Massive grading fees

[NZ85]

Hi Guys, I thought I'd ask for peoples opinions on grading fees.
I was graded at the end of last year and when I came back to training in the new year I was handed a bill for $400(New Zealand dollars) to be paid by the end of February.
I talked to some other people and they all agreed it's pretty high, what's you guys take on this? (by the way 400 NZ is about 205 US dollars).

[CoffeeFan]

Wrong forum, a mod will move it to YMAS or Newbietown shortly.

If I could ask what belt was it for, what art, and were you informed about the grading fees either during your sign up or before testing? $205 US dollars is not unheard of for a black belt due to requiring outside people be brought in to assist in the grading (at least in some cases). Certain arts or schools that are looking to make extra cash will also charge come belt time, progressively going up as you get to higher levels.

[Steve]

Grading fees are bullshit in most cases, IMO. In my old dojo, the rule set by the founder was: "no testing because the test is everyday of training." We were literally handed our new belts out of the blue, never had gradings/tests.

[hungryjoe]

Excessive grading fees are but one of the problems with many TMA schools.

The time frame given, to pay by the end of the month, is BS.

Please post answers to CoffeFank's questons and additionally, if you are under contract.

You need to talk to the person in charge about extending payments if it cramps your budget and you want to stay at that school.

[Vorpal]

My instructor charges $5 for the belt itself, that's it.

[Keyboardsamurai]

Yeah 205 seems pretty steep. At my current school they charge $150 for a promotion. Do I think it's bullshit? Yes but I'm only paying once so I can get into the advanced classes.

[Sisyphus]

Hi Guys, I thought I'd ask for peoples opinions on grading fees.
I was graded at the end of last year and when I came back to training in the new year I was handed a bill for $400(New Zealand dollars) to be paid by the end of February.
I talked to some other people and they all agreed it's pretty high, what's you guys take on this? (by the way 400 NZ is about 205 US dollars).

(As in when is the next USD205 bill most likely)

Finally (roughly) what was the percentage of pass/fail of students who participated?

[Snwbrdngpoo]

When i was taking Aikido, I had a bill of 80 dollars a month, plus a testing fee which was around 30 dollars. Usually that was to pay for the costs of the belt, the certificate, and for other Sensei's to come watch.

205 dollars, unless for a particularly high rank for similar reasons listed above, seems to be a very steep price.

Like others have said, most times, unless theres a reason for an added fee, testing is usually minimal charges, if not completely free.

[NZ85]

[I](As in when is the next USD205 bill most likely? I have no idea on that one

Finally (roughly) what was the percentage of pass/fail of students who participated? it was exactly 60 % pass 40 % fail

Since I've posted this thread I've been fortunate to have a candid with my teacher who pays the same fees to our parent organisation (refuse to name) because of it I'm thinking of moving on .
I think alot of traditional schools these day's juxtapose commercialism on to the traditional values of loyalty and obedience and whatnot and it doesn't really sit well. Which leaves the question? Am i getting my moneys worth? I don't really give a flying one about paying for a title especially cause it doesn't have the same meaning as it used to.

Cheers.