Legal

 Release of Liability Waiver Form 

By signing the release of liability waiver form, I acknowledge and agree to the terms and conditions Grappling Alliance form:

I understand the risks of training in the martial arts taught at the events and have carried out my own risk assessment. Injuries in full contact martial arts are commonplace and I understand that managing and avoiding this is my responsibility.

I understand that full contact training might expose me to viruses and illness and I opt in and accept these risks to myself and my household and social group.

I confirm that I will not train when I am feeling unwell or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

I understand that if I have any pre-existing injuries or health issues then I must make the event organisers aware of them. I also understand that any prior conditions may be made worse and I will adjust my training and attitude accordingly.

I enter into the training at the event knowing that serious injury or even death are a possibility and release all event organisers from any responsibility thereof.

STATEMENT OF MEDICAL FITNESS

a) I represent and warrant that I have NO physical infirmities or pre-existing Injures; I am not under treatment for any other physical infirmity or chronic ailment or injury of any nature, and have never been treated for or diagnosed to have any of the following: Cardiac or pulmonary conditions or diseases, diabetes, fainting spells or convulsions, nervous or mental disorders, kidney or related diseases, high or low blood pressures, or any other disability which might in any way affect my ability to participate in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai; Judo; Wrestling; MMA; weight training; Self Defence, physical exercise or all similar and related activities.

b) I am not taking any medications of any kind which might in any way affect my ability to participate in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai; Judo; Wrestling; MMA or all similar and related activities.

c) I am not under the influence of any alcohol or drugs.

d) I am not pregnant nor do I suspect that I am pregnant.

e) I hereby certify that the personal information I have given above is true and accurate.

AGREEMENT, RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK

In consideration for being permitted to utilise the facilities and to participate and engage in, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai; Judo; Freestyle Wrestling; MMA; weight training; physical exercise or all similar and related activities. Hereinafter collectively referred to as "Martial Arts Training" conducted at Grappling Aliiance events or any associated entities, I HEREBY AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

 

PARTIES INCLUDED

I understand that this Agreement, Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk includes and covers Grappling Alliance events, or any associated entities, and any of its instructors, agents, officers, employees, students, and contractors, and additionally including but not limited to, anyone directly or indirectly involved in any manner in my Martial Arts Training, hereinafter collectively referred to in this Agreement, Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk as "Covered Parties."

 

DURATION OF RELEASE

It is my understanding and intention that this Release and Agreement be effective not only for my first training session but for any subsequent training sessions or activities in any way associated with Grappling Alliance events or any associated entities or any other Covered Parties.

 

AGREEMENTS

I understand it is agreed between the parties that Martial Arts Training is inherently dangerous and may result in injury or death. It is further agreed between the parties that the unforeseen may happen and that no one may delineate all risks or possibilities of error. Therefore, I specifically include in the Release, any injury resulting from any occurrence, whether foreseen or unforeseen, and whether contemplated or not contemplated, which is in any way connected with my Martial Arts Training or presence at the Grappling Alliance events or any other place, venue, or entity connected with the Covered Parties.

COVENANT NOT TO SUE

I further agree that I WILL NOT SUE OR MAKE CLAIM against ANY of the Covered Parties for ANY damages or other losses or injuries sustained as a result of my Martial Arts Training even if caused by negligence or other fault of the Covered Parties.

 

RELEASE OF LIABILITY

I hereby release the Covered Parties, from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of actions whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, up to and including DEATH, that may be sustained, even if caused by negligence or other fault of the Covered Parties while engaged in any Martial Arts Training or any and all related but unidentified activities.

ASSUMPTION OF RISKS

I realise and understand the scope, nature, and extent of the risks involved in Martial Arts Training, including the foreseen and the unforeseen, which shall include but not be limited to expose me to viruses and illness; broken bones; muscle and tendon injuries; restrictions on air and blood flow, which may result in disability and/or death.

 

INDEMNIFICATION AND HOLD HARMLESS

I also agree to indemnify, save, and hold the Covered Parties, harmless from all claims, judgments, costs, losses or proceedings of every kind and character specifically including, but not limited to, legal fees and expenses, and to reimburse the Covered Parties for any and all expenses whatsoever incurred in connection with any action brought as a result, either directly or indirectly, of my participation in Martial Arts Training, including but not limited to, actions brought on by myself, my estate, or on behalf of myself or my estate.

PARTIES BOUND BY THIS AGREEMENT

It is my understanding and intention that this Agreement, Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk be binding not only on myself, but on anyone or any entity, including but not limited to my estate and my heirs, that or who may be able to or do sue because of my injury or death. It is further my understanding and agreement that this Release is intended to and DOES in fact release the Covered Parties, from any and all claims or obligations, foreseen and unforeseen, contemplated and not contemplated, whatsoever arising in any way from my participation in Martial Arts Training, even if caused by the negligence or other fault of the Covered Parties.

 

DUTY OF CARE

I hereby agree to waive any and all duty of care, whether by omission or commission, or any other duty, which may be owed to me by the Covered Parties.

ENFORCEABILITY

I agree that if any portions of this Agreement, Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk are found to be unenforceable or against public policy or law, that only the portion found to be unenforceable shall fail and that all remaining portions shall remain in effect and be valid and enforceable, and I specifically waive any unenforceability or any public policy argument that I may make or that may be made on behalf of my estate or by anyone who would sue because of my injury or death.

 

FAVOUR AGREEMENT

It is my intention and my agreement that in all cases, this document be broadly construed in favour of the Covered Parties and against me and that any and all ambiguities or questions are resolved in favour of the Covered Parties.

LEGAL RIGHTS

It has been explained to me, and I understand, that by signing this document I am giving up important legal rights and it is my voluntary intention to do so. I also understand that, if I wish, I may to have my own lawyer review this document before I sign it. Upon its execution, this Agreement, Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk shall be binding against me in favour of the Covered Parties.

 

DAMAGE AGREEMENT

I hereby agree to be responsible and to pay for damages to any and all equipment, which is caused, in whole or in part, by my actions or the actions of any parties associated with me during my Martial Arts Training.

RULES

I understand that this is a Martial Arts event with active and ongoing classes, and I will abide by any rules and regulations set forth pertaining to the event. I understand that I am responsible for following these rules along with any other rules put in place by any of the Covered Parties and that I am also responsible for any injury or damage caused by the failure to follow these rules either by myself or by any parties associated with me.I understand that my attendance and/or performance at the academy may be photographed, filmed or taped and used for marketing and promotional purposes and I waive the right to compensation thereof.

Member Code of Conduct

At Grappling Aliiance events, we hold Grappling Alliance members and instructors accountable for their conduct and actions while you are training with us. 

Failure to follow these rules may result in temporary or even permanent ban.

• Pride and ego will not serve you, come in and learn.
• Maintain respectful behaviour and good manners.
• Sign this form before you step on the mats.
• Turn up to events on time! If you happen to be slightly late for any reason, please try not to disrupt the event and wait off of the mat until you have permission from to step on and join in.
• If you need to leave class early then make sure to inform before the start of the event.
• Don’t celebrate when getting a tap; there are no winners or losers in training! We are all part of the same team!
• Shy? We have experienced instructors and practitioners. Call them over for assistance if needed.
• Do not go too hard on those with less experience or a significant size difference. Put yourself in their shoes and allow them to grow & learn. Why not use this round to practice escapes etc?

HYGIENE

• Nails (Fingers, Thumbs & Toes) should be short, hair tied back and any jewellery or body piercings must be removed or taped up.
• Do not train and inform if you have any signs of sickness eg. colds, cold-sores, skin infections etc.
• Sufficiently cover any cuts/wounds to prevent infections.
• Hygiene is super important in such close contact sports. Wash yourself properly before every session, use deodorant, brush teeth and wear freshly washed kit. You will not be allowed to train otherwise.
• If you notice any unusual blemishes or potential skin infections then please immediately see a doctor or speak/show to a Grappling Alliance member. Although it could probably be nothing, it is better to make sure to ensure that no infections are passed on to your fellow grappler. If contagious, you obviously need to stay off of the mat until you have provided either a doctors note to say you have completely recovered or have confirmation from your instructor.
• If anyone is caught hiding any contagious infections to continue training then there will be an immediate suspension and a potential ban.

ATTIRE

• Footwear must be worn off the mats and bare feet on the mats. Please step straight out of your footwear onto the mats and vice versa.
• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gis are to be worn for Gi classes (no karate/Japanese ju jitsu gis)
• Grappling Shorts, Compression Shorts or Spats with Rash Guard to be worn for No-Gi classes
• Underwear to be worn at all times while training (no thongs)
• Clean Rash guards are to be worn under the Gi
• Mouthguards are optional, your teeth are your responsibility.
• No cups (groin guards).
• No pockets, zips or loose drawstrings.

TECHNIQUES

• If your partner "Taps" with any part of their body or "Verbally Taps" regardless of position, you are to release each other immediately! 
• Avoid using strength over technique. We are here to learn, not feed our ego.
• No slamming, scissor takedowns or suplexing. Specific events will be put on to train these properly.
• IBJJF rules will be adhered to in all Gi and No-Gi classes including permitted techniques for specific belt rankings and ages, especially to higher grades (Brown Belt vs White Belt = White Belt ruleset for both students)
• No manipulation of small joints (fingers/toes), eye poking, or groin strikes within any classes.
• All submissions should be put on slowly, allowing time for your partner to tap!
• If you have not been formally taught the technique, you probably shouldn't do it. Speak with the highest belt and run it by them before you possibly injure someone or yourself.

SOCIAL MEDIA

• We take take photos and videos of events to promote on Grappling Alliance social media platforms.
• We may use WhatsApp to provide information and a forum for Grappling Alliance events to communicate, share experience and engage, please adhere to the group WhatsApp rules in the group description. If you do not wish to be added to the group and to only be contacted via seprate communication routes, please inform us and this will be actioned.

NOTES

• Any bullying, rudeness or harassment or abusive behaviour (physical or verbal) whatsoever will not be tolerated regardless of who started it, you will be asked to leave and your potentially banned.
• If two or more practitioners engage in violent (non sparing) combat, regardless of who started it, you will be asked to leave and your memberships potentially banned.
• Sexual Harassment, inappropriate touching or behaviour of any kind is strictly unacceptable and will be treated as a criminal act and the Police informed. We are committed to creating a safe environment for all of our events and this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.  
• We have the ability to review any incidents on CCTV. If it is decided by Grappling Alliance that a banned technique or unacceptable behaviour/conduct was used then we reserve the right to ban the perpetrator.

Social Media Permission

• I grant Grappling Alliance permission to photograph/video me or create audio-visual recordings to be shared on their social media channels.
• The personal information I provide will be shared on Grappling Alliance social media channels and will remain on the grid permanently and may be reused for future promotions.
• I have read the information above and have had an opportunity to ask questions about the network group and how my photographs/videos will be used.
• I am happy for my photographs/videos to be shared on Grappling Alliance social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) and will remain on the grid permanently and may be reused for future promotions.

UNDERSTANDING OF AGREEMENT

I hereby certify that I have read and understand the contents of this document “Agreement to participate in any sessions at Grappling Alliance events” and I wish to be bound by its terms and I understand that by signing this, I have forever given up important legal rights.