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General Terms & Conditions

 

Last updated: 4th September, 2024

Ascend Jiu Jitsu 

At Ascend Jiu Jitsu, we offer flexible memberships with the freedom to cancel your membership at any time without long-term commitments. We’re always happy to discuss any queries you may have, so please do reach out to us if you have any concerns.

General Terms & Conditions

Waiver / liability release

Engaging in martial arts and combat sports training carries inherent risks. Before starting any training program at Ascend Jiu Jitsu, it is recommended to consult a medical professional. Minor injuries such as bruises, scratches, cuts, and general soreness are common and most participants will experience these occasionally. Although infrequent, more serious injuries like sprains and strains can also occur. There is also a risk of more severe injuries, including fractured bones, broken bones, and torn ligaments, though not all students will encounter such injuries. As with any physical activity, there is a remote possibility of death.

By participating in training at Ascend Jiu Jitsu, you acknowledge and understand these risks. You agree to inform your instructor of any medical issues or concerns prior to any training and to take full responsibility for your safety and for the techniques, advice, and methods provided. By accepting these risks, you release Ascend Jiu Jitsu, its owners, coaches, and affiliates from any liability for injury, death, or misuse of information.

Academy Rules and Code of Conduct

  • No shoes on the mats. 

  • Footwear MUST be worn when using the toilets and off the mat. 

  • Respect the facilities, students must keep the academy and toilets clean and tidy. 

  • We have ZERO tolerance for anti-social, intimidating or inappropriate behaviour including anything of a sexual nature inside or outside of the academy. 

  • ZERO tolerance to anyone intentionally causing harm to anyone outside of the rules of the classes. 

  • No drink or drugs allowed. Do not turn up under the influence or you will be asked to leave.

  • No jewellery to be worn during classes unless medically approved.

  • Appropriate clothing must be worn to each lesson. Kids and teens must have a t-shirt or rash guard on under their gi tops. No bare chests or sports bras.

  • The instructor(s) or academy owner has the ultimate say as to whether they feel you are fit to train or whether a rule has been broken.

  • If there are any disputes between members please don't hesitate to talk to our instructor(s) so we can help get them resolved.

 

Training Etiquette  - Off The Mat 

  • Try to arrive at class 5 mins early or on time.

  • Treat everyone with respect.

  • Treat our academy with respect. Don't eat or drink in the training areas.

  • Don't walk on the mats with shoes or dirty feet.

  • Please keep the toilets clean and tidy.

  • Keep yourself and your training kit clean.

  • Keep your belongings together in a bag that is placed at the back of the class in the shelves provided or neatly under the benches provided, please don't leave your belongings lying around where others could trip on it. 

  • Do not engage in dangerous, rough play or fighting at the academy or outside unless in self defence.

 

Training Etiquette  - On The Mat

  • Do not hurt other students during sparring. Members look after other members whilst training. 

  • Don't slam people. 

  • Exercise control when applying submissions. 

  • Don't talk while the jiu-jitsu instructor is talking. 

  • Don't talk people through a submission when sparring. Let them work. Respect the tap. 

  • Move out of the way of each other whilst sparring regardless of rank if you are in a position that can move for someone, do so! If you are both not in a position to move it is polite to give space to a higher belt. 

  • Don't grab people's individual fingers, hair or skin.

  • Please leave the training area clean and tidy. Pick up any tape, clean up any blood and put your empty bottles in the bin or take them with you.

  • Don't tap and tell. No one cares who you tapped and when, this is the training room. Your aim should be to learn not to win practice rounds unless it's a specific competition class/round.

 

Kids/Teens Classes

  • Please do not interact with your child during class. Interrupting or interacting with your child would be disrespectful to the instructor and distracting to all the other students. The only time you should need to speak to your child would be to manage their behaviour. 

  • Please DO NOT coach your child during sparring. It is not a competition, let your child learn and play without distraction. 

  • Please drop and pick up your children promptly. Grown ups should not drop students off more than 10 minutes before their class time. They realise that the front desk cannot be and is not responsible for kids left unattended. If a child must unavoidably be left for extra time, parents must always alert the instructor and make sure their child knows where to wait. 

  • Grown ups please get to know and practise all Academy rules. Follow and enforce these rules with their children. When grown ups follow the school rules and regulations, then their child is more likely to follow their example.

  • Grown ups are encouraged to pay attention to what their children are learning in class and reinforce their positive behaviour at home. This can help their child improve by working with our instructors. 

  • Grown ups understand that their child is an individual who will progress at their own rate. Please don't compare your child to their sibling or other students. Try to encourage and support your child's progress and help them learn and behave accordingly in class. 

  • If grown ups have a concern about their child's training, progress or about the academy, please go directly to the instructor so we can help resolve the issue. 

 

Hygiene

  • Here are several guidelines to keep our academy sanitary and members healthy: 

  • Wash your equipment after every class! This includes, but is not limited to your kimono, rash guard, shorts, belt and other protective gear.

  • Ensure fingernails and toenails are trimmed short before each class. 

  • Shower and use deodorant before and after training. Jiu Jitsu hygiene products like Defense Soap are sold online. 

  • Brush your teeth and use mouthwash before training to eliminate bad breath. 

  • Treat dandruff with products like Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo. 

  • Cover cuts and scratches before training.

  • Never train if you are sick with common communicable sicknesses such as the cold or flu.

  • Skin issues are a common but serious part of any martial art. It is especially important in grappling arts like BJJ to be able to recognize issues like staph and MRSA and consult your physician for further assistance. 

  • If you suspect a staph infection, get medical attention immediately. These fast spreading illnesses can actually be fatal if ignored. 

  • If you suspect ringworm, consult a doctor right away. As with all grappling infections, wait to confirm it is completely gone, even after your symptoms appear to subside before resuming training.

  • Take everything you brought to the gym with you home when you leave. Leaving these around causes odour and fosters bacteria growth.

  • Put on footwear when you're not on the mat. This is absolutely necessary if you have to use the restroom before, during or after any training session. 

  • Do not cover up or hide any skin infections and continue to train. Consult your doctor and tell an instructor to see what your next steps are. 

  • If you see another member with a suspected skin infection please inform your instructor. 

  • It seems obvious, but keep yourself and your equipment clean. Besides the obvious benefit of eliminating odour, this can help prevent catching and spreading infections. 

We at Ascend take pride in keeping our academies cleanliness at a very high standard. 

This is why we emphasise the need to keep yourself and your training kit clean! These infections are very easily spread member to member and we don't want anyone to miss out on training due to the facility or our members being unclean. 

That being said, sometimes these things are out of our control and if you do suspect anything on your skin please DO NOT feel embarrassed to speak out and show your instructor or tell your instructor if you suspect another member has a skin infection. DO NOT cover the area up and hope it goes away, consult your instructor who can guide you what to do next. 

This will help stem the spread of infection throughout the club and allow our instructors to take specific cleaning measures to deal with the situation.

The Belt System and Gradings

Jiu Jitsu is not math, and promotion cannot be based on attendance or calendar dates. This is the worst way to gauge development, and we at Ascend see jiu jitsu as more complex than this. 

There is no sense in chasing a belt and getting it as fast as possible. Remember the black belt will be your longest belt, so it doesn't matter if you get it in 3 years or 20 years, what matters is that you have developed the skills it takes to represent the highest level of the sport. 

Jiu Jitsu is an individual sport where you need partners in order to progress. However, comparing yourself with your partners only hinders your experience. Comparison is the thief of joy. We at Ascend treat everyone as an individual, we are not impressed if you win or lose in the training environment. What we want to see is you develop your skills as a jiu jitsu practitioner. Use your technique and most importantly have fun. 

Ego is the biggest hindrance in progression within jiu jitsu. It is natural to worry how you look, how you perform in front of the class or in front of your instructor. Practice jiu jitsu with a child-like mind and enjoy the learning process, not whether you won or lost during practice. 

Personal Development 

Development within jiu jitsu is slow and you are limited to the amount of time you spend on the mats and the amount of classes you can attend. 

That being said, we at Ascend encourage learning and developing outside of our academy. Please feel free to train at other academies when this suits you. If you get better and train with us, you will only make us and our students better too! 

Complications can arise when it comes to gradings if you train at multiple academies but we are happy to discuss and talk about what is best for you. Please don't feel discouraged from training with us even if you do not wish to be graded by any of our instructors. (We won't be offended).

By participating in activities at Ascend Jiu Jitsu, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the Waiver / liability release and General Terms & Conditions.


 

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Photo and Video Release Policy

This policy outlines the terms under which Ascend Jiu Jitsu, trading as Kent Jiu-Jitsu Limited, may use photographs and videos taken during training sessions and events. By participating in activities at our academy, you consent to the use of your image in accordance with this policy.

Consent to Use of Images

By attending classes, training sessions, or events at Ascend Jiu Jitsu, you grant permission to Ascend Jiu Jitsu to capture and use photographs and videos that may include your image, likeness, and/or voice. These images and videos may be used for promotional, marketing, and educational purposes across various media, including but not limited to our website, social media channels, printed materials, and other promotional platforms.

 

Scope of Use

The images and videos captured may be used for:

Promoting Ascend Jiu Jitsu classes, events, and activities.

Marketing and advertising initiatives, including social media posts, flyers, and brochures.

Educational content for instructional purposes.

Internal and external communications related to Ascend Jiu Jitsu.

Your consent for the use of images and videos is granted indefinitely unless you notify us in writing of your wish to withdraw consent. Withdrawal of consent will not apply to materials already produced and in use.

 

Opting Out

If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please inform the instructor or staff member at the beginning of the class or event. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate such requests. Alternatively, you may notify us in writing at info@jiujitsukent.com

 

Under 18s

We have strict safeguarding policies and procedures, for any persons under the age of 18 years old photography and filming consent forms are used. This is optional and we have full understanding for the protection of children and are happy to facilitate individual needs. Please speak with your instructor or our head coach for more information.

 

Rights and Ownership

All photographs and videos taken by Ascend Jiu Jitsu are the property of Ascend Jiu Jitsu. We retain the right to use these materials for the purposes outlined in this policy without compensation to the individuals involved. You waive any right to inspect or approve the final use of the images or videos.

 

By participating in activities at Ascend Jiu Jitsu, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms of this Photo and Video Release Policy.

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Membership Terms & Conditions

Acceptance of Terms

By becoming a member of Ascend Jiu Jitsu, operated by Kent Jiu-Jitsu Limited, you or your parent/guardian agree to abide by all our policies, including but not limited to, our Code of Conduct (which can be found within the Ascend Info Member Pack) Safeguarding policies, and our Privacy Policy.

 

Agreement to Terms

Upon purchasing a membership, you consent to these terms and conditions. If you purchase a membership on behalf of someone else, you confirm that you have their consent to accept these terms on their behalf. After the membership purchase, we will communicate only with the registered member.

 

Membership Approval and Cancellation

Ascend Jiu Jitsu reserves the right to reject or cancel any membership application at our discretion.

 

Membership Fee

Membership fees are collected annually and are non-refundable. Your membership starts on the purchase date and expires 12 months later unless you have set up an annual Direct Debit for continuous payment.

 

Membership Termination

You can terminate your membership at any time by notifying us in writing. No refund of the membership fee will be provided upon termination.

 

Membership Rebranding

We reserve the right to rebrand or rename our membership products at any time.

 

Membership Verification

Members may be required to present photo identification and membership details for verification by Ascend Jiu Jitsu representatives or partners.

 

Member to Member Insurance 

We recommend any one who trains in contact sport to have member-to-member insurance. This is always the members responsibility. Anyone who trains at Ascend Jiu Jitsu without insurance will be considered a non-member drop-in. We have low cost member-to-member insurance policies that are available to members, please speak with your instructor for more information.

 

Non-Transferable Membership

Membership is personal and non-transferable.

 

Suspension of Membership

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your membership if you breach these terms or misuse the membership. No refund will be given if membership benefits are suspended or terminated.

 

Automatic Renewal

If you set up a Direct Debit, your membership will automatically renew. We will charge the membership fee using your Direct Debit details unless you inform us otherwise at least two weeks before the renewal date. If you do not wish to renew, notify us two weeks before the renewal date.

 

Force Majeure

Ascend Jiu Jitsu is not liable for any failure or delay in fulfilling its obligations due to circumstances beyond our control.

 

Data Protection

We collect personal information to provide our services, maintain records, and communicate important information regarding your membership. We may share your information with suppliers to provide certain membership benefits. We comply with Data Protection and GDPR regulations. For questions about your data, contact us.

 

Updates to Terms and Conditions

We may update these terms and conditions periodically. Please review them before renewing your membership.

 

Membership Benefits

Membership benefits, including retail discounts, priority access, and digital content, are as advertised. We may substitute or withdraw benefits as needed.

 

Updating Personal Information

Members are responsible for keeping their personal information up to date. You can update your details by accessing your member profile on our portal.

 

By participating in activities at Ascend Jiu Jitsu, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms of this Membership Terms & Conditions Policy.

 

For any queries or further information, please contact us at info@ascendjj.co.uk

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