I cant believe an ATA Karate for kids school who teaches kids Integrity, Respect, Loyalty, Courtesy and Dedication DO NOT practice what they preach and stand as the main violators of what they teach. What a lack of ethics.
My three sons attended the Karate for kids school in Suwanee GA where they are going to receive their 1st degree black belt in May 08. We were approached by the head instructor who also advised us that he was a partner in the school and that he has a great package deal to offer us. The package deal was a Leadership Family package that would pay for Tuition, belt testing, gear/weapon, Trainee instructor certification and an Event package. All of these items showed a complete price breakdown.
I advised the head instructor that I would not be interested in the event package as it does not meet my needs. But after several sale pitches, I was told that they are modifying the event package so I paid the amount in full (mind you that this was almost 10k).
Six months later I was approached by the same instructor offering me another package for 2nd degree which I immediately declined. Again, this was a sure sign that they were only looking for money. During the last six months, the head instructor/partner was immediately let go and Mr. Lee (Grand Master son) stepped in to take over as head instructor.
A meeting was set up to evaluate if we would like to proceed on to 2nd degree. I immediately informed Mr. Lee that we need to discuss the first contract because the EVENT package was not honored (value at $1236.00). I explained to them that I was due a refund of that amount and after several meetings it was agreed that it would be credited. They provided an offer for 2nd degree and subtracted the amount from the overall tuition. (This is another issue. As I notice they do not have a standard chart for base tuition I was quoted more than 3 different base amount before any discount was applied). Another breakdown was provided for 2nd degree which included the CREDIT amount which I paid for in advance. Two weeks later, my kids informed me that they decided not to pursue 2nd degree. I contacted the school and informed them that we would not proceed on and to request a full refund for 2nd degree and the credit amount as well. I also provided a written letter of cancellation.
In addition, due to poor record keeping they didnt even have a copy of the Family event package breakdown sheet in my file. I had to provide them with a copy of what my super over priced amount covered. The partners didnt have any problem taking my money but when I requested a meeting with them. I was immediately directed to the new head instructor.
Well the nightmare begins. My kids are still in progress of 1st degree and I was told they are not going to refund anything including 2nd degree which we have not even started. Later I received a call the office administrator telling me that they will refund the 2nd degree amount but will honor the Event package but will not refund the amount. I advised them that if we are no longer attending classes why would we want to continue to come to karate for kids? They continue to deny me the refund.
After further investigation I found that the amounts they listed in the event package were three times as high as they should be. Im still fighting this battle with them and still cant believe that they teach Integrity, Respect, Loyalty, Courtesy and Dedication but remain to be the major violators of these codes. This is a MAJOR warning to all parents that Karate for Kids is only concerned about taking your money. Everything else is irrelevant. Please check out BBB and other websites to see what youre getting into before signing up for this rip off school. I was amazed to see just how many other customers was being RIPPED OFF. My plans are to continue this fight until I am reimbursed or see if a clash action law suit can be filed against ATA karate for kids.
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