Somebody please talk me into spending money here!

[screamingflea]

Last week I took great pleasure in a free lesson in brazilian jiu jitsu (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImqB0q7y9Ww). The instructor has been teaching and competing very successfully for years and has an excellent lineage. He even knows a lot about some other obscure arts that I'd love to learn about too! The place is also very easily accessible on the city bus system, which makes a huge difference to me.

What holds me back is partly the price. Martial arts is typically a very expensive hobby, and BJJ is spendy even by that standard. It would come to over $100/month for a six month contract, which is consistent with that. The instructor asked me to purchase a uniform and gave me some very persuasive pragmatic arguments about how it would enhance my learning curve. He offered me an introductory rate of $72/month for the first couple months while I make up my mind.

The main thing holding me back is that I'm afraid I'll get lazy and not come back after the first week or two. They offer 3 classes a week which is a pretty good deal, but also a lot for someone who needs to conserve her energy and has a border collie sitting around bored at home. But I know a good thing when it pokes me in the eye, and I think this would take my training and personal growth to a whole new level. So ... would somebody please talk me into it? :|(

[Rosemary]

Can you try it for a month without signing a 6-month contract? Seems like that might answer your concern about not going back after a couple of weeks.

[Mrs-M]

Only you can know how you feel towards dedicating yourself to a long-term commitment with a price tag attached, but I myself and not a fan of, and would never obligate myself to anything (contract wise) related to personal entertainment and enjoyment. I second Rosemary's advice, at which time you can reassess your level of interest and commitment.

[sweetana3]

The border collie is a deal breaker for me. They need a huge amount of time and exercise to keep sane and this should be at the top of your list of things to do with free time.

If you have the free time without taking it from the dog time, try it for a month as others have suggested.

But, please, give the dog what it needs first.

[Kestra]

What is the minimum you can pay to try it out? Do you have to get the uniform through him? I wouldn't pay more than the one month fee plus a uniform if it's absolutely necessary. Around here places that try to force you into a contract of longer than 1 month are considered fully or partially scams. Really, they should allow a free week or at least a week highly discounted to make sure the regular class style is what you want.

[Mrs-M]

I believe all things fun and optional in the way of better health and maintenance should be walk-in, no obligation, and for as long or little as the person seeking the services is interested. Anything over and above that, no thanks, not interested.

[chanterelle]

What is the minimum you can pay to try it out? Do you have to get the uniform through him? I wouldn't pay more than the one month fee plus a uniform if it's absolutely necessary. Around here places that try to force you into a contract of longer than 1 month are considered fully or partially scams. Really, they should allow a free week or at least a week highly discounted to make sure the regular class style is what you want.

i agree about the scam notion.....his "persuavesive arguments" are a well oiled sales pitch aimed at your most vulnerable side.
Forcing somebody into a contract plus uniform up front is manipulative and questionable, no matter how noted the person.
From your other post, your budget is often strained and tenous...why give yourself this additional burden??

I also agree that the needs of animal, a breed that needs lots of movement and mental stimulation, comes first when planning extra activities.

[screamingflea]

Thanks everybody.

One or two freebies is the industry standard for martial arts, and I got that this weekend.

The gym looks very legit, and the lineage is outstanding. The only further thing I could do to verify the nonscammish nature would be to call his instructor to verify that. But I have a friend with a 5th degree blackbelt who works out there all the time, and that's a hell of an endorsement.

As to the border collie, he's 10 now and pretty mellow. He basically just farts and sleeps. !Splat! (Been waiting for an excuse to use that one!) I have the advantage of a couple hours after work before I'd turn around and hit the gym, and I also have 2 cats to keep him company as well. So that's not as bad as it sounds.

Still mulling ...

[simplelife4me]

Waste of money. Check and see if there is a meetup group doing the same martial art in your area.

[screamingflea]

Simplelife, you make a good point with that. The only thing is that since martial arts is highly physical, and geared specifically toward inflicting harm, safety is paramount. Any instructor worth their salt has to go through a rigorous certification process for that reason. It's not just safety among students during practice, but if an unqualified teacher teaches someone in a slapdash way then the student may fare worse in an actual conflict than if they had no training at all and simply ducked and covered.

So that's what students are paying for, and it's worth it to me. The higher price also weeds out the dabblers and the half-assed so the serious folks can focus on the work at hand.

You got me thinking though, and I went back to my long-dormant Meetup account. I did find a "Daoist" breathing and movement class hosted by someone I know, and I've signed up for a group hike in the nearby woo-ids. Thanks! :D

[screamingflea]

Of course, one natural drawback is that I'd be highly unlikely to meet any potential dates:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpceOOk2zog

:devil:

[Gardenarian]

I think this would take my training and personal growth to a whole new level. So ... would somebody please talk me into it? :|(

It will take your training and personal growth to a whole new level - that really is priceless. For $72 a month? Do it now. You won't regret it.

[Spartana]

Of course, one natural drawback is that I'd be highly unlikely to meet any potential dates:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpceOOk2zog

:devil:

HeHeHe!!! I'd try the Meetups. They have alot of free ongoing training in my area for all kinds of different martial arts. Usually in someones garage or outdoors. Usually people looking for sparring partners but with a hour or so professional training before hand.

[heydude]

I have a nerve problem in my arms that prevents me from fighting. I WOULD PAY 500 A MONTH IF IT MEANT I COULD FIGHT!

DO IT.

[leslieann]

The clip was funny.

Six months. The dog is old. You LOVE this stuff. The teacher has a great endorsement from someone you trust. It is on a bus line. If you go three times a week for the first four weeks you'll be so hooked you'll keep going back. If you don't, then you won't. I just remember how much you love this stuff.

If it turns out to be a mistake, well, then, it was a mistake. But don't make the mistake of not trying it out if you really want to.