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How to pick the PERFECT karate school for you!

Classes start as early as 3 years old and it's FREE for a MONTH!

By Kim Inkenhaus of Macaroni Kid Pittsburgh LLC August 28, 2012

I wanted to share some pictures with you from  a parade we recently went to and our demonstration.  That is me in the picture above with my son.  I just started taking classes here and I love it as much as my son.  It gives us something in common too which is always a bonus!  He has been taking classes for two years and can't get enough.  Do NOT consider another school.  I pass about 5 karate schools to get here and it is worth it.  All three of us that are publishers of Macaroni Kid have had every single kid of ours (6 total) in this school.  It really is a family here.


Getting ready to march in the parade!


Our youngest group the Little Dragons.  Classes start as early as 3 years old!


Have you ever?  Look at the concentration on her face.  She is only EIGHT!


What form!


This is exactly what I look like when I kick....uh...ahem...not YET!


Aside from the fact the Imperial Dragon Tang Soo Do is THE ONLY karate school Macaroni Kid will recommend because all three of our families are thrilled with our experience! Here is a guideline to help you choose the best school for your little dragon!

Questions you should ask before you start with any karate school!

Certified Instructors? Are classes taught by an adult Black Belt who has specific training in the correct teaching methodologies to optimize learning?

Other schools: NO.Many do not have a formal training program for instructors.

IDTSD: YES! All classes are taught by Adult Black Belt Instructors who have completed one year of instructor training plus at least 4 years of martial arts training.

Free Enrollment? Is there an enrollment or startup fee?

Other schools: No.In addition to a monthly tuition payment, most schools require an upfront “enrollment” fee.

IDTSD: YES! There is no start up fee to begin training at this studio.

No Long Term Contract?Are students required to sign a long term contract to start training?

Other Schools: No. Most schools require students to sign financial contracts which require students to pay even if they stop taking classes.

IDTSD: YES! Our teaching is our contract.We know if you value our teaching you will keep coming back.

No Test Fees? Are there additional fees charged each time the student tests for a new belt?

Other Schools: No. Many schools will charge an additional fee every 3-4 months.This can range in price from $35-$85 each test.

IDTSD: YES! We do not charge an extra fee for testing at our studio.

No Equipment to Start? Are students required to have a uniform and sparring equipment in order to start training?

Other Schools: No. Most schools will ask you to invest in uniforms and sparring gear before the student has their first class.This can cost an additional $50 for the uniform and $150 for the sparring gear.

IDTSD: YES! When the student is ready they may get their uniform and sparring gear.We suggest waiting until the student is fully committed to sticking with it, before making this investment.

Free Trial Program? Are students permitted to try a class for free to see if they are going to like the martial arts and they are comfortable with the instructors?

Other Schools: No. Most schools offer an introductory program that will cost between $30-$50.

IDTSD: YES! All students coming to the studio receive their first MONTH FREE with Macaroni Kid mention!

And they have amazing adult classes too! This editor takes them and is in LOVE!!!!!!!!!!! First month free with Mac Kid mention for adults as well.

Check out Imperial Dragon Tang Soo Do today!

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