What can I expect??

[CanadianMonk]

Hi I'm new th MA and my mother signed me up for tae kwon do as a suprise. It's not at a dojang but at my community center it was 22 sessions for $99 (CDN) and this is exactly what the description is "Workout at your own pace. This diverse martial art can suit anyone. For fitness/cardio, self defence, sport, in a safe, freindly and fun enviroment." But what I was wondering is do you think this will be anything like a dojang? or will it be like some McDojo kind of thing. well if you dont reply I dont blame you. Thanks. :bow:

[Gae-Bek]

But what I was wondering is do you think this will be anything like a dojang?

It certainly could be similar to a traditional dojang. It all depends on the instructors and how they like to run things.


or will it be like some McDojo kind of thing.

Don't assume that just because the instructor teaches out of a community center, that it's a McDojo. Sometimes the best instructors are hiding in places that you least expect them. That, and the best instructors don't teach for the money, so if a community center is all that the instructor can afford, I'd consider that a plus.

The McDojos are more-commonly the big-name schools that you see on Main Street or in the mall. The biggest reason that McDojo's are called such, is because they are designed to make money...LOTS of it. They follow a business model, that values new students to be worth more money to them than retaining the ones they have.

My advice to you, is talk to the instructor, and get a feel for their teaching style. A good instructor makes the main difference. Find someone who is more-interested in helping you to learn, than in getting your money.

Best of luck to you, and let us know how it goes!

[CanadianMonk]

Thanks for the comment I see what you mean now but I cant really talk to the intructor untill the class starts (September 23) but this is not some grease ball center kind I thing I have taken classes here before (I am also taking weight training along with tae kwon do) I dont really think I'm going to be disapointed but I was also wondering do you think it might be taught in the form of a dojang (i.e. students lined up that kind of thing) anyway thanks!

[UrbanWarrior]

what do you call a dojang which is intended to make money but actually teaches very well, still called mcdojo?

[tkdcanada]

It's really hard to say what to expect. As Gae-bek says, it all depends on the instructor's teaching style and how traditional he likes to be, etc... As far as it being a McDojo - I wouldn't worry too much, about it. Listen to your instincts and if it starts to feel like you are putting out money everytime you turn around, then maybe consider looking for another place to train after your lessons are complete (if it bothers you to constantly put out money, :wink2: ) Just concentrate on whether you enjoy your instruction and don't sweat the rest. Have fun with it. :)

BTW, I'm Canadian too and I loved your statement about the igloos - People really seem to think that! :p :confused:

Welcome to Budoseek!

[Gae-Bek]

what do you call a dojang which is intended to make money but actually teaches very well, still called mcdojo?

Well, I don't know a single Head Instructor who teaches for free (although I'm sure they do exist)...so by that logic, we're all from McDojos.

Good question (if not a little sarcastic), but even if you are getting good instruction...if you're paying $500 a year just to be in a "Black Belt Club" for 1 extra class per month and 5% off on gear, then yeah, I'd be a little suspicious.


but I was also wondering do you think it might be taught in the form of a dojang (i.e. students lined up that kind of thing)

Most Taekwondo Instructors do teach that way, so "yes" I would bet that you'll be lining-up in class to bow-in-and-out. Some bow-ins are very formalized and very ritualistic (usually run by the highest-ranking colored belt), and some instructors will just have you face them and bow.

We do a semi-ritualistic bow-in (run by whoever lines-up in the top colored belt spot that day) that is sort of "middle of the road" when it comes to formalities related to other schools. We also have a less-formal bow-in that we call a "Fellowship Bow", where we have the entire class circle-up, hold hands, and say "Fellowship" as we bow with the Instructor's ki-haps. We usually use it when we have a smaller class size, but we also use it to drive-home the point that we're all there to help each other train.

Let us know if you have any more questions.

[CanadianMonk]

Well I almost forgot that I posted this! But I ahve gone to quite a few classes now and I am extremely suprised! The teacher is a 5th degree black belt and It is very similar to a dojang. although we have only begun to be introduced into this art I know I am going to be doing this for some time now! :) But I was also thinking of taking another martial art also. all I know is I want a weapon based art or something similar (as contrasting to taekwondo.) There is a Bujinkan dojo like two minutes from my place.well just wondering you opinion on this :D

[peacefulwarrior]

Glad to hear you are likeing your classes, but you should train in the school you are at now, for awhile(2-3 years) before moving to another school. It would give you a chance to better perfect your tae kwon do.

[CanadianMonk]

Ya I forgot to mention that I would be taking taekwondo for a while BEFORE I get into anything else. And jsut wondering what is the difference between ITF and other stlyes :confused: