I Think My Krav Maga school is a Mcdojo

***Omega Supreme*** · Posted On: 2/23/2012 2:37pm

Originally Posted by stray_bullet

What's funny about all of that is that Krav Maga when you break it down is basically just kickboxing with an emphasis on application. I figure the reason they add the 9000 other techniques is because there is more glory in beating down an entire street gang (at least in fantasy) than getting your ass beat by a guy that's been training for three months longer than you and the peoples' wallets reflect that.

Keep on the subject. If you want to discuss the merits of KM start a different thread.

**jowalker** · Posted On: 2/23/2012 2:48pm

Whoa, lots of predatory business practices that have no foundation or merit.

First, unless the contract is "legally binding" which means it must have been written and filed by a lawyer, it is not truly lefitamite, but rather a way of helping ensure payment. Plus, it would have to have been signed by you and stamped "in your prescence" by a notary. Many small businesses think a piece of paper they have you sign is a binding contract. In this day and age, it is not.

Sounds McDojoey. I've seen some of the DVDs sold by these guys with paintball guns hanging in the background. Krav Maga is not bad (it is simply basic combat training for Israeli soldiers). I do see it taking the place of "belt schools" like Black Belt Academy and ATA all of the USA.

**slamdunc** · Posted On: 2/23/2012 2:57pm

Originally Posted by jowalker

First, unless the contract is "legally binding" which means it must have been written and filed by a lawyer, it is not truly lefitamite, but rather a way of helping ensure payment.

You might think twice about that; offering legal advice like that. Many types of contracts are "legally binding", and they do not have to be written and/or filed by a lawyer.

Originally Posted by jowalker

Many small businesses think a piece of paper they have you sign is a binding contract. In this day and age, it is not.

What are you basing this information on? Are you a licensed, practicing attorney? In Texas, many oral agreements are considered binding and enforceable.

**jowalker** · Posted On: 2/23/2012 3:54pm

DISCLAIMER: I am in no way authorized by any sanctioning body to give legal advice. Any information submitted by my person on this or any other public platform has no federal, state, or county legitimacy.

The contracts in questions were explained to me by a lawyer that represents MAIA at a Vegas convention last year. Once, again, please check with a legal attorney. This is simply what was presented to me, by a licensed attorney of the state of Nevada.

Basically, he told us contracts and waivers at most private clubs, fitness centers, etc. were very difficult to process or make verifiable. Essentially since they were not written (or approved) by a legal entity and signed w/ notary, it would be a vary difficult undertaking for such an isignificant amount. The large concern was those waivers small private business owners have you sign. Those are not binding and the owner of the business IS still liable for any incidentals (hence the need for insurance).

The way he explained it, large entities like Gold's Gym, ATA, 24HR Fitness, etc. are corporations that umbrella their franchise branches (unless the franchise owner ops out) for a FEE, so that they may use legal documentation to secure themselves.

Was this accurate? I dont' know (I'm not a legal attorney).

Either way, they are bending this poor person over with a $200 tettsui.

**slamdunc** · Posted On: 2/23/2012 3:56pm

Originally Posted by jowalker

Either way, they are bending this poor person over with a $200 tettsui.

Indeed, they are.

**Sisyphus** · Posted On: 2/23/2012 4:50pm

Wow… the bullet that caught my eye was $20 to demo (participate) in one trial class. But there it was right on the website.

Clinch, FWIW did you ever ask why so high to try a demo class?

Really… I mean many McDojo/McDojang have those “introductory packages” for new students… e.g., four-to-six weeks of classes with a shiny new (cheap) gi thrown in for $49.99 etc.

Again just figuring out the marketing psychology here – are they just trying to eliminate the tourists?

Do they think a “well we are worth it” approach gets more new students to sign-up?

**Clinchfighter** · Posted On: 2/23/2012 6:08pm

Originally Posted by Phrost

This thread might work here, we'd just need to know the name of the school in question.

A lot of KM schools are McDojos; not all, but a good number. Right around when we started up this site, there was a huge push, likely originating out of Israel, to spread the style seemingly in a manner similar to how Taekwondo operates. Instructors were "certified" after courses as short as a few days.

And yeah, if those conditions are as you described, that's definitely a McDojo.

Where's the school located, Clinch?

Its in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa Arizona

**It is Fake** · Posted On: 2/23/2012 6:13pm

Originally Posted by Clinchfighter

Its in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa Arizona

What? Name please.

Also, for that amount check out this gym in the Mesa area:
http://southwestmma.com/mesa-arizona...ing-and-mma-4/

Adult Classes:

$99 a month with a year contract. FREE Gi Included!

$120 a month with a 6 month contract.

$140 a month with a 3 month contract.

$800 for the year if paid in full in advance (comes to $65 a month).

They had a Christmas special of $500 for a year paid in advance.

**Clinchfighter** · Posted On: 2/23/2012 10:40pm

All I know is, I have trained for 2 years there, and almost had to give up my pre-Krav mentality of grappling. Me being a freestyle grappler is almost frowned apon there.