In shortMartial arts and gym training carry a real risk of injury. Tell us about any medical condition before you train, follow your coach, train within your limits and tap early. Sparring is always your choice. Nothing here takes away your rights if we are negligent.
Who this agreement is with
This agreement is between you and Horsham Mixed Martial Arts Academy Limited (company number 11993810, registered in England and Wales, registered office 2 Kings Court, Harwood Road, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 5UR), which trades as SWBJJ (Sonny Weston Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu), The Farm, Horsham Muay Thai, K-Cal Café and Yin Yoga with Lydia at Unit T, Blatchford Road, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 5QR. Those are all names of the same company: whichever name is on the class, the agreement is with Horsham Mixed Martial Arts Academy Limited.
“We”, “us” and “the academy” mean the company, its coaches and its staff. “You” means the person training. If you sign for a child, you sign as their parent or guardian: where this agreement asks you to tell us things or follow rules, it applies to your child’s training too. Nothing in it affects your child’s own legal rights.
What it covers
Every class, open mat, private lesson, seminar, grading and competition-team session we run, the strength gym, yin yoga and any other activity we organise, at The Farm or anywhere else.
What you are taking part in
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (gi and no-gi), Muay Thai, boxing, open mats, strength and conditioning, the strength gym and yin yoga. Grappling and striking involve takedowns, throws, joint locks, chokes, strikes, pad and bag work, sparring and close physical contact with other people. Gym training involves heavy weights and equipment.
Your instructor explains the training methods used, including how to tap out, how to train safely with a partner and what is and is not allowed at your level. If anything is unclear, ask before you start.
Sparring and live rolling are always your choice. You can sit out any round or say no to any partner, and you never have to spar to stay a member.
The risks
Martial arts involve a risk of injury, even with good coaching, sensible rules and careful partners. Injuries can include bruises, cuts, sprains and strains, dislocations, broken bones, joint and ligament damage, concussion and other head or neck injuries, and skin infections. Injuries can also happen in the gym, for example from a dropped weight or from using equipment the wrong way. Rarely, an injury can be serious or permanent.
You accept that the practice of martial arts involves these risks, and you choose to take part.
Your health
Please tell us about any medical condition that could affect your safety on the mat or how we should help you in an emergency. For example: haemophilia or another blood disorder, epilepsy, a nervous system disorder, a heart condition, diabetes, asthma or another breathing condition, a psychological or mental health condition, and any other condition, recent injury, operation, pregnancy or medication we should know about.
You can add these to your profile in the app (we only store them with your consent, and only the coaches and first aiders who need them can see them) or tell a coach privately before you train. Tell us straight away if anything changes. We ask so we can keep you safe and make reasonable adjustments: we will talk to you about any changes needed rather than turn you away.
You do not have to tell us about a blood-borne infection. Everyone follows the same hygiene: do not train with an open wound or a skin infection, and coaches stop training for any bleeding until it is cleaned and covered.
If you have had, or might have had, a concussion, stop training straight away. Follow a graduated return, and do not spar, roll or do any contact training for at least 21 days or until you have no symptoms, whichever is later, and until a doctor has cleared you if you were told to see one. If in doubt, sit it out.
You confirm that you are fit to train and that, as far as you know, nothing makes it unsafe for you to take part. If you are not sure, check with your GP first.
On the mat and in the gym
- Follow your coach’s instructions. The coach running the session has the final say.
- Tap early, let go as soon as your partner taps and stop when you are asked to.
- Train within your ability, and tell a coach if you are injured, feel unwell or dizzy, or are out of your depth.
- Wear a gum shield for striking sparring, and gloves, shin guards or other kit when your coach asks.
- Keep your nails short, take off jewellery and wear clean kit.
- Use the strength gym only after an induction from a coach, and follow the gym rules in the club rules.
- Do not train under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
First aid and emergencies
If you are injured or taken ill, our staff may give first aid and call the emergency services. If you cannot make decisions for yourself, we will act on the advice of the emergency services and contact your emergency contact. Tell a coach about any injury before you leave, so it is written in our accident book.
What we do
We run every session with reasonable care and skill: coaching suited to each level, rules that keep training safe, a clean mat, equipment that is checked and looked after, first-aid equipment on site, and we stop anything that looks unsafe.
Liability
Nothing in this agreement limits or excludes the liability of Horsham Mixed Martial Arts Academy Limited, or of its coaches and staff, for death or personal injury caused by negligence, for fraud, or for anything else the law does not allow to be limited. Signing this does not mean you accept the risk of injury caused by our negligence.
Apart from that, we are not responsible for injury, loss or damage that comes from the ordinary risks of martial arts and gym training described above when we have not been negligent. We are not responsible for belongings brought to The Farm unless their loss or damage is caused by our negligence.
If an injury would affect your work or income, we recommend personal accident insurance.
Declaration
I confirm that my instructor has explained, or will explain before I train, the training methods used. I accept that the practice of martial arts involves a risk of injury. I have told the academy, in the app or in person, about anything that could affect my safety in training, or there is nothing to tell, and I will tell the academy if that changes.
If I am signing for a child under 18: I have parental responsibility for them, I consent to them taking part, and I am aware of the nature and potential risks of their participation in martial arts.
This agreement is governed by the law of England and Wales. Your statutory rights are not affected.