Posted by Tim on February 11, 2003 at 09:27:20:
In Reply to: Re: Here's your problem posted by Studetnt on February 10, 2003 at 19:31:30:
Your numbers are interesting, but they seem off. My 'understanding' is that the International program costs ~7500/belt (e.g., 1st degree). Since the average student is taking ~1.5-2 years, that's somewhere between 3750 and 5000/year for belt training alone. That equates to 300-450/month. Throw on top of that Sae Gae Moo Doe at 4 times per year @ 350/time and you get another 125/month. Add to that the cost of herbs, etc., and you're adding another 500/year. If you go to the weeklong, you'll need to add another 2K. Do you see where I'm going with this? It adds up rather quickly.
I agree with what you said with respect to learning from people who are your seniors. I have two issues with how you present it though. First, you imply that a 5th degree means something in your system. I'm sorry to say, but it doesn't. Your average 5th degree these days has been training for ~10-12 years. Contrast that with your average 8th degree who has trained for 30 years. Do you see the disconnect?
For the record, I have attended many seminars hosted by my school where there were less than 20 of us there, and there were no less than three (that's three) GRANDMASTERS from three different styles teaching. And, they all had fun (as did we). That my friend, is a cool lesson. Cost = $35.