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.
