What’s the going rate for private lessons?

It's no-one's business how they choose to spend their time! Going back to the plumber analogy; would you demand a plumber knock off a few hours' labour costs because they were giving free plumbing advice on a forum the night before?

If people choose to charge less that's fine, I would still defend anyone wanting or needing to charge a professional rate though. At the end of the day it is some people's livelihood, not a public service. If people are put off by high rates then find someone else or suck it up and attend the public classes.

 

I’m in an identical situation to Bruised Lee. However, the fees have just doubled. This is very stressful, because I’m now wondering if I can continue. It’s come as a shock, because I’ve been training there for several years.

Sorry about that. It’s because I’m so stressed about the situation. (I already work immense hours, with no opportunity to add a second job.) Also, my wife only just tolerated me paying 30 quid an hour for martial arts and a higher hourly rate would be beyond the pale.

I’m not some teenager with expensive DJ equipment! I don’t waste money. I’m an older guy who’s done years of martial arts, just with a family to support and a job that prevents me from being able to make group class times.

A little more about what some students give: prior to having kids, I used to drive three hours each way to my previous class (i.e. 6 hours driving per class). In addition, I’ve had to have surgery multiple times to be able to continue martial arts. Please don’t patronise me by saying “it’s there for those that want it”.

 

That sucks.

 

I'd say if they value their time so much why are they wasting it on a public forum giving away free advice unless its to draw I'm customers in which case its a good marketing tool

Its not about sucking it up (passive aggressive again) its about do you agree with how they value their skills if you don't don't pay and as you say go elsewhere

Lloyd Irwin used to charge £5,000 for a private if I remember rightly, not sure anyone ever paid it not because they had to suck it up but because they didn't feel it was worth that cost.

 

I got into contact with one of the teachers via another forum and asked him, if I were allowed to watch a session he gives during the summer holidays, because "my" club doesn't train then.
He invited me to attend and after that session he and another trainer offered me to stay the whole holidays.

I talked to first teacher from the go, that I couldn't afford them but they said right away , I shouldn't worry and wait for the holidays to pass.

I should also mention, that my Sensei knows the people and the club as well and is friends with them.

After some weeks even *after* the holidays, the "boss" approached me, offering the deal and I was then happy to agree!
That it came to the extent it is now - let's just say, I doubt anyone expected that to happen.


But I also will suck it up (to use the words as I can't think of anything else right now. My brain is on "freeze" at the moment, sorry! It's not to sound like an ass) and will try to get 22€/months for another club, so I can learn at a former teacher of mine again, and that maybe even twice a week.
But I'm nor sure I'll make it unless my Mom decides to help me out with it, since I can't go and work, unless I want to get into real trouble (a situation, admittedly, that doesn't fit most and normal people!)


Of course, I'd never had the idea to call a private school, going: "Hey, here I am, teach for free or maybe a tenner".
That's entirely different.


But I admit, some answers here came across a little off and seemed to blame a person for not being able to pay and therefore not being worthy.
And yes, that still strikes me unfair, which was the reason I write something here.

 

No he isn't, it's simply a buyers market and some business professionals are worth more than others no matter how said business professional views his or her self

 

You're correct, market dictates price. Most people can't afford some of the prices quoted on here. Fortunately there's some amazing teachers charging 'Ford' prices because they know people can't afford more

 

Thanks Latikos. I was gobsmacked by some of the replies. If they were in Bruised Lee’s or my shoes, they might be less condescending.

Consequently, I was very disappointed by the condescending replies of some of the instructors here.

I’ve been through considerable physical pain, in order to continue martial arts (surgery on most of my limbs, plus the pain of kickboxing with arthritis).

 

That kind of attitude really rubs me up the wrong way. No-one is entitled to their time, nor are they entitled to chastise them about how they spend it.

Passive-aggressive? I don't know, maybe. I've had my eye on a particular electric guitar for a couple of years now, but I can't justify the cost because of other responsibilities. I'm sucking that up!

 

Simon, I’m terribly sorry to hear about your kids. Some things put life in perspective.

 

That's great, and I would do the same. I never turn away an enthusiastic student because of a lack of money. However, this isn't my living, and I would never expect or feel entitled to reduced cost because of my financial position.

I can see how some posts have rubbed people the wrong way, but I think that's more about the delivery than the message.

Yes, it isn't fair, but we're talking about businesses, not charities.

 

Anyway, the good news is that plenty of people have said that £30-40 is normal, so don't bother with anyone quoting a higher price!

 

Your right and I’ve edited my post accordingly. I was just cross, for the reasons Latikos highlighted:

 

I'm sat here giggling like an idiot because people keep talking about their "privates"

But, seriously;
If you're hungry, you can buy a McDonald's for less than £5, or you can go to a fancy restaurant and pay upward of £60 for a meal.
If you can only afford a Maccy D's, you don't consider the posh nosh.

The same with martial arts - if you want a private session, look around and see what is available, maybe even outside of the current art you train. See what is in your price range and go from there.

Instructors can value their theory + skill + time + costs however they like.
If it's out of your price range, either save up and take private sessions occasionally when the bank manager allows it, or find a cheaper option.

Even if you only go to a new teacher once, you may learn something that you didn't know before.