Signup

By signing this document, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to the following terms before participating in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), grappling, wrestling, submission grappling, fitness training, strength and conditioning, open mat sessions, seminars, competitions or any other activity provided by The Zahra Circle (“the Gym”).

1. Acknowledgement of the nature of the activities

I understand that martial arts and combat sports are physical activities involving contact with other participants and/or training equipment.

I understand that participation may involve:

• Grappling, wrestling, takedowns, throws and ground fighting
• Joint locks, chokes and other submission techniques
• Physical contact with training partners
• Falling, being taken down or landing on the mat
• Rapid changes of direction and body position
• Physical exertion and elevated heart rate
• The use of training equipment
• Close physical proximity to other participants
• Accidental or unintended contact

I understand that these activities carry inherent risks, including the possibility of injury, even when appropriate instruction, supervision and safety procedures are followed.

2. Risks of participation

I acknowledge that injuries can occur during training, including but not limited to:

• Bruising, cuts, abrasions and mat burns
• Sprains and strains
• Muscle, tendon and ligament injuries
• Joint injuries and dislocations
• Fractures
• Head, neck and spinal injuries
• Concussion and other head injuries
• Dental injuries
• Respiratory difficulties
• Illness or infection
• Cardiovascular events
• In rare circumstances, serious injury, permanent disability or death

I understand that the risk of injury may be increased by fatigue, inadequate fitness, failure to follow instructions, training beyond my physical capabilities or inappropriate behaviour.

3. Voluntary participation

I confirm that I am voluntarily participating in the activities provided by the Gym.

I understand that I am responsible for communicating with the coach if I am uncomfortable, injured, unwell, unable to perform an exercise safely or require an adjustment to an activity.

I understand that I may stop participating in any activity at any time.

I will not deliberately perform techniques in a reckless or unnecessarily dangerous manner.

4. Health and medical conditions

I confirm that, to the best of my knowledge, I am physically capable of participating in the activities for which I enrol.

I agree to inform the Gym of any medical condition, injury, illness, medication or other circumstance that could reasonably affect my ability to participate safely.

I understand that the Gym and its coaches are not providing medical advice or medical treatment.

If I am unsure whether I am medically fit to participate, I understand that I should seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional before taking part.

I agree to inform the Gym if my health circumstances change in a way that may affect my participation.

5. Following instructions and Gym rules

I agree to:

• Follow reasonable instructions given by coaches and staff
• Follow the Gym’s health and safety rules
• Train within my own physical capabilities
• Use equipment appropriately
• Tap or verbally submit when I am caught in a submission or otherwise need my training partner to stop
• Immediately release a submission when my training partner taps or verbally submits
• Stop training and notify a coach if I or my training partner appears injured
• Behave respectfully towards other members, coaches and staff
• Avoid deliberately dangerous, reckless or aggressive behaviour
• Maintain appropriate personal hygiene
• Keep fingernails and toenails appropriately trimmed
• Wear appropriate and clean training clothing
• Not participate while under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs

I understand that the Gym may refuse participation or ask me to leave if my behaviour presents a risk to myself or others.

6. Training partners and physical contact

I understand that training involves interaction with other participants whose experience, size, strength, fitness and technical ability may differ from mine.

I acknowledge that accidental contact, unexpected movements and mistakes can occur even when participants are attempting to train safely.

I agree to communicate appropriately with my training partners and to respect their requests to stop, modify or adjust an activity.

7. Personal belongings

I understand that I am responsible for my personal belongings while attending the Gym.

The Gym is not responsible for loss, theft or damage to personal property except where such responsibility cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

8. Injuries and emergency situations

If I become injured or unwell during training, I agree to inform a coach or member of staff as soon as reasonably possible.

I authorise Gym staff to take reasonable steps to obtain emergency assistance for me if they believe this is necessary.

I understand that the Gym is not a medical facility and that coaches are not substitutes for qualified medical professionals.

Where emergency medical treatment is required, I understand that emergency services may be contacted.

9. Responsibility and liability

I understand that participating in combat sports involves inherent risks that cannot be completely eliminated.

I agree that I will not hold the Gym, its owners, coaches, instructors, employees or other participants responsible for injuries or losses arising solely from the ordinary and inherent risks of participating in the activities, or from my own actions, choices or failure to follow reasonable instructions, to the extent permitted by law.

Nothing in this agreement excludes or limits any liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited, including liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence.

Nothing in this agreement affects my statutory rights as a consumer.

10. Fitness to participate

I confirm that the information I have provided to the Gym regarding my health and ability to participate is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.

I understand that it is my responsibility to tell the Gym if this information changes.

11. Hygiene and communicable conditions

For the safety of other members, I agree not to participate in close-contact training when I have a contagious illness, open wound, uncovered skin infection or other condition that could reasonably pose a risk to other participants.

I agree to follow the Gym’s hygiene and infection-control requirements.

13. Data and personal information

I understand that the Gym will need to collect and retain certain personal information in order to administer my membership, communicate with me, manage my participation and protect the health and safety of members.

I understand that information relating to my health may constitute special category personal data and will be handled in accordance with data-protection law.

14. Acknowledgement and declaration

By signing below, I confirm that:

• I have read this document carefully.
• I understand the nature of BJJ, wrestling, grappling and related training.
• I understand that participation involves inherent risks.
• I have had the opportunity to ask questions before signing.
• I am voluntarily choosing to participate.
• I agree to follow the Gym’s rules and reasonable instructions.
• I have provided accurate information about my health and fitness to the best of my knowledge.
• I understand that this document does not remove or restrict any legal rights or liabilities that cannot lawfully be excluded or restricted.
• I agree to the terms of this Participation, Risk & Liability Waiver.