Does anyone's kids do karate?

My son just started. Long story short, he can't do sports like soccer, baseball, etc. because though he's extremely atheletic, he is WAY too competetive and hard on himself and losing or not being the best is way too upsetting for him.

Anyways, so after 4 long years trying sport after sport, we've given up that it's something he will outgrow or be able to be talked out of and we've going to avoid all competitive type things for him indefinitely.

So, karate seemed like the perfect thing and so far, it really is. He's gone to 4 classes now and he's really enjoying it. He has ADHD and the karate also really helps his focus, which is a surprising added bonus.

Problem is, we've just done a month trial, which you can only do one time. Then they want a commitment for ONE YEAR. It's $1,400 for the year. (That's for two 45 minutes classes per week) YIKES. And it's a contract you sign, not just a promise.

I really want him to do something outside of school, but I hesitate to commit to anything for one whole year, especially for an 8 year old. There are other karate studios around, but this one is by far the best and everyone I've talked to has nothing but wonderful things to say about it.

What do you guys think?

It depends on how much he likes it, and how much you think he is going to stick with it.  My parents had us do karate classes for a while... and I remember LOVING it.  My brother and I would always check with the lady at the desk to see if we we're moving up a belt yet... every week :)  It was really good for my brothers self esteem too

If you think he might not stick with it - find a less expensive class that has less of a time commitment, and maybe do that for a year, and if he really likes it enough, and it keeps helping him focus like this - then go for this better studio :)  That way, if it ends up not working out, you don't lose all that money or are stuck in a contract.