A Note to Those Who Wish to Contact Us
Folks, when you contact me please write an intelligent and complete inquiry. Here are some examples of letters that I get so you can understand why I am writing this.
Each is in its entirely:
"I can't wait to hear from you"
"I really like this art, please respond"
"Tell me about it"
None of these asks a question or informs me of the writer's intentions nor entices me to answer with anything other than a terse answer. If you are truly interested take the time to write something of substance even if it's only one sentence. Please ask a well formed and pertinent question and I will gladly and quickly answer it. I know that many schools are anxious and happy to 'sell' or promote their services to you. I have no need or desire to do this as I do not make my living from teaching it so I've got nothing to sell but I have a tremendous amount to share.
Thank you, respectfully,
JoeMcS
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How the Classes Work
For many years I owned and maintained a studio. Doing so means that you must generate a certain amount of income just to keep the door opened. This burden falls upon the students because that is the source of your income. Due to this many schools develop ways of generating income through the means of belt rankings and regular tests you must pay for. This means it’s a business plain and simple and you must work out of a business model. I fully understand and appreciate that and realize this is the sole source of income for many people. For me this is not about a business it is about teaching an art in the way I find most simple and pure without wondering how I am going to pay the rent. My income is not derived from my teaching and nothing that I do with Jook Lum is dictated by money. For this reason all of my classes are essentially one on one instruction as opposed to a group work out and you get an actual ‘lesson’ once a week for your fee. As fast as you learn is as fast as you are taught assuming you are of good and kind character. I normally hold class once a week on Tuesday night contingent upon my work schedule. There are other classes in the area that are held by advanced students of mine. I ask a very tiny donation each month that I send to my Sifu. You most likely spend more on coffee a week that I ask for. So if you want a school with all the trappings you won’t find it here. If you want to find serious martial arts training in a friendly and respecting environment you are welcome to check us out. We invite those who have a true interest in this art to come visit and see if there is harmony between us. There are always rank beginners here so please have no fear about starting. We are here to nourish the student, not hurt them, so come open and relaxed. We are very informal. We hope to see you soon. PS - Since Covid and the near demise of my job I have started a liaison with Dennis Jones at his Dragon Force karate school in Brookhaven PA. I have been teaching there on Tuesday and Thursday nights when I am not traveling. The website for this school is: https://dragonforcekma.com/ |
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