I have to say that our experience with Premiere has been an extremely disappointing experience all the way around. My child saw a demonstration at a Cultural Arts Day at school and was eager to try the program. Mr. Doss gave an exciting demonstration and let all of the children have a turn to break a piece of wood. That is a big hook. We were told if we signed up that day we would get a special discount. He never indicated it was a six month contract with no way to get out if it didn’t work out for your child. He never said they would be using weapons. He never said the classes would be so full there was hardly any room for the children, and he certainly never indicated that there would be various other fees and charges for mandatory equipment for gloves, back packs, tee shirts, weapons, DVDs. Each time they meet they talk about what a great deal it is to be in the “Black Belt” Club….but he never mentioned that it is more expensive. So you pay $100 a month for 2 30 minute classes per week, where you children wait in line to do their activities. He has binder in his office that outlines the additional fees, which I had to ask to see. It was not shown during the registration. I found out about it when I was asked for an explanation regarding the requests for additional money. First it was $139 and the next request was for over $300. \r
Also, I gave information for the bills to go on my credit card and yet they were automatically withdrawn from my checking account - without my concent! The account was taken from the check I wrote at registration. Not good.\r
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I did bring my concerns to Mr. Doss and was dismissed. He was extremely patronizing and honestly very intimidating. When I told him I was uncomfortable with the use of weapons he started demonstrating the use of one very close to me. It was kind of creepy. That is when I realized they were talking about teaching discipline, but they are really teaching blind devotion. I could not let my child participate in a program when I felt we were tricked and deceived. I never would have registered my child if I had known about all of the extra charges and the fact that they use weapons. I should have done my homework and really asked questions about the financial aspect. He gets the kids so excited because they broke a piece of wood and is so vague about the pricing that you have signed up before you know what happed.\r
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I have to say they keep the kids in line and Mr. Crow seemed like a genuinely good teacher. Too bad the culture of commerce is so pervasive. So it was an extremely expensive mistake. \r
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Oh and I did do my homework and found several other martial art programs that don’t make you sign crazy contracts, or use weapons and all of the details were given clearly and upfront. \r
Cons: Price, billing, weapons
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