Welcome, nygenxny. I'm new too. I miss some of the instructors from The Wat!
So I spoke with one of my instructors about sparring and he told me that since I've only been a member for 2 months, I'm not allowed to spar. But he did offer to spar with me and told me that the gym was offering a special right now--2 personal training sessions for $140. He said that if we train together, he would assess my skills to determine whether or not they would make a special exception for me to attend the sparring classes. Sounds like a ripoff, doesn't it??
that's a complete ripoff!
you: hi, i'm [dilbert/bas rutten] and i just joined this gym, my goals are to [not get pushed around at the office/train in secret and eat your face], and i'd like to join your sparring class.
them: ok [dilbert/bas rutten], well since you just joined i personally don't know how good you are without you paying an exam fee or purchasing personal trainer sessions, so tell you what, just for THIS TIME ONLY i'll give you a discount for 2 sessions at $140, and you know what? just because i think you're a great person and have potential i'm gonna throw in a free gym towel too!
you: well that seems unreasonable, couldn't i just [spar with you for 5 mins/liver kick you till pee blood] and you can assess my level then?
them: no no, we have process here that after 6 months and a $30 test THEN we know your level is good enough and at that point you'll be able handle sparring, but hey you know what? i like you so i'm gonna cut you this special deal where i charge you some money in order to make sure you're ready.
seriously?? wtf, i don't know what their deal is, if you want to spar you should be able to spar. the absolute best way to get better is to get in there and go against people better than you, even if they want to keep the sparring classes to just the "pros" the instructor shouldn't be trying to slimeball squeeze you for money like that.