Park’s Martial Arts

So mini-​me wants to try martial arts. We choose Parks because it’s conveniently located next to Publix. Mini-​me takes the first free class and is in love. She is showered with attention and the Parks people tell me how she is going to become *awesome* and never talk back etc. Yay for me!
Day two we return, and then I fell through the looking glass… Now it’s sign up time. Queue the odd questions. The lady I was dealing with asked me if, ‘I could make financial decisions?’ Umm, I just bought $ 100.00 worth of groceries, does that count? Where is your husband? I reply, «umm, dunno, haven’t seen him, why?» This goes on for awhile.
Turns out there was a six month contract in play to be signed. I told them to give me the contract and I would bring it home to my husband. The contract could not be produced. I asked for a month to month deal and they quoted me a price of over $ 300.00 for one month. Does this look like a $ 300.00 kid to you? Oy!
I felt very uncomfortable with the situation and decided to move on. For those parents new to martial arts (like me!) turns out long contracts are frowned upon by established martial arts places because kids may not be suited for this activity. Taekwando sparring can be full contact (with pads) but this might not be for everyone. I would definitely not sign a contract for any length of time until you’ve established the kid is really loving the sport.
I don’t need to tell you to do your research because you’re reading this!

Run away from this money hungry place as fast as you can. My son has been with in this studio for over 4 years. So I know what I am reviewing. They have changed locations 4 times! of course you can only go with a contract and you cannot get your money back if they move. So you are stuck following them from place to place. I did not mind because I considered it an investment in my son. But they change instructors like they change clothes. No decent instructor will stay because of various reasons and the kids get heart broken. The latest instructor to take over is Patrick and he is by far the worst in the 4 years that I have been there. He demoralizes the kids and constantly pushes private lessons as the only way for your kids to learn and pass any test. When I signed my son up the team of instructors was fantastic. The owner used to be involved. Now you barely see him, even during testing. Higher belt testing included Cooper City and Pembroke Pines. I heard similar complaints from those parents and they are, as well, quite disenchanted with what this studio has become.
We all liked one instructor, in particular, that last good instruction left. Patrick told us that he fired said instructor because the instructor was sleeping with the mothers. Never heard word of that before. Even if it was true, quite an unprofessional answer.
The final nail in the coffin for me was when my son was less than 4 months away from testing for his Black belt. Due to a serious immediate family illness, my son lost months of class time two years ago. This year, his contract was expiring and I made it clear for 2 years that all he wanted was black belt because his high school comes first. Patrick said he will take care of us and he sure did NOT. He said the best they could do is $ 1800 for one year and he will give me a free EXTRA six months. SO now my son is to commit to another year and a half?! REALLY?! Too bad for my son that the school wants money, money, money! I told Patrick that after 4 years he should really work something out better than that and to please bring it to the owner, Schick. Of course, money comes first with them. So Patrick called me back and said they have no interest in getting any less money for less time. Pathetic! Almost 5 years and so many disappointments. This school is a huge let down.
It is clear The school just does not care about the student as it used to. Don’t bother with reviews by people that have no history with an institution. Two weeks or two months does not make an educated review make.
I am happy to say that I found another studio that has worked with me to get my son his black belt WITHOUT a ridiculous contract. I am not advertising the other studio, but if a parent really wants a good studio, just keep looking ELSEWHERE.