Read more: Local, Call4action
MISSION -- A Mission family issued a Call 4 Action after getting out of karate classes contract cost them $600.
Iliana Lerma told Action 4 News that she feels like she’s playing a tug of war game after trying to cancel a contract with Texas Martial Arts.
“They were very nice at first, willing to help, saying if we wanted to cancel, they’d help us out," Lerma explained.
Both she and her husband considered enrolling their son in classes for the unforgettable experience they advertise.
She said her husband took a tour and brought home a contract.
After they discussed it they realized it was more than they could afford in their budget and sent a letter to cancel the contract.
"When we actually tried to cancel and my husband went back to get the contract papers, that's when the man said, 'No, you already signed the contract that money is ours'," Lerma recalled.
The contract states cancellations must be sent by certified mail within three days or you will be billed monthly.
But the Lerma family mailed in their letter on May 16, four days after touring the facility.
Texas Martial Arts owner Jason Solis said the rules are spelled out in black and white in the contract he showed us.
“Martial Arts is a commitment that we expect people to take seriously," he said. "We love training with them and in order to make sure they are measurable results, we do like to see people finish their entire term of agreement."
Lerma said the program is good and appreciates what they do for children.
“But when it comes to families realizing they can’t pay those fees, he should be understanding about it," Lerma said.
She said she understands a cancellation fee, but $600 dollars is steep.
Meanwhile, every month the bill isn’t paid she is charged a $10 dollar late fee.
Solis told Action 4 News that there are already about ten students enrolled in his class and paying the monthly fee but do not attend.
“We're more than willing to charge a small cancellation fee, for the time and paperwork to process," Solis said. "We'd be more than glad to do that. Even better, we'd be more than glad to have Issac come in and experience the benefit of training with us still."
