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Donovan Faulkenbury wrote:
My thanks to all the comments so far. I didn't mean to sound rude or ungrateful to my sensei, and I do manage to pay my dues every month and sit out when I cannot afford it. My main reason for posting was that I thought it would be acceptable to make exceptions depending on the individuals situation.
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I don't think it's a matter of acceptability so much as practicality. Most dojos are very lean operations, and they have bills that have to be paid in cash -- they can't barter services with the bank or the electric company. A dojo may be able to carry a few non-paying members, but for the most part, they need you to pony up.
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Donovan Faulkenbury wrote:
As for the "teaching free" comment, i didn't mean to sound high and mighty about it. I merely have always wanted to teach the arts, and would be happy to instruct others without charge if I could. I've helped at a couple places before, and have tried numerous times to get an aikido club together, etc..
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But in those situations, you're not the one paying the rent, are you? Someone else is footing the bill, so you can afford to remain pure.
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Donovan Faulkenbury wrote:
However, from the responses I've gathered that full payment is necessary if nothing else but to keep Sensei's honor in tact by not trying to cheat him or work deals that would cause friction amongst other students. Although it would never be my intention to cause any disrespect to Sensei, even if he were to say that one could train at discount or free for a short period of time, it would comprimise his integrity for making exceptions. .
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I don't think it's about compromising integrity. I think that the reasons for paying to play are 98% practical. Beyond that, yes -- if you are receiving something of value, you should be willing to pay for it.