Financial Philosophy and Policy
Valley Women’s Martial Arts is dedicated to offering instruction in safety strategies and empowerment skills, regardless of a student’s ability to pay for classes.
Each participant’s survival, positive development, and well-being depends on collective as well as individual strength, support, and resources.
At VWMA, every member’s contributions are valued. Valley Women’s Martial Arts is not a typical martial arts school. We are a nonprofit community organization founded in 1977 that teaches self defense, karate, modern arnis, and healing and strengthening exercises on site and at various locations throughout the area and beyond. The school is governed by a steering committee made up of students, teachers, and others who are interested. Monthly school meetings are open to the participation of all VWMA members. We rely on students’ monthly dues, membership fees, and fundraising activities to keep the school running. We receive grants, donations, and contributions to support special projects and workshops.
When you join VWMA you have access to group and private instruction with nationally and internationally recognized Black Belt teachers and advanced students. The dojo (school) space is available for private workouts, group practices, independent meditations and special events. There is a nominal rental fee for use of the facilities by non-members.
What does it cost to train at VWMA?
The answer to that question is up to you.
(Another way we’re not like most martial arts schools!) To help you figure out what your dues are, we offer a suggested scale or range that you may use as a guide. Please understand that this guide is very general and does not take into account a huge range of factors that could affect the amount you are able to pay. When figuring out your dues, consider your circumstances. Inheritances, investment income, gifts and windfalls tend to increase your ability to pay. (Tax deductible charitable contribution arrangements are available.) You may need to pay less than the suggested amount. Medical bills, unemployment, number of dependents, etc., may factor into your decision. If you are a self-supporting student, retired person, or single mother, for example, you may need to adjust the suggested dues category. We are open to helping you arrange whatever makes it possible for you to attend programs at Valley Women’s Martial Arts.
Suggested Monthly Dues
| Your Income | Suggested Monthly Dues |
|---|---|
| up to 9,000 | $5-20 |
| 10,000-18,000 | $25-40 |
| 26,000-35,000 | $65-80 |
| 36,000-50,000 | $85-100 |
| 19,000-25,000 | $45-60 |
| 50,000+ | $100+ |
Whatever your monthly dues, you are encouraged to help out with all the work that keeps the school going -- regular clean-ups, discussions about school policy and procedure, organizing fundraisers and other events, contributions to the Shuri Spiral school newsletter, making suggestions and requests that will improve VWMA’s programs, etc. Just ask, there’s always something interesting, enlightening and necessary to do.
Membership Fee: Students pay a $35, non-refundable membership fee (renewable each Jan. 1)
Testing Fee: The fee for belt testing and promotions is $25 ($10 to age 12)
Fee Waivers: Any fee may be waived by the Head Instructor if necessary.
