Nam's Korean Karate School / Martial Arts Center

EDIT: I feel you missed my point. Consumers are not properly safeguarded when entering into contracts with Karate studios like yours under current Pennsylvania State laws and prospective customers should know that. We did not have an agreement. You offered a negligible and arbitrary amount with no other options. Thank you for demonstrating your poor customer service to anyone reading this review. ORIGINAL POST: I purchased 2 36-month Black Belt programs (for me and my son) at Nam’s Korean Karate School and paid in full at the time of signing a contract. This payment plan enticed me to save a significant amount of money on the program over time vs. other payment plan options which were presented. Two months later, due to unforeseen circumstances, I needed to move 500 miles away to a different state. Although the contract stated that no refunds would be given after 3 business days, they were willing to provide a partial refund. Unfortunately, it took several communication attempts and the amount offered was negligible, not reflective of their pricing structure, and presented as a final decision with no room for negotiation. Please note that at the time of this review, I am still unable to resolve this issue with the business. For those of you contemplating joining Nam’s Korean Karate School (or any martial arts studio in this area), please learn from my experience. I suggest researching the 1997 Commonwealth Fisher v. Tiger Schulmann court case (argued in 2001) which ruled that these businesses are not required to comply with the Pennsylvania Health Club Act because they do not meet the definition of a health club (“a person, firm, corporation, organization, club or association engaged in the sale of memberships in a health spa, racquet club, figure salon, weight reduction center or other physical culture service enterprise offering facilities for the preservation, maintenance, encouragement or development of physical fitness or physical well-being.”) The PA Health Club Act provides certain protections to consumers entering long-term contracts and can be found in its entirety online. It is my understanding that some martial arts studios in PA willingly comply even though they may not be required to by law. After all, the physical health benefits of martial arts are becoming increasingly well-documented, and “martial arts, such as karate,” is specifically recommended as vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise for adults and children in the most recent (2008) Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans set forth by the US Department of Health and Human Services. If I had purchased a membership somewhere that elected to follow these regulations, then I would have received a fair refund under my circumstances (i.e., moving more than 25 additional miles away from the facility). Be a more informed consumer than I was. For example, as you shop around for a dojo, you may want to ask if they willingly comply with the Health Club Act. Or, if you have already entered a contract, you may want to find out whether the business is adequately bonded (which would protect you in case a business closed or filed for bankruptcy) - a question I wish I had asked prior to handing over a large sum of money. Otherwise, if you find yourself in a situation like mine, without sufficient consumer protection in this area, you may need to seek help from agencies like your credit card company, the Better Business Bureau, or office of the Attorney General. Please note that this review is solely based on my opinion that I have encountered poor customer service and unjust business practices in dealing with Nam’s Korean Karate School. It is not related to the quality of instruction or environment. We only participated for 2 months, and while we were quite satisfied during that time, it was not a sufficient amount of time to provide a meaningful review on that aspect of their business. I hope this review helps others in making a well-informed decision about whether to enter into a contract with this business.

Okay here is my opinion grandmaster nam is truly skilled but thats over 50 years experience to gain 8th dan but his son gains a 7th dan in what maybe 25 years so his son needs another 25 years to gain the next rank I just saying maybe the son's rank maybe given to make the school look better just saying its either his son is better then grandmaster nam in advancing in rank or grandmaster nam had no real interest in advancing to 8th dan till after 50yrs of training just a thought either way nam is truly a real grandmaster.

All around great having flexible times, good instructors, and indoor/outdoor.... Its super fun & you feel accomplished!!

I have been at Nam's for over a year and love the atmosphere and learning environment. It's a great investment in my opinion.

It’s been great so far my child has been loving it and I have no complaints as of yet.