Gideon Terms & Conditions

These terms & conditions must be agreed to by all adult members.  

(Parents/Guardians must agree on behalf of Junior Students - 16 years or under)

Signing up to one of our memberships implies acceptance to these terms & conditions

At my own risk and responsibility I understand that I am about to take part in Brazilian jiujitsu training and I recognise that is a full-contact combat sport. This means that participation comes with inherent risks, that may result in injury serious and may even result in death. I will be learning to immobilise my opponents by choking or causing trauma to the joints, I recognise that everyone who participates in Brazilian jujitsu at some point will have a minor injury.

I confirm that I will not train under the influence of drugs or alcohol. I will in form the instructors of any pre existing injuries or health issues and I understand that any pre existing injuries my be worsened by training as a result. I will take this into consideration before attending a class and if an instructor believes that I am unfit to training he or she can dismissed me from the class. However it is still my own responsibility to inform the instructor and stop training until I’m fully recovered.

I also know that it is a contact sport and that it exposes me to viruses and illnesses. And I will not be attending class if I do have any contagious illnesses and the instructor can ask me to leave if they believe that I am not well enough to take part of the lesson.  

Keeping all this in mind I am still willing to go forward .

Safety

• Listen to your instructor at all times.

• Be aware of using strength over technique. Take care of your training partners. Do not crank submissions.

• Always respect the tap.

• Learn to fall properly.

• Be aware of your surroundings.  If you think you might fall off the edge of the mat and/or collide into others - stop, move and reset.  

• You must agree to be willing to receive first aid.

• Ensure your emergency contact details are shared and up to date.

• As BJJ are close contact sports, you agree to not train while sick or afflicted by any infectious condition (eg. ring-worm).

• I understand that no one at the Gideon BJJ has given students the authority to use any of the techniques taught on any person other than in training, matches, or demonstrations, where the student and the instructor have agreed that they are sufficiently trained and qualified to do so. I also understand that the student does not have the authority to demonstrate their martial arts outside of the lesson, or in the absence of an instructor.

• Leave your ego at the door.

• Tap early.  Tap often.

• Ensure you have the appropriate safety GI and remove all jewellery when training

• Always disclose relevant medical conditions. (see medical conditions)

• Know what and when to eat.  Don’t train on a very full or very empty stomach.  Try eating a banana 20min before class and making sure you are hydrated.

Hygiene

• Don’t walk on the mats in your shoes or flip flops.

• Do wear flip flops or shoes when you go to the toilet.

• If you have any cuts tape them up.

• Don’t forget to cut your nails.

• Wash your uniform after every use.

• Maintain a high standard of personal hygiene

Club Etiquette

• Listen to instructors at all times

• Act with integrity, humility, honour and respect.  Remember you are a representative of our club and our sport both on and off the mat. 

• Intolerance of any kind will not be tolerated. EVERYONE should ALWAYS be made to feel welcome.

• Always try to be helpful and supportive of your training partners

• Don’t brag about / celebrate tapping/beating an opponent out during training.

• We reserve the right to discontinue training for any student that we deem as disrespectful or persistently disobedient and their behaviour is detrimental to the other students training.  Discipline is embedded in the culture of martial arts, and is required for training. 

• Our Instructors undertake to teach discipline and instil the confidence and self-belief needed for students to avoid aggressive situations in the first place. The classes are designed to equip students with the knowledge to defend themselves only when placed in a potentially dangerous situation.  (We ask that parents/guardians remind their children of the consequences should the techniques that are taught be used inappropriately.)  

• Be an example to lower belts. 

• You’re never “too good” to drill the day’s technique like the others.  Respect the fundamentals.

• Even when tired - still try your best.  Work hard.  Be positive.  Don’t give up.

• Ask for help if you need it - both on and off the mat.  We think of our students as part of our martial-arts family and we are there to help and support each other in all aspects of life.

• Watch your language - kids train.  Be an example.

• Do not talk while the instructor is showing a technique.

• Don’t stop drilling a technique until the instructor tells you to stop.

• Do not leave the mat during class without the instructor’s permission.

• Don’t leave a mess and clear up after yourself

• Turn your phone on vibrate or silent mode. (unless a major event is expected in which case let your instructor know.)

• Let your Instructor know if you expect a lengthy absence from classes.

• Always respect the tap or a partners request to “calm it down”.

Membership & Payments

• The club will set the level of class fees and will review such fees periodically. 

• A paid up membership fee is required for training. Payments must be made in advance.

• Memberships are non-refundable

• Monthly class fees cannot be “carried over” if unused.

• Discounts / scholarships can be given at the head instructor’s discretion.

• We may change the Club opening times or withdraw any of the classes at any time if we need them for events, tournaments, exhibitions, holidays or other special activities. 

• It is your responsibility to ensure class fees are paid in a timely manner.

• Should you wish to cancel your subscription you may cancel at no extra cost up to 28 days before your next payment.

• In general we do not pause and restart monthly memberships for short periods. If you require that a monthly membership is paused for a number of months, please let us know via email at jraggi@gideonbjj.co.uk and with at least 1 months advanced notice.

RISK ASSESSMENT

ADVISORY OF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Safety is not the sole responsibility of instructors and staff. Everyone in class is responsible for their own safety and the safety of those around them. All students have the right and responsibility to excuse themselves from any exercise they believe will be harmful to them. All students must evaluate each situation in the context of their skill and current physical condition, and conduct each drill in a manner that is safe. If an instructor gives an instruction that is unsafe for the student, it is the student’s responsibility to inform the instructor that the activity may be unsafe. The instructor will routinely excuse the student from unsafe exercises and drills. The instructor may ask for an explanation, and the student is expected to provide one. All students have the responsibility to train and conduct themselves in a manner that helps all students and instructors remain safe. Students must give those who are training enough room to avoid interfering and avoid being accidentally struck by someone else practicing, which is especially important when others are practicing with weapons. In the event of an injury, students have the right and responsibility to evaluate the extent of harm, stopping what they are doing even if it includes a partner, and determining if it is safe to continue. Unless a student is certain that further practice will not create or worsen a problem, all students are encouraged to stop what they are doing and inform the instructor. In the event of a serious injury or the appearance of a serious injury, all students, instructors, staff and visitors notably parents, have the right to call a stop to a particular training exercise. If a student notes an unsafe training situation, which may include a student performing a skill incorrectly, a student not showing due regard for the safety of others, a defective piece of training equipment, a potentially dangerous obstacle or condition on the floor, or anything else that may cause or lead to harm of the students, instructors, visitors or guests, then the student is expected to correct the situation if it is within his ability or to notify an instructor or staff member immediately. If something is simple to correct, such as removing an obstacle from the floor, the student should correct the situation. If the situation may require the authority of the instructor or staff, or if it is not a simple matter, then the instructor or staff member should be notified immediately.

ASSUMPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES AND RISK

Martial Arts training is a potentially dangerous activity. Bumps, bruises, scrapes, scratches and soreness are commonplace, and most students will encounter this sort of minor injury from time to time in their training. More serious injuries are possible, including sprains, strains, twists, cramps, and injuries of similar magnitude, and the student can be expected to encounter these injuries frequently. The possibility of more serious injuries exists, including broken bones, torn ligaments, though not all students encounter such serious injuries. There remains, despite safety precautions, the remote possibility of crippling or death, though this is certainly not expected in this martial arts class. I understand the above statement of risk, and I understand the rights and responsibilities of students. I assume responsibility for my own safety (or the safety of my child), understanding and accepting the risks involved with martial arts training. Even if the instructor has informed me that no serious injuries have ever happened in this school or with any of the instructors, I understand that this does not mean that there is not possibility of harm. By assuming this risk, I completely absolve all instructors, staff, guests, students, landlords, management companies and any and all other parties of liability for my harm, unless intentionally caused in criminal conduct.

NOTICE AND CONSENT TO INSTRUCTORS

This school seeks to make use of highly trained professional instructors, with both expertise and experience both in the art(s) that we teach and in teaching. Classes may be taught by the head instructor or any other qualified instructor. Should an instructor be unavailable for a given class, a junior instructor, senior student or guest instructor may teach. The choice of the instructor is left to the discretion of the school. I understand that I may not always have the instructor I desire, but I shall seek to learn from whoever is teaching, to show the respect due to the position of teacher to whomever is teaching, and to conduct myself in accordance with the etiquette established at this school. I understand that I have the responsibility for my own safety without regard to who may be teaching the class I specifically consent to any instructor of the school, instructors or staff feel are sufficiently qualifies by standards they set to teach the class. I specifically understand and agree that the full force of this document applies no matter who is teaching.

NOTICE OF PHYSICAL CONTACT

Complete martial arts training involves a wide variety of skills. While practicing these skills, students may have contact with any portion of the body. The groin may be the target of kicks, strikes or grabs. The chest, buttocks, groin or any part of the body may be contacted by any part of the training partner’s body during training with martial arts techniques, or incidentally contacted while performing a martial arts technique which targets another portion of the body. When male and female students train together, or when adult and minor students train together, and in any other training combination, the purpose and intent of the school, instructors and staff is to provide an environment for all students to learn and practice martial arts and self-defense. Students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately at all times to ensure the best training results for everyone. Should any student feel that a training partner is engaging in contact beyond the scope of training, or a training partner is taking undue and unacceptable advantage of training contact, or if a student is make uncomfortable by any training exercise or partner, then that student has the right to withdraw from the exercise or drill. If the contact of a training partner appears inappropriate, the student should inform the instructor privately. If the conduct of the training partner or any training partner appears criminal, then the instructor should be informed and the authorities may be notified either by the student or the instructor, or both.

CONSENT TO PHYSICAL CONTACT

I understand the nature of physical contact in martial arts training, and I understand that I have the right to immediately withdraw from any exercise or drill in which the contact of any party seems beyond the scope of training and makes me uncomfortable. I agree to abide by the school etiquette in all manners pertaining to training, and I shall not in any way conduct myself inappropriately or take inappropriate advantage of the contact martial arts training allows. INDEMNIFICATION BY PARENTS Applicable only to parents enrolling a minor child. I agree not to bring any claim or suit against the school, instructors, staff, guests, students, landlord, or any other parties on behalf of my child for any injury or harm sustained by any event short of a criminal act, and then only the criminal shall be the subject of such a suit. I further agree that I will not cause to be brought, nor encourage a claim or suit. I also agree not to cooperate in the bringing of such a suit or claim except insofar as I may be legally required to do so. Finally, I shall indemnify the school, instructors, staff, guests, students, and any and all additional defendants covered by this agreement for all judgments, costs, attorney fees and other expenses incurred as a result of a breach of this agreement.

ARBITRATION CLAUSE

Should any dispute arise between me, my child, or anyone acting on behalf of my child, regarding this school, then I specifically agree that the dispute shall be resolved in binding arbitration. Should a suit be filed in Court, I specifically authorise the Court to order the case to a binding arbitration.

SEVERABILITY

If any clause, sentence, phrase or statement is found unenforceable or invalid by any Court of Law, the remainder of the document shall remain valid enforceable and the invalid clause, sentence, phrase or statement shall be struck from the document.

DURABILITY

This document is effective from the date signed with no expiration. Furthermore, the terms of this document are retroactive to the beginning of training and visiting this school if this document was signed after that date.

AUTHORITY TO TREAT

I, give the instructors, staff and responsible adults the power to authorize medical or other treatment of the student named subject to the limitations listed below, if any. If I am not the named student, I am the parent, guardian or responsible adult for the named student and I have legal right to grant this power. Treatment may be made without regard to whether I or any other parent, guardian or responsible person has been contacted or has consented to the specific treatment, provided it does not conflict with the limitations outlined below. This authority begins on the date signed and continues indefinitely.

By granting my authorization, I assume responsibilities for all decisions made, provided they are reasonable decisions under the circumstances based on the knowledge and understanding of the person making the decisions, and I trust their judgment and offer the benefit of the doubt to them in any claim or legal proceeding. This presumption may only be overcome by clear and convincing evidence that they acted with malice or wilful gross negligence, and if so they may still be liable. I understand that the instructors, senior students, or others may have some skills in first aid, CPR, and at their discretion, I authorize them to use those skills and techniques to assist in any circumstance in which they judge their skills would be necessary or helpful.