (as far as I know). Whether the owner was being transparent, making a sales pitch or negotiating, the best interest must always remain with the child.
I have heard from others who have been treated this way but, I didn’t believe them until it happened to me. I have personally spoken to several families who are displeased with the pressure tactic for continued training (3 yr. commitment) but, have not yet decided to pull out their child (they don’t want to crush their child).
So, beware when it comes time for you to make a decision on the future of your child’s training at Dojo USA. *** Just an FYI - I deal in facts, not hearsay.***