Dojo Dues Statement

While I wish otherwise, karate training is not free. Every year we have dojo expenses, such as our annual dojo fee to Chuck Merriman Sensei. Other expenses exist as well.

 

In past years we were required to bring Merriman Sensei here for an annual seminar, including covering all of his travel expenses. With Merriman Sensei approaching 80 years old, he now wants dojo heads to travel to him, in Phoenix, for the annual seminar. Putative dojo expenses exist as well. For example, Merriman Sensei will make himself available to give a seminar to a dojo, collectively, in Phoenix, for a fee. Additionally, I may want to bring individuals to our dojo to give seminars or assist those students attending seminars elsewhere.

 

To fund the dojo we need dues from members, as follows:

• Introductory Students: Free for first weeks, or a month or two -- until the student makes a decision on whether to train regularly.
• Beginning Students: $5 per month, for first six months; $10 per month thereafter. 
• Intermediate Students: $15 per month at the level of green, blue or purple belt.
• Advanced Students: $18 per month at brown belt; $20 per month at black belt.
• Black Belts from Other Styles: $5 for first six months; $10 for next six months; $15 per month for next six months; $20 per month thereafter.

 

I don't run the dojo as a business. You should know that I spend thousands of dollars every year on my own training, such as travel and fees associated with seminars I attend (such as Alaska and New Jersey this year, for example), plus books, videos, subscriptions, gi and hojo undo equipment. I pay all of these expenses myself, and don't ask for any recompense from those I teach or otherwise help in their training. I also contribute $20 per month in dojo dues.

 

Please endeavor to keep caught up in dojo dues. I hate to ask folks. Rather, I expect each student to take personal responsibility, and make monthly contributions as expected. Please let me know if you have questions or desire additional information.

Getting Started with Karate Training

Thanks for your expression in the Goju Ryu karate class. You're very welcome to come and train with us, or if you prefer, to watch a class or two before beginning. We have class most days in the GSA Fitness Center, from 12:40 PM to 1:20 PM. I generally send out a notice to the regular students early in the week, to let folks know the class schedule for the week (when work or family conflicts with karate, I don't have class).


Students are welcome to come to class as often as they like. It's best for each students to set a schedule (i.e., come to a specific number of sessions per week). Some students come as infrequently as once every other week, and others come four days per week. Generally, it's best to come two or three times a week, but often work doesn't allow for that frequency. You'll have to decide the schedule that works best for you.

When students first begin, we go through a general introductory program, including exercises to prepare for the training ahead, body positions ("stances"), a few basic hand techniques, and movement. As students progress, we provide more training materials. There is no set schedule for the quantity of training information: students get as much as they can handle and progress at their own pace.

We train in traditional Okinawa attire, meaning wearing a karate gi and in bare feet. A "starter" gi costs about $25-$30 dollars, and I recommend purchasing one after a month or two, once you know whether you will continue with your training. When first beginning, I recommend wearing just loose, comfortable clothing, like sweat pants or athletic pants, and a tee shirt. If you feel uncomfortable training barefooted, then you're welcome to wear socks and/or sneakers. We're flexible and will work with you!

I should let you know that my karate program is promoted at OPM, DOI and GSA by WellnessWorks. This means, in part, that you either have to sign up with WellnessWorks on-line, or when you come to your first class you'll fill out a very short paper form as a sign up. Either method is free. You'll also have to sign the WellnessWorks waiver when you come to your first karate class.

You're welcome to train with us.  So, what are you waiting for -- let's get started!