How expensive is it...

[Raven]

So many kids these days as well as us adults want to start a martial art.
But how much pressure does this put on to the parents?
the costs of a kit in my town isnt cheap, are they expensive everywhere? What if the parents cant afford this?
How expensive is it really for your kids to take up a martial arts sport compared to them taking up another sport such as football etc.

[yoda1]

around here, its a little more expensive than a school-related sport, but then my tax dollars arent helping pay for it either, so that is to be expected

the expense of any sport is always something to look at for parents, and being a parent myself, if i couldnt give my sons something they really wanted, i would feel terrible

[Twinkle]

The expence unfortunatly for some parents does come as a struggle, but i think from what i can see on the internet and resources in my town the costs of equipment and the cost of a clothes kit does not cost that much more than your son/daughter actually doing something like gym or swimming.

It can be hard for the parents but these days so many places do 2nd sports equipment for the kids to help the parents out i think most can cope.

[Toucan42]

I would agree with Yoda1 that tax dollars don't supplement the programs. I live in the Northeast US and martial arts run a distant second to other organized sports, but there is a center nearby and I see kids of all ages in classes all week long. I suspect there is probably a market for hand-me-downs and such just like there is for other sporting equipment. The cost of classes themselves may be the breaking point, but even those are more or less comparable to other endeavors such as lessons for playing an instrument or the like.

[John]

Its not too expensive where i live.
I spend $25 a week on my child's karate training - not a huge investment at all!

My first martial art instructions were only 25 dollars a month. That is good. Later on after I started dojo hopping. I started noticing a lot of places were 35, to 45. Then I also noticed some places 65 to 75. The most expensive I've seen recently were 100 to 115 a month. It all depends on the location, as well as the style or styles and programs offered. Also depends if they're trying to rip you off!

[rayden]

I have been lucky not to be ripped off so far. I usually pay about $30 a week. It is not that bad. My instructor is a friend of mine so I usually can do less than that.

[EviesEarth]

I think it really depends on the area. When signing up for classes one has to ask: how much per month, what are the testing fees. what kind of equipment is required, and how many days per week can one take classes?
Then take these numbers and compare to other local schools and compare to other activities.
What a lot of parents like about martial arts training is that it is a year round activity and that it can be a family activity.

[ACCER]

In my area it's not overly expensive and it's worth every cent. At least the character buiolding is building a character I approve of whereas the "character" building of the football team leaves much to be desired!

[parise]

It isn't the cheapest, but I agree with the concensus here. It is worth it.