STANCE JIU-JITSU ACADEMY

PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT, ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND LIABILITY WAIVER

IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. THIS DOCUMENT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS.

1. Acknowledgement of Inherent Risk

I acknowledge that participation in martial arts and combat sports, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), involves inherent, unavoidable and significant risks of physical injury.

These risks include, but are not limited to: grappling, joint locks, chokes, throws, takedowns, strikes, physical contact, falls, collisions, and use of training equipment and facilities.

I understand that injuries may occur despite reasonable care and may include minor injury, serious injury, permanent disability, or death.

2. Voluntary Participation and Assumption of Risk

I confirm that my participation is entirely voluntary.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, I knowingly and voluntarily assume all risks, whether known or unknown, foreseeable or unforeseeable, associated with participation.

3. Medical Declaration and Self-Responsibility

I confirm that:

• I am physically and medically fit to participate
• I have disclosed any relevant medical condition
• I have sought medical advice where appropriate

I accept full responsibility for:

• Monitoring my own physical condition
• Deciding whether to participate or continue
• Immediately stopping if I feel pain, discomfort, or risk

I understand that the academy does not provide medical supervision.

4. Compliance with Rules and Safety Instructions

I agree to comply at all times with:

• All instructions given by instructors or staff
• All safety, hygiene, and conduct rules
• Any decision made by staff regarding my participation

I acknowledge that failure to comply may result in immediate removal from training without refund.

5. Release and Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, I waive, release and discharge Stance Jiu-Jitsu Academy, its owners, directors, instructors, employees, contractors, and agents from any liability for injury, loss, or damage arising from participation.

• Any liability which cannot be excluded under the laws of England and Wales

6. Indemnity

I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Stance Jiu-Jitsu Academy and its representatives against any claims, damages, losses, or costs (including legal fees) arising from:

• My conduct during participation
• My breach of this agreement
• Any claim brought by a third party as a result of my actions

7. Partner Training and Acknowledgement of Contact Risk

I understand that training involves close physical contact with other participants.

I accept the risks associated with:

• Partner actions
• Skill differences between participants
• Accidental injury during drills or sparring

I agree to train responsibly and respect safety signals (e.g. tapping, verbally saying stop).

8. Hygiene, Health and Infectious Risk

I confirm that I will not participate if I have:

• Any contagious illness
• Open wounds, infections, or skin conditions

I accept the risk of exposure to illness inherent in group training environments.

9. Personal Property

I acknowledge that the academy is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings.

10. Photography, Video and Media

I consent to the use of my image (or that of the minor) for marketing and promotional purposes.

I understand that consent may be withdrawn in writing by email to info@stancejiujitsu.com

11. CCTV and Surveillance

I acknowledge that CCTV operates within the premises for safety, security, and incident review purposes.

12. Minors

Where the participant is under 18:

• The parent or legal guardian agrees to all terms
• Accepts full responsibility for the minor
• Confirms authority to sign this agreement

13. Entire Agreement

This document constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes any prior representations.

14. Severability

If any provision is held invalid, the remainder shall remain fully enforceable.

15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This agreement shall be governed by the laws of England and Wales.

Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

16. Declaration

I {name}, {dob}, {start_date}, {membership_title},  confirm that:

• I have read and understood this agreement
• I understand the risks involved
• I accept that this is a legally binding document
• I sign voluntarily
  
  
  {sign_date} 

EQUALITY POLICY
Stance Jiu Jitsu Academy is fully committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion among our workforce, members, participants, and volunteers (collectively referred to as our ‘Stakeholders’), and to eliminating unlawful discrimination in all its forms.

Our goal is to create an inclusive environment that reflects all sections of society—one where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered to give their best.

In providing our space and services, Stance Jiu Jitsu Academy is dedicated to ensuring that no customer, member of the public, or Stakeholder is subject to unlawful discrimination.

Purpose of This Policy:

• Promote equality, fairness, and respect for everyone in our community.

• Provide a welcoming, inclusive space free from discrimination.

• Eliminate any form of discrimination under the Equality Act 2010, including the protected characteristics of:

  • Age

  • Disability

  • Gender reassignment

  • Marriage and civil partnership

  • Pregnancy and maternity

  • Race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin)

  • Religion or belief

  • Sex and sexual orientation

• Eliminate discrimination based on socio-economic background, ensuring that everyone feels equal, safe, and welcome.

• Actively oppose and prevent all forms of unlawful discrimination.

Our Commitments at Stance Jiu Jitsu Academy:

• Foster equality, diversity, and inclusion as core values in our academy and community.

• Take action to eliminate discrimination, including:

  • Direct discrimination – treating someone less favourably due to a protected characteristic.

  • Indirect discrimination – applying a policy or rule that disadvantages certain individuals unfairly.

  • Bullying – using power to humiliate or undermine others.

  • Victimisation – punishing someone for raising concerns or complaints in good faith.

  • Harassment – unwanted behaviour that violates dignity or creates a hostile environment, including sexual harassment. This may also be subject to criminal law under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

All forms of discrimination toward any Stakeholder at Stance Jiu Jitsu Academy will be treated as serious misconduct. Complaints will be taken seriously and addressed promptly and appropriately.

We will continue to:

• Maintain a training environment free from bullying, harassment, victimisation, and unlawful discrimination.

• Promote dignity, respect, and appreciation for differences among all Stakeholders.

• Provide training and guidance to staff, coaches, and volunteers to ensure understanding of their rights and responsibilities under this policy.

• Offer equal opportunities for development and progression, with decisions based on merit and free from bias, except where specific exceptions are legally permitted.

Complaints Procedure:

Any Stakeholder who feels they have experienced unfair treatment under this policy is encouraged to raise the issue through our formal grievance process. All concerns will be investigated thoroughly, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken where necessary. Anyone submitting a complaint in good faith will not face retaliation. However, knowingly false or malicious claims will be addressed accordingly.

Updated: 02 May 2025
Stance Jiu Jitsu Academy

STANCE JIU JITSU ACADEMY LTD

MEMBERSHIP TERMS & CONDITIONS

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING. THESE TERMS FORM A LEGALLY BINDING AGREEMENT.

These Terms & Conditions ("Agreement") govern the relationship between Stance Jiu Jitsu Academy Ltd ("the Academy", "we", "us") and the Member ("the Member", "you").

By purchasing a membership, attending classes, using the Academy's facilities, or participating in any Academy activity, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to be legally bound by these Terms & Conditions.

1. Membership & Billing

Membership fees are payable by Direct Debit or any other recurring payment method approved by the Academy.

Membership is charged on a rolling monthly basis from the date of enrolment unless otherwise agreed in writing.

The Member is solely responsible for ensuring that payment details remain valid and that sufficient funds are available on the payment date.

Failure to receive an invoice, reminder or payment notification does not remove the Member's obligation to pay membership fees when due.

2. Payment Obligations

Membership fees must be paid in full on or before the agreed payment date.

If payment is not received:

• the Academy may immediately suspend the Member's access to all classes and facilities;

• the Member remains liable for all outstanding membership fees;

• access will only be restored once the outstanding balance has been paid in full.

The Academy reserves the right to recover any outstanding sums owed under this Agreement.

Where payment remains outstanding after reasonable payment reminders have been issued, the Academy reserves the right to:

• refer or assign the outstanding debt to a licensed debt collection agency;

• commence legal proceedings to recover the debt;

• recover any reasonable debt recovery, administrative, legal or court costs where recoverable under applicable law.

Nothing in this Agreement affects the Member's statutory rights under the laws of England and Wales.

3. No Fixed-Term Contract

Unless otherwise stated in writing by email info@stancejiujitsu.com, membership is ongoing and continues until cancelled in accordance with these Terms & Conditions.

There is no minimum membership term.

4. Cancellation by the Member

Members may cancel their membership at any time by providing a minimum of 30 days' written notice.

Notice must be sent by email to:

info@stancejiujitsu.com

The notice period begins on the date the Academy receives the cancellation request.

Verbal notice, text messages, WhatsApp messages, Facebook messages, Instagram messages or simply stopping attendance do not constitute valid notice.

5. Notice Period & Continued Billing

During the 30-day notice period:

• membership remains fully active;

• Members continue to have full access to their membership benefits;

• all scheduled membership payments remain payable.

Choosing not to attend classes during the notice period does not reduce or remove the Member's payment obligations.

No refunds, credits, freezes or prorated adjustments will be given for unused membership during the notice period.

6. Non-Attendance

Failure to attend classes does not:

• cancel membership;

• suspend membership;

• freeze membership;

• reduce membership fees;

• remove any payment obligation.

The Member remains fully responsible for all membership fees until cancellation has taken effect in accordance with this Agreement.

7. Freezing of Membership

Membership freezes are granted solely at the Academy's discretion.

Any request must be submitted in writing by email.

Approval of one freeze request does not create any obligation for the Academy to approve future requests.

The Academy reserves the absolute discretion to refuse any freeze request where it considers it reasonable to do so.

8. Illness, Injury and Personal Circumstances

The Member acknowledges and agrees that membership fees remain payable regardless of personal circumstances.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• illness;

• injury;

• surgery;

• pregnancy;

• work commitments;

• change of employment;

• travel;

• holidays;

• relocation;

• financial hardship;

• family commitments;

• changes in personal availability.

Illness or injury sustained outside the Academy shall not entitle the Member to:

• cancel membership without the required notice;

• receive any refund;

• receive any credit;

• receive an automatic freeze.

Where the Member requests a freeze due to exceptional medical circumstances, the Academy may, entirely at its discretion, request reasonable supporting evidence before considering the request.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Academy, all payment obligations continue throughout any period during which the Member is unable to attend classes.

Nothing in this clause affects the Member's statutory rights.

9. Bank Holidays and Planned Closures

The Academy may close, either fully or partially, during:

• UK Bank Holidays;

• Christmas;

• New Year;

• planned maintenance;

• staff training;

• Academy events;

• competitions;

• other reasonable operational requirements.

Membership fees are calculated on a rolling monthly basis and are not based upon a guaranteed number of classes each month.

Accordingly, no refund, credit, extension, freeze or compensation shall be provided for closures falling within the Academy's normal operating calendar.

10. Conduct and Safety

Members must:

• Follow all instructions given by coaches and staff
• Respect all safety and hygiene rules
• Train responsibly and safely with others
• Respect the dojo rules, staff, and internal policies

Failure to comply may result in suspension or termination without refund.

11. Health and Fitness

The Member confirms they are physically fit to participate.

The Member is responsible for monitoring their own condition and stopping if necessary.

Participation is undertaken at the Member’s own risk.

12. Personal Property

The Academy accepts no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings.

13. Changes to Timetable and Services

The Academy reserves the right to make reasonable changes to:

• Class schedules and timetables
• Instructors
• Class formats or structure
• Facilities or services

Such changes may be required due to operational, staffing, safety, or business needs.

The Member acknowledges and agrees that:

• Class schedules are subject to change
• Availability of specific classes is not guaranteed
• Membership is not tied to any specific class or timetable

Accordingly:

• No refunds, credits, or compensation will be provided
• Payment obligations remain regardless of attendance

The Academy will use reasonable efforts to provide notice of significant changes.

14. Limitation of Liability

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability for:

• Death or personal injury caused by negligence
• Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation
• Any liability that cannot be excluded under law

15. Governing Law

This Agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales.

16. Jurisdiction

The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction.

17. Acceptance

By signing up for {membership_title}  and/or attending classes, the {name}, {dob}, {address},  confirms that:

• They have read and understood these Terms
• They agree to be legally bound by them