Terms and Conditions

I acknowledge and agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions.

1. WAIVER, RELEASE & ASSUMPTION OF RISK

Torashinkan Dojo, LLC dba North Shore Aikido together with its owners, instructors, staff, members, agents, and affiliates (collectively, the “School”), provides martial arts instruction and related activities on its premises (the “Premises”). Participation in these activities involves inherent risks, including the risk of injury. That risk can increase due to a variety of personal factors including age, health, bone density, and body type.

I understand that Aikido and other martial arts activities may involve physical contact, including but not limited to grabbing, striking, pinning, throwing, falling, and other forms of physical interaction. I understand that injuries may occur, including potentially serious injuries, and that training may be physically demanding.

I will inform the instructor for any class or seminar I attend of any health conditions that may limit my ability to train safely. However, I am solely responsible for understanding my own physical, medical, and health condition and determining whether I am able to participate safely. I understand that as with any strenuous physical activity am encouraged to and should consult with a physician or other qualified medical professional before beginning any physical martial arts activity. If I have any concern regarding my ability to participate safely, I will stop the activity and seek appropriate medical advice. I understand that at any time during a class, program, or seminar, if I feel unwell or unsafe, I may leave the mats and that I am under no pressure to continue when it does not feel safe for me to do so.

I acknowledge that I have been informed of the potential risks associated with participation and have had the opportunity to observe classes and activities before participating. I voluntarily choose to participate and acknowledge that I assume the risks associated with such participation.

If I am injured and it is necessary to call for emergency medical services or to inform my Emergency Contact I authorize North Shore Aikido and its instructors, members, and students to release to such persons any information that is relevant to my medical condition or possible injury.

2. AUTHORIZATION FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT

I authorize the instructors, staff, and responsible adults of North Shore Aikido to seek and authorize appropriate medical or emergency treatment for the participant identified in the Participant Information section, when reasonably necessary, and I will provide North Shore Aikido with an emergency contact if I am seriously injured or ill. I agree that I am solely responsible for the costs of any such emergency services or medical treatment.

If I am signing on behalf of another participant, I represent that I am the participant’s parent, legal guardian, or authorized adult and have the legal authority to provide this authorization.

This authorization becomes effective on the date of signing and remains in effect unless revoked in writing, subject to any limitations specifically stated in the Participant Information section.

3. NOTICE & CONSENT REGARDING PHYSICAL CONTACT

Martial arts training involves a variety of exercises and techniques that may involve physical contact between training partners. Contact may occur between any portion of the body as part of legitimate training.

When participants of different genders, ages, sizes, or experience levels train together, the purpose of the School and its instructors is to provide a safe, respectful, and appropriate environment in which everyone can learn and practice martial arts.

All participants are expected to conduct themselves appropriately and respectfully at all times.

I acknowledge that my Aikido training will involve being physically touched by others, both in practicing techniques and in being taught correct body movement, position, and posture. I consent to such physical contact by instructors and other students. I agree that if such contact makes me uncomfortable, it is my sole responsibility to inform the instructor of that discomfort, and that I am encouraged to communicate such concerns and may refuse any unwanted physical contact. However, I also acknowledge that I cannot effectively learn Aikido without physical contact with instructors and other students as training partners.

I understand that I have the right to immediately stop or withdraw from any exercise or drill if:

A training partner engages in contact that appears to be outside the scope of training;
A participant feels that a training partner is taking inappropriate advantage of physical contact;
A training exercise or interaction causes discomfort; or
A participant otherwise feels unsafe or uncomfortable.
Participants are encouraged to privately inform an instructor of any inappropriate conduct. .i agree that I will not engage in physical contact that is not appropriate to the training activity and that I will not ever engage in any secularly inappropriate, sexually suggestive, or sexually threatening contact with another person in the dojo. If conduct appears to be criminal, the participant or instructor may notify the appropriate authorities.

By participating in training, I acknowledge the nature of physical contact involved in martial arts and understand my right to withdraw from any exercise or drill that makes me uncomfortable or appears inappropriate. I agree to follow School etiquette and conduct myself respectfully and appropriately at all times.

4. COMMUNICABLE ILLNESS & COVID-19

I understand that participation in martial arts classes and use of the School’s facilities involves close interaction with other individuals and may increase the risk of exposure to communicable illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and other infectious diseases.

North Shore Aikido cannot guarantee that participants will not be exposed to or contract COVID-19 or another communicable illness while participating in School programs or using School facilities.

I agree not to attend classes or use School facilities when I am experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness or have been advised by a healthcare professional or public health authority to isolate or avoid contact with others.

I agree to notify North Shore Aikido if I become aware that I may have been exposed to a communicable illness in a manner that could reasonably affect other members or staff.

If I suffer from an illness (such as HIV or hepatitis) that can be transmitted by contact with my blood, I will privately inform the instructor at once if I experience any injury while training that causes me to bleed. If another student comes into contact with my blood under such circumstances, I authorize the instructor and North Shore Aikido to inform that person of the health risk associated with such contact.

I acknowledge and voluntarily assume the known and potential risks associated with participating in group physical activities and using the School’s facilities, including the possibility of illness, serious health complications, or other consequences. I waive any claim that I may have against North Shore Aikido, its owners, and its instructors, for compensation, reimbursement, treatment, and physical or mental distress that I may have as a result of contracting an illness while training.

5. RIGHT TO USE IMAGES & LIKENESS

I grant North Shore Aikido permission to photograph, record, reproduce, edit, publish, and use my photograph, video image, likeness, or other recorded image for promotional, educational, advertising, website, social media, or other School-related purposes without payment, royalty, or other compensation.

This permission includes the right to edit, alter, copy, display, publish, and distribute such images in print or electronic formats.

I release and hold harmless the School from claims arising from the School’s authorized use of my image or likeness.

6. PUBLICITY

I authorize North Shore Aikido to use photographs or video recordings of me in School-related electronic or printed publications, including promotional materials, websites, and social media, without additional notice or compensation.

7. FEES & PAYMENT

By becoming a member of North Shore Aikido, I agree to pay the membership fees applicable to my selected program or membership. Membership fees may be changed from time to time with reasonable notice. Membership fees are due every month, even if I choose not to train in a month.

Automatic Renewal

Memberships automatically renew according to the billing cycle selected at enrollment.

A minimum of 30 days’ written notice is required to freeze or cancel a monthly auto-renewing membership.

Cancellation & Freeze Requests

Cancellation or freeze requests must be submitted in writing by email to aiki@nsaikido.com at least 30 days before the requested effective date.

North Shore Aikido will provide an email confirmation after receiving the request. If confirmation is not received, the member is responsible for contacting the School within five (5) days to verify that the request was received. The School is not responsible for requests that are not successfully delivered.

Membership freezes longer than one month may be subject to a rate adjustment.

Payment Issues

I agree to pay a $20 returned-payment fee, which will be charged for declined or returned membership payments.

Family Memberships

If multiple family members are enrolled, cancellation of one membership may result in an adjustment to applicable family membership discounts for the remaining members and programs.

Attendance & Refunds

Failure to attend classes does not constitute cancellation of a membership or agreement.

All memberships are non-refundable.

By enrolling, I acknowledge that I have reviewed and understand the applicable Program Pricing Details, Terms & Conditions, and membership policies.

8. RESPECT FOR OTHERS

I understand that a wide variety of people train in the martial arts. I will respect the privacy, personal life choices, race, religion, and sexual orientation of others in the dojo, and I acknowledge that the best way to do so is to avoid unwanted discussions of such topics. I will not harass or create a hostile environment for any instructor, student, participant, or visitor to the dojo based on race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation, and I understand that doing so will be grounds for immediate expulsion from all classes and programs without refund of any money paid.

9. BINDING AGREEMENT & ELECTRONIC ACCEPTANCE

I acknowledge that I have read and understand this Agreement and agree to comply with all of its provisions, terms, and conditions.

I understand that electronic acceptance, including checking an acceptance box, submitting an electronic signature, or otherwise electronically confirming this Agreement, constitutes my acceptance of these terms and may create a legally binding and enforceable agreement to the extent permitted by applicable law.

I acknowledge that I have received or have been provided access to an electronic copy of this Agreement.

PARENTS AND GUARDIANS: If I am signing as the parent or guardian of a student who is a minor, I make all of these agreements in that capacity.

By electronically accepting this Agreement, I acknowledge and agree to the Waiver, Release & Assumption of Risk, as well as all other terms and conditions contained herein.

I agree to fulfill all payment obligations associated with my selected membership or program.