When a student tells you they are thinking of quitting

Leaving to join a gym

I am really sorry to hear that you wish to leave us, I understand you are joining a gym?  I find this such a surprise as normally it is the other way around.  I can certainly understand how you feel though, perhaps you have become bored with your training or maybe the flexibility of the gym is really appealing, I know that other students have felt the same way.  But what most people find when they leave us to go to another fitness establishment is that it is just NOT TMA.  Our culture, friendly classes and top-notch instruction sets us apart from everything else.  How do we know this?  Well so far this year 22 students who left us for similar reasons have returned to train with us.  So before you decide to see if the "grass is greener" on the other side of the fence, lets arrange a time when we can discuss your training and look through the attached timetable to see if we can find a more challenging class for you?  Have you considered (KRAV/KB/HYPER/CAGE) etc?

Cannot afford membership anymore - lost job

I am really sorry to hear about your employment situation!  I know how you feel, it’s a scary thought to find out that you need to look for work, and I know that many other people have felt the need to quit training when they have found themselves in the same situation, but many people also found that whilst they are looking for work maintaining a sense of normality for their (CHILD / THEMSELF) can be just as important as saving money.  There is nothing like having the opportunity to make your classes, enjoy yourself and put distance between you and your worries.  In my own experience I remember losing my job for 6 months, fortunately I was able to continue my membership because I decided that I would budget for the fees.  I am so glad I did because now I am a (INSERT GRADE) and a Professional Instructor.  If you are still concerned about paying your membership, I can make an appointment for your to meet our Chief Instructor as he might be able to offer you a temporary reduction in your membership for a lesser amount until you are back in full time employment.  Chris is available (SEE SHIHAN AND SUGGEST TWO DATES), please let me know if you would like to meet with him?

Cannot afford membership anymore - other commitments

I am really sorry to hear that you wish to leave us, I understand that you are taking up (ANOTHER SPORT / ACTIVITY).  I know how you feel, its really exciting to take up a new activity, and many people have felt the same way, but what they found was that (INSERT STYLE) actually helps their training.  You see (STYLE) will boost your physical fitness, because our training is essentially High Intensity Interval Training, I am sure you have felt way more energised after your classes.  So imagine if you combined both activities, you would excel in both! So before you quit, let me arrange a time for you to come in and discuss what you are looking to achieve in your new activity and I am sure we can work out a plan to help you excel in both.

Cannot make classes - scheduling issue

I am really sorry to hear that you want to quit training because our classes don't fit into your schedule, I know that other students have felt the same way, but what they found was by changing their classes to a different night and making use of our lunch time classes they were still able to make their training and many have enjoyed the classes even more.  Each one of our instructors has a different approach, yes all lessons are pre-planned but what makes TMA such an amazing place to train is how each class is delivered.  So before you quit please take a look at the attached timetable and let me know which classes you would like to attend instead?  Also, have you tried (KRAV, KB, HYPER, KBK, CAGE)?

finding it too easy

I am really sorry to hear that you wish to quit training because the lessons aren't hard enough, many people have felt the same way, but they found by changing to a different class, perhaps an intermediate or advanced one that their training has become much more challenging.  The more you progress through your grades the harder the training is designed to be, but what you won't realise is that your fitness will also improve, so maybe you should look at your training in a much more positive light?  You are way fitter than you thought you are, and this is why you have breezed through each class.  Before you quit though, please let me have a word with your regular instructor, I can ask them to make you do more in each class, I am sure they will be able to devise a way to make your classes much more challenging :)  Have you tried (KRAV, KB, CAGE or HYPER) yet? 

Finding it too hard

I am really sorry to hear that you wish to quit training because you are finding the classes quite challenging, trust me, I know how you feel.  When I joined the academy despite my previous experience I found the sessions very challenging, a lot of our students have also felt the same way, but they found through a couple of private lessons they were able to catch up and now enjoy every minute of every class.  Yes, each class will be challenging, but your fitness will definitely improve and please let me reassure you that you'll look back on this in a few months time alot fitter and happier about your abilities.  So before you quit training, please let me arrange a couple of FREE private lessons, I have two classes available on (CHECK TIMES, DATES and SENSEI availability.  Only offer SHIHAN for high brown or black belts).  Can I book you in for this?

going to another martial art

I am really sorry to hear that you wish to quit training for another martial art school.  I know how you feel, sometimes the training we do here at TMA can feel like it is repetitive and maybe even boring, many students have felt the same way.  But usually they find that once the novelty of their new martial art school has worn off, that the training can feel repetitive again.  Instead of leaving us, please can we arrange a time for you to come in and meet with me so that we can learn more about what you are looking to achieve in your training and then work out a plan to help you achieve it?  We can have a quick chat before or after your next class, alternatively we can meet on (TIME, DATE ETC)?

found a cheaper school / more convenient

I am really sorry to hear that you are leaving us to go to another school, I understand that they are cheaper than our academy and whilst I am sure you have done your research I just wanted to make sure that you are fully aware of what to expect at the new school.  Firstly, let me tell you that I know how you feel, on paper we might seem more expensive than other martial art schools, many students have felt the same way, but what they found when they enquiried with the other school was all the hidden costs that they would incur when they switched.  You see Shihan Chris, our Chief Instructor set up our membership scheme so that there are no hidden costs.  For instance, with our scheme your student insurance is included, in many other schools they make ask you to pay up to £40 per year.  Grading and all examinations are included under our membership, other schools often charge for this and most charge between £25 and £50 every 3 months for grading exams.  You may also find that there is very little flexibility in their timetable, often there are only two classes per week and if you missed a class due to sickness or holiday there would be no opportunity to "make up" those classes.  As you know TMA offers many classes at convenient times throughout the week, weekends and even at lunchtimes so you can always find a class that is convenient to your schedule and not miss the classes you pay for if you go on holiday or are ill.  Finally, take a look at the instructors qualifications and on-going training.  Shihan Chris invests many thousands of pounds in on-going training for his instructors, we are always attending seminars, learning new techniques and learning how to teach.  Everyone here has a DBS certificate (the old CRB), First Aid training and many hours of teaching experience.  Finally, please remember that unless you quit training or upgrade, your membership fee will never increase.  So if your child is (AGE) 4yrs old his fee will remain the same until they are 18.  Likewise, adults memberships remain the same.

wants to compete

I am really sorry that you are quitting because you want to compete.  I know how you feel, we practice kickboxing but don't often compete unless we are sparring in class.  Other students have felt the same way but what they found when the left us for a fight club is that many promoters are not concerned with adhering to light contact competition, often the fight becomes full contact within a few seconds.  Many of those students who have left us have sadly ended up with injuries that have taken them away from martial arts.  As you know, TMA is not a fight club but we do have many competitive opportunities such as the Red Mist or Kumite events and Interclub tournaments, so unless you are happy with getting injured in un-controlled bouts then please re-consider.  The next event we have coming up is:- (DAY, TIME, EVENT)

finding the training repetitive / bored - BEGINNERS

I am really sorry to hear that you wish to quit training because you are finding the training (REPEAT/BORING etc) .  I know how you feel, sometimes the training we do here at TMA can feel like it is repetitive and maybe even boring, many students have felt the same way.  But they find that once they start moving up through the grades and attend intermediate and advanced classes there is so much more too learn.  We have a great phrase that sums up our training, "The mother of all skill, is repitition".  Our instructors are experts in getting you to practice the same techniques over and over again, only you might not realise it as they know how to disguise repetition.  If you are feeling un-challenged right now, just remember how you felt in your first class, you have progressed better than you know.  Black Belts are not earned overnight and if they could be, would you really want one?  Before you leave us, let me arrange for you to have a couple of FREE Private 1-1's with an instructor,  they'll help you to learn some new techniques and can discuss a training plan for when you are ready to move up to a more advanced class.  I have two classes available with (CHECK INSTRUCTOR AVAILABILITY AND OFFER TWO DATES & TIMES ETC)?  NB - Do not offer Shihan for these classes unless no other instructor is available.

finding the training repetitive / bored - INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED

I am really sorry to hear that you wish to quit training because you find the lessons boring, many students have felt the same way, but they found by changing to a different class, perhaps an intermediate or advanced one that their training has become much more challenging.  The more you progress through your grades the harder the training is designed to be, but what you won't realise is that your fitness will also improve, so maybe you should look at your training in a much more positive light?  You are way fitter than you thought you are, and this is why you have breezed through each class.  Before you quit though, please let me have a word with your regular instructor, I can ask them to make you do more in each class, I am sure they will be able to devise a way to make your classes much more challenging :)  Have you tried (KRAV, KB, CAGE or HYPER) yet?

moving house

I am really sorry to hear that you are moving out of the area, I wish you every success with your future training please feel free to come and visit us in the future, you would be very welcome.  Would you like me to recommend a school in your area, Shihan knows alot of instructors in the UK, I am sure he can recommend someone.

general wants to quit but hasn't really informed us why

I am really sorry to hear that you wish to quit training.  I would be really grateful if you could either phone me back or email me with your reasons for leaving?  We are always keen to learn how we can improve our service to you and it would be really useful feedback.  I look forward to hearing from you very soon.

Exams

I am really sorry to hear that you wish to quit training due to exam / school pressures.  I know exactly how you feel, althought it has been a long time since I was at school I can remember the pressure in the lead up to exams, a lot of your fellow students have felt the same way, but many of those who stuck with their training actually found that a couple of hours a week of intense exercise helped them to cope with the stress and was a great outlet for their energies.  I have spoken at length with many school teachers on this subject and they are adamant that students should always perform some sort of exercise during this time because it helps to stimulate the mind and promotes a great feeling of well-being.  In fact, I can think of at least 20 students who have all progressed through their exams recently whilst maintaining their training here at TMA.  Success stories include Glenn Tanner, he left school with 10 GCSE's at A passes, he even had three A stars, Glenn is now at Nottingham University.  Jenni Cannon left with 10 A Star GCSE's and is now at Uni in Newcastle.  You might think that these two students are exceptions to the rule, but both of the cite their martial arts training as the cornerstone of their education.  Before they joined us they were un-focused and without our intervention they might not have scored as high.  Regardless of your aptitude at school, you can only benefit from training for the reasons I mentioned, and I would encourage you to re-consider.

Wants to concentrate on other sports

I am really sorry to hear that you wish to leave us, I understand you are taking up XXXXXX.  I know how you feel, many of our members have felt the same way, but as we offer so many other styles and activities here at TMA they have found that they can continue to enjoy their new sport whilst training here at TMA.  For instance, we work a lot on developing speed, power, timing, flexibility and
co-ordination in our classes these skills are obviously important in any sport plus you will learn effective techniques for self defence.  So before you go, have you tried (HYPER, KRAV, KB, CAGE) yet?  You will find these classes enjoyable and very worthwhile.  Before you go, let me arrange for you to take a couple of FREE 1-1 Private classes with one of our instructors, we can come up with a training plan to run alongside your new sport so you'll be very effective in both, meanwhile feel free to try out some of our other classes.

Felt Bullied in class

Wow, I am so sorry to hear that you felt bullied in class, we run a zero tolerance on bullying, in fact it is a core aspect of our training here at TMA.  Please let me have all the information, time, date, persons involved and we’ll conduct a full investigation.  In the meantime, lets arrange for you to attend different classes, have you tried (KRAV/HYPER/KB/CAGE)?

Parking 4-6pm

I know how you feel, there are times when even we cannot find parking on the industrial estate, and other parents have felt the same way, but they found that by parking in the public car-parks only a few minutes away from TMA they could walk with their children to the door of the academy and back again in safety without having to worry about finding a place to park.  As we are in a residential neighbourhood there is ample street parking at this time of the day, and we'd encourage you to make the use of this too.  The only stipulation we must make is that children are escorted on to and away from our reception, the industrial estate is not We appreciate that parking is an issue during this time period, we are on a busy industrial estate and at this time of night most of the estate users are leaving for home.  We ask that all children are escorted to our door rather than dropped off outside or allowed to walk in by themselves - for their safety.

Parking - darkness in car park

I know how you feel, other students have felt the same way but they soon found the confidence that our training gives will mean you are not intimidated by dark spaces.  Yes, the car park does have some limited lighting and we appreciate it can be intimidating at times and very dark in places.  We can only encourage you to park in the luminated areas or call us and well come and escort you inside.  We are in discussion with our landlord about upgrading the lighting.

Don't like sensei

I know how you feel, other students have felt the same way, but what they find is that actually all of our instructors are very friendly and likeable people, its just that they are leading a class of people learning a contact sport, sometimes instructors need to enforce the rules for your own safety and it can come across as a negative at times.  We strive to make sure that our instructors are the friendliest people in the academy, we're sorry that you didn't like the sensei that you had, if you still feel the same way could we recommend that you try classes with another instructor?

experienced student from other style in beginners class

I know how you feel, other students have felt the same way but they soon realise that despite previous experience they will always learn something new and if the don't, they'll get a great workout regardless.  In the words of Bruce Lee, "empty your cup".  We understand that a person with experience of a previous martial art will have pre-determined perceptions about how a class should run, we also expect you to approach training at TMA with an open-mind and attend the beginners classes until you have been assessed and are ready to move up.  We don't intend to hold anyone back, likewise we have a training process that everyone must follow regardless of experience. 

not traditional enough

I know how you feel, other students have felt the same way but they soon discovered that TMA covets the traditional aspects of martial arts training such as the important life skills of respect, discipline, hard work, integrity and honesty. At TMA we like to blend this with a modern approach to classes which we realise doesn't always meet the expectations of students.  We find this mix of old and new to be very popular with students, we can only ask you to look not at the style you are being taught but what you are learning and judge our classes by how you feel at the end of them.

too strict

I know how you feel, other students have felt the same way but they also found that our strictness is part of our duty of care for their safety.  We are engaging in a contact sport, therefore discipline is paramount, there is a fine balance between being too strict and ensuring safety within the class.  At all times our professional instructors have a duty of care for the students they are teaching, we need to make sure that our classes are as safe as possible for all concerned.

not enough attention from Chief Instructor

I know how you feel, other students have felt the same way, but they found that our Chief Instructor is always approachable but often just like a Headmaster in a school he cannot always give his attention to each and every student every time they are at class. Chris has personally trained the entire team and each instructor receives monthly training and progress checks, not to mention the various courses they attend on behalf of TMA.  Chris is always available to discuss your individual training requirements if you would like me to arrange an appointment I have two dates available (check with Shihan) which would you prefer?

not enough attention from sensei in class

I know how you feel, other students have felt the same way but they found that as they progress with their training they needed less attention than those who are struggling with the class topics.  That said, we try to keep our class numbers to just under 30 so the student to instructor ratio is proactive and our instructors are tasked with giving attention to each and every member of the class, obviously people learn in different ways and it can take some people longer to learn a particular skill, but I will let the instructor know and they can try to improve in the future.

Still wants to quit despite best efforts but states they want to return in the future

I am sorry to hear that you have taken this decision, I certainly know how you feel there have been many times in the years previous to turning Professional that I wasn’t able to make it to class due to work.  A lot of students have also felt the same way, which is why we have introduced the Membership Suspension Scheme (see attached).  Basically, following your April payment your membership will go into suspension and your existing grade will be held for up to 12 months.  It also guarantees that when you return your membership fee will be at the rate that it was when you joined rather than being subject to the prevailing rate, which at present is some £20 per month more than you are currently paying.  The students who wanted to quit but genuinely want to return when their situation calms down have found this solution to be very beneficial.  If you would like to take the MSS please complete the form and return it to us before the end of March, so that we can process it with our billing company.               Oh, and here is the best bit about the MSS it costs just £10 per month AND when you return all monies paid will be deducted from your first or even second month of fees, so there really is an incentive to return!