Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/20/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On 6/13/2023, I signed a three year contract with Ko's Martial Arts Academy ******************************************************. I made a down payment of $190, and over the past year a total of 11 additional monthly payments at a rate of $135.00, as well as 3 belt tests at a rate of $60 each, totaling $1,855. I made clear at the time I signed the contract that my main goal was self-defense. After the trial class I expressed concern to Master ** that there seemed to be a lot of children. He assured me that they are able to work with adults as well. Over the past year, the majority of my time during self-defense/ sparring practice was spent "sparring" with a child aged 3-10 years old. More often than not, the child would not even behave or participate at all. I allege that Master ** was not forthcoming during our initial meeting, and had I known I'd be spending my time paying to be a babysitter, I would have looked elsewhere. I also allege that Ko's Martial Arts Academy did not fulfill their obligations of our contract, as most of my time was spent trying to get children to behave themselves. **'s offered an accommodation that two days a week I could attend a more advanced class, so that only one day I would have to play babysitter. I am seeking a rescission of contract and do not want to be billed by **'s Martial Arts, and I would like to be reimbursed for the month of June, 2024 in the amount of $135.00.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/24/2024

  When the student signed the 3 year membership, the contract was explained and the reasons to cancel are stated clearly on the contract. At the time of students enrollment, an adult only class was not offered and that was also clear. Upon hearing of the students concerns (on 6/5/24), we immediately tried to accommodate to her needs. We offered an adult class,informed her of class times that had other adult female students and instructors, and also informed her of sparring classes that she could benefit from. The student refused to try any of the options we gave her. The student admitted to seeing improvement in her health, strength, balance, and kicking/striking in the year she attended our school. With all of these improvements,student still wishes to cancel her membership 1 year into her 3 year membership.Kos Martial Arts Academy has been in business for 48 years. We are a family here and care about the well being of all our students. That is how we received the best Martial ********** in ****************** as well as many other awards over the last 48 years.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/27/2024

  When the student signed the 3 year membership, the contract was explained and the reasons to cancel are stated clearly on the contract. At the time of students enrollment, an adult only class was not offered and that was also clear. Upon hearing of the students concerns (on 6/5/24), we immediately tried to accommodate to her needs. We offered an adult class, informed her of class times that had other adult female students and instructors, and also informed her of sparring classes that she could benefit from. The student refused to try any of the options we gave her. The student admitted to seeing improvement in her health, strength, balance, and kicking/striking in the year she attended our school. With all of these improvements, student still wishes to cancel her membership 1 year into her 3 year membership. Kos Martial Arts Academy has been in business for 48 years. We are a family here and care about the well being of all our students. That is how we received the best Martial ********** in ****************** as well as many other awards over the last 48 years.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/02/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined the response would not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below. 
  
  [Provide details of why you are not satisfied with this resolution.]
  
  Regards,
  
  *************************
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/02/2024

  I apologize for not responding sooner. I was unaware I only had 30 minutes to formulate a response, which I find odd. Why is there only a 30 minute time period in which I can respond? Here is my response in case you wish to continue.
  
  I regret we will be unable to negotiate outside of a courtroom. In their correspondence, Kos Martial Arts Academy gaslights me regarding my experience there. They promised during the time of my signing that they could work with adults, but instead I worked with small children aged 3-10 for an entire year, then was offered insufficient accommodations that do not work with my schedule. They claim that I claimed that I saw an improvement in my health, strength, balance and kicking. Though I do see an improvement in my kicking, I never made any such claims about my overall health. In fact, I have had to go on a medication that has affected my strength and balance and caused muscle weakness. Kos Martial Arts Academy has told an outright lie when they made these claims. If my experience there were as positive as theyd like to insist,we would obviously not be in negotiation with the Better Business Bureau. I find this gaslighting to be unprofessional and completely bizarre.
  ******* even admitted to me in an email that she was faced with the same problem I have been having in regard to practicing self-defense with small children. This tells me that Kos Martial Arts Academy already knew this practice was inappropriate and not effective for adults, yet they allowed me to waste a year of training in this manner. Kos Martial Arts Academy has been operating for 48 years; they should understand by now that an adult practicing self defense with a toddler is not appropriate.
  I feel lied to, betrayed, and taken advantage of by Kos Martial Arts Academy.