I am writing because I want you to be warned. I wish someone had warned me...
This studio may seem convenient and the owner, Andy Fanelli, may seem ""nice"" but don't be fooled and don't make the mistake of joining this studio.There are other much nicer studios within a mile radius (and in Los Gatos) but more importantly, there are people who actually do a good and decent job teaching martial arts. This studio does not.
First please be aware that the owner, Andy Fanelli, will do his best to get you to join his studio. You may think he will be teaching your child. VERY unlikely. He is in his office on his email, pulling down his blinds and glancing around and then barking out commands from his office chair to the young (high school) black belts who are teaching the classes. If he knows a potential customer is in the studio, yes he'll be out there in the studio. But if not, the real deal begins. What he presents his studio to be is NOT what it really is.
Once you're on the hook for the monthly or yearly contract, just try to get out of it. He states on the reviews that he writes that he has a money back guarantee. HA!! Just try to get your money back. He has been successfully sued for bad business practices many times. Look at the reviews real people have written and pay close attention. You will have to wade through false reviews that he writes for himself.
Two important things to consider: This studio teaches old forms that are not recognized by the TKD community, meaning Jr. Olympics, Olympics, etc. Also, the belts given by the studio are considered ""Gym"" belts and have no standing nationally or internationally. If you decide to transfer to a real TKD facility you will have to start with the basics and then earn your belts.
Another thing I care about and want to share is that Andy Fanelli has no qualms about spraying heavy duty cleaning chemicals all over the floor while students are breathing hard and working out. In January (2012) when my daughter got in the car from APTKD she stunk so much due to her feet being completely covered in cleaning fluid and the bottom of her TKD pants damp as well that we had to have the windows open on the way home. This can't possibly be healthy for anyone, let alone children. I've tried to talk with Andy about cleaning after the students have left but he doesn't listen.
Trying to get away from this studio has been like trying to get gum off your running shoe on a hot day while walking on asphalt.
There are much better places that are close by and are run by kind and decent people. Please do your homework and make the right decision for yourself and your family.
more