Not just for kids!
My sister (18) and I (24) decided to try this place out with a Groupon. Even though it says "Karate for Kids" on the building I read that they did adult classes, and it's next door to where I live, so I couldn't pass on trying it out. I'm glad I did! The instructors are top-notch, most if not all have been learning under Chief Master Sustaire since they were little kids, so they really care about the place. The instructors often break off and work with very small groups individually, and you don't ever really feel like you're just a person in an exercise class.
My favourite part is the laid-back atmosphere. I was nervous when I started that it would feel like a bootcamp, but it doesn't at all! Yes, there are plenty of core exercises and the occasional round of push-ups, but if you can't do them, or if you fall half-way through, no one says anything. They expect you to try your hardest and they don't go all drill-sergeant if you stop your plank position 15 seconds early. They don't say anything at all, and it creates a very comfortable environment where you're trying hard because you want to, not because someone's yelling at you.
HOW IT WORKS
After the try-it-out period (I went on a Groupon that has since been discontinued, but always offer some kind of try-it-out special), you pay the flat monthly fee and you get unlimited classes. I go about 4 times a week, but as an adult, I have the opportunity to go up to 8, sometimes 9.
Yes, they do continue to charge you for two months after you give them notice that you're leaving. You are expected to continue to come to class for those two months, so you're not getting robbed. I can't say that I 100% agree with this practice, but I understand why they do it. They want to rely on a consistent income, and they don't want people to quit just because they're having a bad week. I bet they get a lot of people who end up changing their mind and staying after the 2 months.
ATA
I know a lot of people really hate ATA (The American Taekwondo Association) and see it as one giant money grab. And there's definitely an argument for that. ATA schools (like this one) require that you have only ATA sparring gear, and the price for testing into a new belt is higher than some non-ATA Taekwondo schools. But I wouldn't let that turn you away. There are plenty of second-hand ATA sparring gear sets online, and the awesome personal instruction you get more than makes up for the occasional nickle-and-dime'ing by ATA. read more