Can you recommend a marital arts studio for my son? (Richmond: month to, school)

[Alicia64]

We live in the West End and we're seriously considering Dongs.

A friend takes her daughter to Master Cho's -- but the reviews say he requires not only the monthly fee, but fees for belts, tests and tourneys.

That's new to us. In the state we moved from the belts and tests etc. were wrapped into the monthly fee.

The strong contracts are also new. We didn't have that in our last state either.

Any suggestions for a studio that's not too far from Short Pump (where we are for the moment).

My son is seven and in a beginning stage.

Thanks,

Alley

[ellieb128]

My friend takes her 5yo here and really likes it. She goes to Midlothian but they are in Henrico. Our Instructors (http://www.dongs.com/contact.html#westend - broken link)

My son did karate for a while and while it was parks and rec - we did always pay extra for testing/ belts etc. That may not be unusual.

I would steer away from those places that try and lock you into contracts - from what I have heard Dong's is not like that at all - monthly fees etc.

[Alicia64]

Dong's requires at least a six month contract and prefers a one year contract. Just nervous making when we're talking about a seven year old kid.

I'm now looking into Koroyo's. If anyone has any other suggestions, I'd really love to hear them.

We're new here and still getting our land legs in Richmond.

Thanks,

Alley

[jkang]

Check out Koryo on Three Chopt and Cox. Smaller than Dongs with more personal attention; and also future opportunities to transition out of commercial Tae Kwon Do into other arts as well.

[ellieb128]

Another friend goes here and has for several years. She loves them. Says it is month to month, no contracts - great family run operation. Shield Tae Kwon Do - Martial Arts School for Adults and Children in Richmond, VA They are in the West End.

[ClarkStreetKid]

I've trained with some of Dong's black belts and they weren't impressive. I'd go with Koryo.