I signed up for the basic martial arts class where you study 4 different martial arts disciplines.
Kung Fu
Tai Chi
Aikido/Hapkido
Yudo (Korean Judo / Jujitsu)
It was very reasonable in price, $175 a month, attend as many classes as you like. Testing for belts was an extra cost, which increased with the level of the belt being tested for.
The space is nice and large and kept clean (by the students). The instructors were very polite and seem skilled and knowledgeable.
After my first month, which I really enjoyed, I signed up for a second month. About a week into my second month the head instructor said I should move from the basic course to the "advanced black belt course." The advanced black belt course consists of 8 different martial arts.
Kung Fu
Tai Chi
Bagua Zhang
Ship Pal Gye (18 Weapons)
Kom Do (Samurai Sword)
Kong Su Do (Tang Soo Do)
Aikido/Hapkido
Yudo (Korean Judo / Jujitsu)
I readily agreed I wanted to do that. Then I was told the advanced black belt course was $15,000 (yes fifteen thousand dollars) for three years, after which, if I came regularly to class and practiced on my own I would earn my black belt.
I said I would think about it. I went home and did what I should have done in the first place, some research into martial arts. I also spoke with a good friend who has practiced various martial arts over the years. My friend asked me a good question, since I was going to learn 8 different martial arts, what would I be earning a black belt in?
After some research I came to learn that most of the martial arts listed take a minimum of three plus years (usually much longer) of continuous study to earn a black belt in them. So the idea of earning a black belt in eight disciplines in only three years is unrealistic.
I also learned after speaking with several martial arts schools in the Boston area that it is not by any means a normal practice to charge anything above the stated monthly fee. The ones I called were all between $125-$175 a month. None charged an extra fee to earn a black belt. They all also explained that you shouldn't be focused on what belt you have, simply focus on learning and getting better. Body Mind Systems was very belt oriented, always talking about earning your next level.
At Body Mind Systems we were told very early on that you were never to lay hands on, throw, or best an instructor or student whose belt rank was two or more levels above yours. All of the other schools I mentioned this to said that was a very bad sign, one instructor asked me if the instructors were afraid of their own students.
Finally, it became apparent that if I did not sign up for the advanced black belt course I would not be learning anything new, even in the four martial arts that were part of the basic course.
I choose not to continue with Body Mind Systems. read more