Karate America Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Karate America is a complete rip off. Their instructors are not very well trained, and their method of training is sub par. Our son was with their organization for almost 3 years. We were pressured into moving him up to a special training class where he got his black Gi. We were not told that his automatically starts a new 2 year contract. Our son was very unhappy so we quit. Low and behold this is on my wifes credit report. These scumbags should be executed. Make sure you take a look at the fine print before you sign their contract. On the initial contract we signed, we made sure we wrote in there that if our son was unhappy or didnt like it , he could opt out without us being charged. We didn't realize by getting a new Gi, that all of that went down the toilet. This is a typical bait and swithc tactic by businesses that ethics are convoluted. This is not the way that we want our children to behave when they are out in the real world. Buyer beware. There are much better Ju Jitsu schools in florida than this mickey mouse place! Karma is a b***h and they will get what they deserve... I will be spending 4-5 hours a day posting this on as many websites as i can. I will also be creating a website about this place in the coming months.
3 Updates & Rebuttals
Karate America Employee
Jackosnville,Florida,
USA
In response to Anonymous Ft. Lauderdale
#4UPDATE Employee
Wed, February 01, 2012
We are very sorry to hear that people could possibly have opinions like
this about our company.
Concerning the qualifications of our instructors, all of our
instructors are required to complete a rigorous certification process,
including physical training to ensure quality of technique and knowledge of the
material, an internship under the direction of one of our chief instructors,
and physical and written tests overseen by our national organization. This
process takes upwards of several years. Also, all of our ranks are accredited
by the American Taekwondo Association. These requirements are by far
more than that found in any other martial arts organization.
As far as upgrading programs is concerned, our procedure is to fully
explain the program, and then the student/parent, if they would like to enter
the next program, is asked to sign one of our standard memberships reflecting
the program to which they have agreed. The memberships are very clear. The months
of commitment is stated twice. Unfortunately, no matter how clear we make our
presentation and membership, we cannot force members to read that which they
are signing.
Of course, being that the person posting is remaining anonymous, I
cannot comment about his/her exact situation, but I can give our policies on
cancelling per medical. In our membership, there is a stipulation that the
membership may be cancelled if the student is permanently disabled, provided a
doctors note confirming the inability to train is given. Perhaps in this case
a doctors note was not provided or the injury was not permanent (for
non-permanent injuries, we will hold training time until the student is ready
to return).
Our policies are legal and ethical. We would not have been in business
for over 30 years if this was not the case. Unfortunately, companies are sometimes
deemed scum because they may not give people exactly what they are demanding
exactly when they demand it. We do our best to assist our students, but
sometimes we are simply not able to give everyone everything they want. We do,
however, abide by all agreements/memberships made between the members and the
company. We simply ask that the members do the same.
Concerned Parent
Florida,United States of America
What are you teaching your children...
#4Consumer Comment
Fri, January 27, 2012
Plain and simple parents who let there children QUIT teach there children to be QUITTERS.
Doesn't matter if it's baseball (my favorite), soccer, football, or karate.
Martial Artist
Fleming Island,Florida,
United States of America
Do nothing which is of no use.
#4General Comment
Fri, January 27, 2012
Do nothing which is of no use. Miyamoto Musashi
Seems most of the complaints on this site about martial arts either is summed up by either I don't feel like paying or Mom and Dad are tired of driving to the lessons.
I've been following a few of these post and finally have to add my thoughts. ALL martial arts schools have different levels of training. It's like golf. Better clubs = more $. A group lesson if you can find any is much cheaper than a private lesson with a PRO.
All martial arts have good points. The better qualified do charge more $. Can't imagine what Chuck Norris would charge for an hour. I bet he'd sign you up on a contract too ;
If your not sure about the school BEFORE joining look for the following.....
1. Are the instructors certified?
2. Is the school an accredited school (if you ask and they say what does that mean run for the door)
3. Is the school part of a National Organization (a governing body with rules and regulations)
But complaining here after the fact seems to have no use whatsoever. You either checked out the school, decided you liked it, and signed up for what you could afford or you didn't.
I'd go back to class pay as you agreedand get what you paid for.