In another thread the cost of lessons was mentioned. How much do you pay for lessons, how long do they last and do you think you get good value for money?
For any of the fencers that I coach reading this thread - from what I've seen so far, I'm a bargain!!
I can afford more, but I am keeping it 1x/week for two major reasons:
1. TIME! Until Sarah's company sponsors me, I have to work. *sigh*
2. I like having a week to practice, study, and "get the hang" of what I am taught.
I am getting a great value; I am improving greatly (though I think I have reached a "plateau" right now - I knew it would come someday! I know it is only temporary...) My wallet is still intact, and I have even worked out an "unspoken" deal: I assist him with the group lessons he gives to the club each week. (He teaches the masses, and I fine tune). A fringe benefit is that I am gaining coaching experience (learning what to look for, how to make corrections, how to teach beginners, etc.)
I sometimes get lessons (20-30 minutes) from my club´s by far best fencer. He is an alum from the National fencing high school, has undergone a formal teaching course, as well as getting teaching experience from his father, who is head trainer at the national fencing high school. He also has respectable competitive results: several team medals in the Sw. Championships, and also good results in the indivudual ME. Price: for free.
In Hobart - I'm paying $10 for a 30 minute lesson. Thats 6.71 US at current rates. In Brisbane I pay $17 for a 20 minute lesson but that include floor fees - thats 10.50 US!
Theses are evil....VERY evil, someone rescue me pls!
I pay 25 USD for a 20 minute one on one lesson for my son.
The coach has extensive international experience.
Paolo
"He is a man of splendid abilities but utterly corrupt. He shines and stinks like rotten mackerel by moonlight." "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats."
For those of you who are shy about posting how much you're shelling out for lessons and whether they're worth it, please feel free to PM me. I promise not to tell anyone if you think you're being ripped off or think your coach sucks
A lot depends on the venue. for one thing i pay dues to a club where i can go in and use a weight room, take a shower, sauna, steam get a towel and get strawberry smoothies, join any class and dribble a ball, it's about $65. per month. So any extras for classes would be somewhat of a stretch.
Private lessons, to be arranged could be anything depending on the coach's reputation.
It's like taking a piano lesson: My first piano teacher was paid $2.00 per hour when I was seven years old, he was a retired fireman; my last teacher went to Julliard and wanted $25. for a half hour, and that was a while ago; today a Julliard graduate could charge $100 an hour.
If you take guitar lessons from BB King, you'd pay $100/ for 15 minutes just to take notes, but if you took a guitar lesson from my cousin Phil, he'd pay you.
$20 US for thirty minute lesson. My coach is (in my opinion) one of the best in the world, sending fencers to world championships from two countries. In one year i improved drastically, moving rating-wise from E01 to A03.
Originally posted by Jupiter A lot depends on the venue. for one thing i pay dues to a club where i can go in and use a weight room, take a shower, sauna, steam get a towel and get strawberry smoothies, join any class and dribble a ball, it's about $65. per month. So any extras for classes would be somewhat of a stretch.
i pay $30 a month we meet once a week used to be two and we do footwork and a one on one private lesson depending on how many people show up the private lessons differ to 30 min to an hour and then we all fence each other....theres more expensive clubs around but my coach is most qualified and has the most expeirence....
Originally posted by a517dogg $20 US for thirty minute lesson. My coach is (in my opinion) one of the best in the world, sending fencers to world championships from two countries. In one year i improved drastically, moving rating-wise from E01 to A03.
Once a week I drive an hour to a club of which I am not a member and take lessons during open fencing (wednesday nights). It's usually a half hour, once a week, for 20 dollars, including a 10 dollar floor fee.
I think it's definetly worth it, as I've improved alot since I started, going from being a 'D' to where I am right now which I'd describe as a high level 'C' and Im on my way up.
Running out of leftover christmas money tho
"Their interpretation is, however, refuted most elegantly by your system of radioactive atom + amplifier + charge of gun powder + cat in a box"
-Albert Einstein, in a letter to Erwin Schrödinger
$10 (that's Canadian) for a 10 - 20 minute lesson, mainly depending on how well I do (the better I do, the longer the lesson) pretty darn steep for a student with only a part-time job, but well worth it and in summer when there's usually a bit more money I take as much as 4 a week. I nmy previous club I was charged a flat fee of about 90$ per 2,5 months and that wa scalled "all lessons you can handle" but was more like "all lessons you can beg/pray/threaten your coach into." Generally not a bad idea but not for a club with one coach who is constantly busy with tons of newbies.
Hi
Here is a copy of my coach's price list:
Club membership R120-00 pm
Beginner special R395-00 2-month course
1 individual lesson per week R230-00 pm
2 individual lessons per week R345-00 pm
3 individual lessons per week R400-00 pm
More per week on request
As I said $1 = approx R7.50 or L1 = R12.00
Coaching is relatively cheap (compared to the rest of the World), especially considering the quality coaching we get!!!
A lesson lasts approx 20 minutes.
We also have a group lesson on Saturday mornings involving foot work, fitness etc, its sheer murder: I havent gone to one in over a month because I got really sick a month ago...
cant wait to resume next week, I know, I am a masochist...
Okay, well, not really. Last semester I paid 45 euros for a semi-private, 6 student class. It was twice a week, an hour and a half each time. I could have private lessons during this time if I asked.
During the Semesterpause, a three month long break where there are no university classes, it was free. 6 hours a week with free fencing and all the private lessons I wanted. The lessons basically last until I get tired and need a break. Sometimes the price ran as high as a beer at the bar after fencing!
Next semester (starts Monday), I'm paying 20 euros, again for the whole semester, for free fencing. Private lessons are possible when the coach isn't otherwise occupied.
My new coach just told me I can come to his other classes (every day if I want) to fence against some better fencers. Also, the most advanced guy in our club goes across the border to France once a week to take class with our old coach, and I'm invited as well. Free ride + free lessons.
I know I'm pretty lucky to have this set-up. My coach jokes that it's because he wants to be able to say I-coached-her-when...
When I get back to Canada in August, I'll pay guest fees at a club for the month until school starts up again and then it's 30$ CDN for the year.
