Martial arts for free or cheap

Following up on the cost of martial arts classes...

There are a ton of people in the martial arts/self defense space with a lot of knowledge who still want to teach, but don't have their own schools with a storefront. They teach often on a non-regular basis, out of their garages or backyards and with little concern for money, some to get extra money on the side. Some of my best instructors have taught me for free or cheaper than if I went to an actual 'school'.

Usually these guys are serious about what they train. They're not doing it for money and are doing it usually to spread their knowledge. They're interested in other people who are serious about training too. You have to go in with the mindset that you really truly want to learn something.

Craigslist

Seek people out on craigslist in the community section. I recommend both browsing and posting. When posting, just be honest about what you want to train. I personally found one very good instructor this way in Austin, TX.

Your own network

Also, ask your current martial arts contacts. Lots of people in the martial arts world have been doing what they're doing for awhile and likely know people who teach or would be willing to teach for free or cheap. One of the guys I learned the most about Kali from I found in Springfield, IL this way.

Groups

Groups like ARMA and the SCA teach/train in a group atmosphere. I've met other small martial arts groups that train this way too.

Don't do any of what I just said

I really don't recommend you do this until you've been studying at least one art for a little while and kind of know what you're getting into and what you should be looking for. I highly recommend you do not start this way. You need to understand the space first and you need to get at least some very basic safety instruction from undoubtedly-qualified people. You should know how things are supposed to feel, otherwise you won't be able to assess for yourself just what is safe and what is not and who is an asshole instructor and who is not.

Again, be vigilant and verify credentials all you can - it will save you.

Cost of martial arts classes

How much should classes cost? This is an extremely variable figure.

Depends on where you live, but I've found the price range for classes is $25-200/mo (yes, that is a huge range) for most non-mcdojo schools. I've never lived in a huge city though - LA, NYC, etc nor have I taken classes from martial arts 'celebs' (top ranking people in the space).

When I lived in small-town Illinois the price range was $20-100/mo generally. $100/mo was on the McDojo end of things. Now that I'm in Austin I usually find $45+/mo is common. $200/mo is the usual cap out here if you're not planning on training every day of the week (usually for 3-5 times a week is the range).

Remember, these folks are looking to make money. This is a business.

But, how much is it worth to you? Figure out how good your instructors and classmates will be and that will determine your price. Also depends on the amount of time you can train - 3 days a week? 5? An hour a day? Three hours?

Find what the local market rate is (shop around at similar schools) and then determine from there based on quality of the school (it's people) and the quantity of time you want to devote to going.

Variations on price model

Some people charge based on a flat monthly fee. They offer x number of classes a week and you go to what you can. Some do it based on a base rate and then how many classes you attend (once a week, five times a week, etc).

Some will add on other things. Testing fees, equipment fees, uniform purchase (you should be able to buy this for yourself elsewhere - if they won't let you it's 99% likely that it's a bad school unless they're discounting your tuition with the purchase.), etc. Sometimes there will be an association fee - don't be too put off by this, it usually goes to a larger national organization that helps make things better for your art's community (making sure certifications are given to those who deserve them, etc.), but do your research still.

Some will have you sign a contract to ensure you stay and pay for a certain amount of time. I really recommend not going to any school that requires a contract with them over two months, especially if you're new to the martial arts world.

Also see: What martial art should I study? and Choosing a martial arts school.

Throwing knives for combat

One of my favorite youtubers, lindybeige's video on the general absurdity of throwing knives. Funny as always.

Full disclosure: I have throwing knives, know how to throw them (my dad taught me actually) and yes, it seems pretty cool. However, I too am aware of the ridiculousness of actually carrying any around or even using them in known-fight situations (war, street fight, etc).

It's a fun, neat skill to learn, but it's definitely within the classification of performance martial arts.

Safety tip - Don't answer your door

I never answer my door for anyone I don't know. It's dangerous and unnecessary. Most of the people that will come to your door are there to waste your time anyway.

This is a branch off of hierarchy of defense and how to hide in plain sight. It fits in with the Prevention stage.

I get solicitors, campaigners and all sorts of folks knocking on my door. I don't answer for any of them. I will get up and go to the door to check out who is there through the peep hole, but I don't even say anything through the door to them. Unless I can tell it's a neighbor or think it's someone in trouble I won't say a word.

If it is a neighbor or you think someone is in need of help then speak through the door - do not open it. Ask them what they want. I usually say "can I help you?". Even if it is someone you know, be careful: most violence comes from people you know.

I'm not saying be paranoid. If you're friends with the person and you know their intent then fine. Just use good judgment and be alert.

For those of you wondering if you should answer for cops (United States specific):

• Don't talk to the police.
  
• Don't let police in your house and never consent to a warrant-less search.

Bad martial arts instructors

Yes, it's humorous, but it's also an exaggerated example of what is so common in the martial arts world - ego. I'd imagine many watching this video have personally experienced something similar to the things happening here.

I posted on Claire Berlinski's Learning to fight blog a few weeks ago:

McDojo types are the only truly fraudulent ones and those are easy to spot. The rest of it is just a lot of misunderstanding and ego. It is a world full of testosterone-filled individuals who train to fight, but never actually get the fight out of them. And the ones who do fight competitively are in a completely different world.

The remedy for this is choosing a good school and instructor. Be vigilant. Avoid asshole instructors. Avoid asshole students too, they can hurt you just as much as an instructor can. A good instructor tames or gets rid of asshole students.

Stay safe and Happy New Year.