If you can dedicate attending 3-4x a week, for a whole year at a time- then the $200/mo is good. If you cannot, for whatever reason- there's nothing offered outside of this price point. I attended 2 full years, going into my 3rd year, however, most often I found myself doing just kickboxing 1-2x/week & desired an adjusted payment to reflect that value.
I was informed that was not possible, & go ahead and send in my cancellation...I was a bit shocked & upset so, I did just that & canceled my contract upon renewal this January. Seems I was expendable.
I'd spent a brief time in jiu jitsu there, and I'm sharing my only experience with it. I realize any contact sport, any sport, there's potential for injuries. That said, I believe there's room to minimize those. I learned the most, & felt "safe" drilling with instructors' and grappling with upper belts much more experienced than myself. I knew that they knew enough to avoid injury not only for themselves, but me as well.
But this isn't what you're doing most of the time...and after being paired up a few times with white belts as uneducated as myself- & scrappy- unaware about potential injuries- to themselves or me, my comfort level flew out the window & I backed off training. Specifically, when my finger got jammed backwards. If I got Real hurt, I'd have only myself to blame, seeing these red flags. As a mom to young toddler who depends on me daily, I couldn't afford to get hurt so there went my jiu jitsu training & how I ended up just kickboxing. Didn't enjoy this predicament, not 1 phone call was ever made to discuss anything. The larger the classes, the less hands-on involved the coaches were, or possibly could be. There also was less rolling space in general. Two additional classes, 5am & 12pm, were smaller, but I couldn't get to, that's my deal. This was my very first BJJ gym, I had nothing to compare it with.
It's too bad, I liked the coaches & members, still saw myself there as my schedule could open up, smaller classes in the future, & some adjustments. I just needed them to meet me where I was currently. After attending a few years, thought it wouldn't be an issue. Since all this has happened, I've researched there's 2 major groups within BJJ World: Sport BJJ & Self defense BJJ...and every gym will have their unique way of directing the white belt journey. For me, working with upper belt instructors as much as possible is key, building the right foundation. Everything happens for a reason, & you don't know what you don't know as a beginner. Visit several different gyms, observe their "way". Non-contracts & flexibility in general are always nice. read more