Am I paying too much for my Ninjuitsu classes?

Question

Okay so I am about to join a genbukan ninpo dojo ( a ninjitsu school) and the starting fee is $80 and the month to month is $110. So basically my first month will be $190 dollars and after that the month to month is $110. Is that too much? I was thinking about this and I think I am paying that much because its a ninjitsu school and because its apart of a federation. ( think bujinkan for all the ninjuitsu enthusiasts). Aside from the price I love the school and the instructor is very wise and knowlegable, so i plan on joining either way. I just want to know from some other people about that price. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Ninjitsu is very rare. There are a lot of fakes claiming to teach it. There are a few that are qualified. You need first to investigate the lineage back several generations. If the lineage is legitimate. $110 a month is not to high a price.  It cost at least that much in Norther Virginia for most martial arts classes.  I am concerned about the $80.00 starting fee. That sounds fishy to me there is no reason for that fee unless there's a uniform or something that it is covering.  Be careful there are a lot of Mcdojo out there ready to take your money and give you a black belt after a year or two.

I've watched these rip off artists for over 41 years.  Check the instructors credentials and his lineage. If it does not come back to Hatsumi or one of the other well known ninjutsu masters, run for the door.

Answer 2

seems pretty high to me. but i'm from rural illinois. you can go to about any school here for about 60 bucks or less a month.

some schools just have big egos and think they have some sort of secret info.

also in ny city or los angeles...im sure the prices would be higher, because pay rates are higher.

if its worth it to you, then its worth it.

Answer 3

I know some schools that charge under $50 a month for several classes a week with excellent instruction, good student/instructor ratios, excellent equipment and a good sized training area in a decent part of town.  Then I know of schools that charge over $200 a month in bad parts of town, in a small space, with little or worn out equipment, 1 instructor for 30 or more students and instructors that could not teach  how to fight your way out of a wet paper bag, let alone do so themselves.

So the question here is really:  Do you feel that you are getting the full value out of your membership?  If not, shop around!

Answer 4

Yes, thats paying too much. You probably shouldn't be paying anymore than $1,400 a year.

Answer 5

How many times a week can you train and how long is each session?

Also, startup fees are always suspicious...

Either way, I'll put it like this... The only legit places that I've seen that ask for 100 + dollars a month allow you to train just about every day.

In fact, I know a place that charges 120 and is every day and almost all day, plus has an amazing facility.

Answer 6

i smell mcdojo

Answer 7

'ninjuitsu' ha ha

Answer 8

is if a good instructor he's knowledge have more price than less of $30 a week

Answer 9

I can teach you for 1,200.00 a year. That guy is ripping you off. I like to kick his u know what back to wherever he came from.

Answer 10

Hi there

Here in the uk the average monthly dojo or gym charges are between $60 to $80. So depending on where you live in the states then the extra $30 may not be that excessive. If you are training in the Genbukan then  your shidoishi should be registered with Tanemura. Does he have this documentation on display? Secondly i would imagine that all grading certificates should come directly from tanemura and be signed by him? If this is not the case then I'm afraid the school may be ripping you off. Find these facts out first before you sign. Check out genbukan.org and see if there's anything on there about registration and grading etc.

What does the $80 joining fee include? If it includes annual insurance and Hombu Genbukan membership then it may be ok. Again if not find out what you are getting for your dollars!

If its a real school with a registered shidoshi then its not expensive. If your shidoshi travels to Japan to train on a regular basis then its worth it!

best wishes

idai

Answer 11

$80 is reasonable, but $110.00 is ridiculous, especially during a recession.  In the late 90s I paid $60.00 a month for karate, Jeet Kun Do, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu individually. $80.00 would be the inflation adjusted price. In a free market an instructor can charge whatever he wants, but in a recession, he needs to have more sense than to charge over $100.00 per month.