Dojo Karate

My experience is with Dojo Medina, but, this is applicable to all Dojo Karate locations.
I generally have nothing bad to say about the staff. They seem qualified, and are generally pleasant to deal with. I get the sense that this is true at each of the locations.
The problem is that they are: (1) pricey, and (2) require long term contracts. The first phases of the program (mighty dragons and starters club) are less lengthy (6 months and 18 months). And, of course there is a 30 day teaser rate. But, once you get through that, you have to join either the black belt club or Masters program. Both require multi-​year commitments and costs can be as high as $ 15,000 for a kid — and if you do not pay cash you have to finance it at 10 percent. The bigger problem though is that you are locked in. Move? Kid decides they do not like it any more? Lose your job? Kid gets injured or has a serious illness? Doesn’t matter. They will make you pay whether your kid comes or not. Just know it is a prepaid service contract.
You do not really learn this until your kid spends a month or more at a teaser rate. So, pulling them out is a bit traumatic and their effort becomes wasted. It feels shady and many parents leave with a bad taste in their mouth.
What burns me is that for the most part, the quality of the instruction means they do not have to resort to such tactics. But, it nonetheless communicates their lack of self-​confidence in their ability to keep your kid engaged long term. Otherwise, why not offer a month-​to-​month or even yearly commitment?
Can you imagine committing to pay for ten years worth of lessons in any other activity your kid is involved in?
Had we known where the Dojo Karate road would lead we never would have tried it out. There are better options out there, and most do not require a ridiculously lengthy or pricey commitment.