Why KarateBuilt Doesn’t Charge Belt Testing Fees (And What Else Is Included)

By Chief Master Greg Moody, Ph.D.

KarateBuilt Martial Arts in Cave Creek doesn’t charge belt testing fees. Tuition covers uniforms, sparring gear, belts, special events and Parent Nights Out, and every family starts with 2 Weeks Free PLUS a Bonus FREE Uniform.

Call the school at (602) 737-2098 and book your kid’s first class this week.

A testing fee changes the conversation at your dinner table

As far as I know, every martial arts school around Cave Creek charges a fee every time a student tests for a new belt, except us. Parents usually find out after they’ve already enrolled (right around the first test night).

Do the math on a kid who tests several times a year and that fee becomes a second bill nobody planned for. Now there’s a money question sitting next to the “are you ready?” question… and kids hear both.

If you’ve had that second conversation, you’re not a bad parent and you didn’t miss anything. A lot of parents have had that same conversation.

A belt test is the proudest night of a kid’s semester.

For years, we charged testing fees because, well… all the other schools I grew up in did and all the schools around did. It is still standard practice in the industry. Once day about 20 years ago as out testing (we call graduation) approached I saw Emily, a 7 year old, crying after class.

“Hey what’s wrong?”, I asked

“Mom just told me I can’t get my green belt because she couldn’t afford to pay for my graduation.”

Right then and there, before any students had paid, I abolished testing fees.

Three reasons we don’t charge for belt tests

The test belongs to the student. We call each testing cycle a semester, and a semester runs 8 to 9 weeks. A student tests when the instructor sees they’re ready, and if a kid needs one more semester, that is about their skills (the fee was never part of it).

It keeps the instructor honest. When the school earns nothing extra from a test, the only reason to promote a student is that the student EARNED it. Ask to see the requirements for your kid’s current rank and the next one. We’ll walk you through exactly what gets tested and why.

You can plan the year. One tuition covers everything, so there’s no extra bill on test night or a gear list the week sparring starts.

What’s included in tuition at KarateBuilt

Uniforms. Your kid trains in a proper uniform (some schools call it a dobok), and it’s covered.

Sparring gear. When your kid reaches contact training, the gear is already taken care of.

Belts. Every new belt your kid earns is included.

Special events. We have tons of these! They include: Parent night out for Valentines Day, Ninja Night, Nerf Wars, Harry Potter Night, and my favorite: Jedi / Sith Training!

Parent Nights Out. Included. All of the above plus more are designed so we watch the kids and the parents get a night out to refresh and relax!

No belt testing fees. Not at any rank, all the way to Black Belt!

Want to see it on the mat? Call (602) 737-2098 and start your two free weeks.

How to compare schools when nobody posts a price

KarateBuilt doesn’t list prices online. I want you to see the school, meet the instructors and watch your kid in class before money ever comes up. That’s also why the first two weeks are free.

DON’T say: “What does it cost?”

SAY: “Is there a fee every time my kid tests? Is the uniform included? Who pays for sparring gear? Are new belts included? Are events and parent nights extra?”

Write the answers down. At KarateBuilt the answer to all five is the same: it’s included!

What happens during your kid’s two free weeks

You come in, your kid trains, and you watch. You see the instructors, the class size and how your kid responds before you invest a dollar. Your kid also gets a Bonus FREE Uniform ($199 value) to train in.

Even in just a week you’re going to be amazed at what your child learns and how they grow in confidence and discipline. They will learn real self defense against bullying, abduction and other safety skills. By the second week that will have noticeably better discipline at the school and at home!

At the end of two weeks you’ll know whether your kid likes it, whether you like the instructors, whether the schedule fits your family, and whether your kid walks out of class excited to come back.

What parents see when their kid keeps showing up

Kids who come to class consistently are the ones whose parents see the change at home. I was speaking to Kim Hanson , mother of Ryan: “Ryan was spending at least 6-7 hours a day on the computer, but since starting Karate 2 months ago, he has spent a lot less time on the computer, more time outside – he’s a much happier boy! Thanks Guys!”

I’ve taught over 18,000 students since 1991, more than 1,800 of them to Black Belt, and my schools were #1 8 years in a row.

“The magic is there’s no magic.” Chief Master Greg Moody, Ph.D.

Summary: what Cave Creek parents get at KarateBuilt

Frequently asked questions

How much does KarateBuilt Martial Arts in Cave Creek cost?
KarateBuilt doesn’t list prices online. Families start with a free two-week trial and a free uniform, and tuition is all-inclusive with no belt testing fees.

Does KarateBuilt charge belt testing fees?
No. KarateBuilt does not charge belt testing fees at any rank.

What’s included in KarateBuilt tuition?
Uniforms, sparring gear, belts, special events and Parent Nights Out, with no belt testing fees.

Do I need to buy sparring gear separately?
No. Sparring gear is included in tuition.

How do we get started?
Call (602) 737-2098 or visit the school at 29850 N. Tatum Blvd. Suite 105, Cave Creek, AZ 85331 to book the first class of your two free weeks.

Your next step

Call (602) 737-2098 to book the first class of your two free weeks, bring the five questions, and if anything’s unclear you can always reach out to us before then.

See you at the school!