The phone rings in my school and all the other instructors are busy with classes or people coming in for information. Students in my class know this and grin. They know that they'll get a break while I answer the phone. As they line up at the water fountain, I say "Han Mi Martial Arts, can I help you?" into the phone.
I hear the voice on the other end blurt out to me "Yeah, how much are classes?"
They didn't ask what we teach, when they could come by and meet me, or what our class availability was. The first question was about price. I answered the question politely and quickly and got off the phone knowing full well that I would probably never meet this person.
Why is that? Our prices are competitive with the schools in the area and in keeping with what my overhead costs are and what reasonable compensation would be for someone with my time in as a martial artist and as a teacher. Some places are cheaper and some are more expensive... why am I so sure they won't come around?
Because this person doesn't understand that this isn't the purchase of a new iPhone or a certain model of camera. Instruction is a specific thing and the rapport between a teacher and a student is very unique per those people. Sure, I have teaching standards that I adhere to (read about federations) and so there is a baseline of things you're going to see here. However, I'm not a soda machine and not every person that comes through my place will have the same experience. This is the teaching of people and not another widget on the assembly line, after all.
Perhaps this person doesn't have a lot of money to spare or maybe someone else has put them through a high-pressure sales situation that they would care not to repeat. Perhaps this person is just ill-informed or perhaps they are looking for a baby sitter for a child. Plenty of martial art schools are around that offer this kind of service. If that is what the person wants, then they are free to have at it. While I want a large and successful school, I know that my place will not be for everyone. Some people don't want to be challenged - they want a trophy and some photos with a cute outfit. Some people want something to be a footnote on a college transcript. Some people want to be able to say "I have a black belt." That's their business. I wish I could show them what they are missing.
I want people that love being active and have a sense of community. I want people that aren't just looking for a belt, but that actually want to learn something new. I want to work with families that understand character is cultivated from hard work, diligence, and sincerity. I want to work with people that aren't easily dissuaded because something is hard - that accept challenge and enjoy growth.
So yes, it costs money to do this. It isn't a secret. If you ask, I'll tell you without hesitation. However, it is only the printing on the proverbial menu. In order to find out if what we do is actually any good, you have to come here and do it. The first class is free and the 2 week intro period is a low price. No matter the price, you'll have my attention to make sure you or your child learns, grows, and understands more than how to be aggressive or to be a bully. They'll not just get a black belt, but they'll have a chance to be a black belt. They won’t just get trophies, but they'll have a sense of community and of fair competition without false pride or arrogance. Opening a martial arts school without wanting to convey these things seems very hollow to me. The people here have my utmost devotion without any hesitation because that is my job and my function here. Besides, I've never turned away sincere people because they didn't have enough money.
If that doesn't factor in to the equation for the person on the other end, then my school is probably the wrong place for them. If they come here, they will probably find it all very overdone and too much work. In spite of the friendly atmosphere and sincerity from our instructing staff, they will find it uninteresting. We will bore them.
So without any negativity or need to self-censure, I got off the phone and concerned myself with the people here that I would teach for free, if I could. My interest is to create that kind of care and community between myself, the instructing staff, and the students that choose to come to Han Mi Martial Arts to train.
So by all means, find out how much it is! I only ask that you find out what you’re paying for first. Come by and find out.
