TFAA TERMS & CONDITIONS

MMA is a full-contact combat sport. This means that participation comes with inherent risks.

These terms & conditions must be agreed to by all adult TFAA members.  

(Parents/Guardians must agree on behalf of Junior Students - 16 years or under)

Signing up to one of our memberships implies acceptance to these terms & conditions

The Fighting Arts Academy is a mixed martial arts club that aspires to provide the highest quality of teaching. We also aspire to being a purposeful organisation and force for social good within our wider community.  The rules and regulations of our club can be found below. These can be amended from time to time.

Tolerance & Inclusivity

The Fighting Arts Academy was created to share joys & benefits of mixed-martial arts with as many people as possible.  We are an actively inclusive organisation, and would love to welcome more women, those from different faiths, people of colour, LGBTQ+ people, and those from other marginalised communities to our team. We recognise the value of diverse perspectives - and the the fact that they are underrepresented in the martial arts.  If we can help to change that, we will. 

Intolerance of any kind will not be tolerated.  

EVERYONE should ALWAYS be made to feel welcome.

Safety

  • Listen to your instructor at all times.

  • Be aware of using strength over technique. Take care of your training partners. Do not crank submissions.

  • Always respect the tap.

  • Learn to fall properly.

  • Be aware of your surroundings.  If you think you might fall off the edge of the mat and/or collide into others - stop, move and reset.  

  • Muay Thai sparring should be playful by default. Always ensure you wear appropriate protective equipment.

  • You must agree to be willing to receive first aid.

  • Ensure your emergency contact details are shared and up to date.

  • As MMA/BJJ/Muay-Thai are close contact sports, you agree to not train while sick or afflicted by any infectious condition (eg. ring-worm).

  • I understand that no one at The Fighting Arts Academy has given students the authority to use any of the techniques taught on any person other than in training, matches, or demonstrations, where the student and the instructor have agreed that they are sufficiently trained and qualified to do so. I also understand that the student does not have the authority to demonstrate their martial arts outside of the lesson, or in the absence of an instructor.

  • Leave your ego at the door.

  • Tap early.  Tap often.

  • Ensure you have the appropriate safety equipment and remove all jewellery when training (see equipment)

  • Always disclose relevant medical conditions. (see medical conditions)

  • Know what and when to eat.  Don’t train on a very full or very empty stomach.  Try eating a banana 20min before class and making sure you are hydrated.

Medical Conditions 

MMA is a physically intensive sport.  Should a student suffer from anything on this list, please inform the instructor immediately to discuss what action should be taken to ensure safety and well-being. If you/your child have any of these conditions, we advise you contact your Doctor before you/your child starts training. 

  • Back problems

  • Any illness or injury that may be aggravated by exercise

  • Head injuries

  • Dizziness, or loss of unconsciousness

  • High cholesterol

  • Joint problems

  • Chest pains or Heart Disease.

  • Any prescription medication being taken

  • A heart condition

  • Any conditions that restrict blood flow

  • Diabetes or any other metabolic diseases

  • High or low blood pressure

  • Any Disabilities.

  • Difficulty breathing, Asthma or Lung Disease.

  • known contagious conditions

  • Allergies

  • Pregnancy

If, at a later date your/ your child’s health changes and these conditions become known, please let an instructor know as soon as possible.

Hygiene

  • Don’t walk on the mats in your shoes or flip flops.

  • Do wear flip flops or shoes when you go to the toilet.

  • If you have any cuts tape them up.

  • Don’t forget to cut your nails.

  • Wash your uniform after every use.

  • Maintain a high standard of personal hygiene

Club Etiquette

  • Listen to instructors at all times

  • Act with integrity, humility, honour and respect.  Remember you are a representative of our club and our sport both on and off the mat. 

  • Always try to be helpful and supportive of your training partners

  • Don’t brag about / celebrate tapping/beating an opponent out during training.

  • We reserve the right to discontinue training for any student that we deem as disrespectful or persistently disobedient and their behaviour is detrimental to the other students training.  Discipline is embedded in the culture of martial arts, and is required for training. 

  • Our Instructors undertake to teach discipline and instil the confidence and self-belief needed for students to avoid aggressive situations in the first place. The classes are designed to equip students with the knowledge to defend themselves only when placed in a potentially dangerous situation.  (We ask that parents/guardians remind their children of the consequences should the techniques that are taught be used inappropriately.)  

  • Be an example to lower belts. 

  • You’re never “too good” to drill the day’s technique like the others.  Respect the fundamentals.

  • Even when tired - still try your best.  Work hard.  Be positive.  Don’t give up.

  • Ask for help if you need it - both on and off the mat.  We think of our students as part of our martial-arts family and we are there to help and support each other in all aspects of life.

  • Watch your language - kids train.  Be an example.

  • Do not talk while the instructor is showing a technique.

  • Don’t stop drilling a technique until the instructor tells you to stop.

  • Don’t try and teach someone a technique - leave that to the coaches.

  • Do not leave the mat during class without the instructor’s permission.

  • Don’t leave a mess and clear up after yourself

  • Turn your phone on vibrate or silent mode. (unless a major event is expected in which case let your instructor know.)

  • When the Instructor calls for line up, do so quickly and quietly.

  • Use training time wisely. Talk less, drill more.

  • Let your Instructor know if you expect a lengthy absence from classes.

  • Always let your Instructor know if you are injured or ill.

  • Give way to higher belts when rolling.

  • Always respect the tap or a partners request to “calm it down”.

Punctuality and leaving the mat

  • Please turn up to class on time.  Instructors reserve the right to refuse entry if you are late.

  • If you are late for the start of class, stand to attention off the mat, wait for the Instructor’s attention and ask permission to join the mat.

  • Bow when both entering and leaving the mat.

  • Let your instructor know if you need to leave the mat before the end of class.

  • Ask for permission before leaving the mat to either go to the toilet or get a drink.

Fees & Membership and Affiliation

  • The club will set the level of class fees and will review such fees periodically. 

  • In addition to class fees, a paid up membership fee is required for training.  This includes insurance, and affiliation to the IBJJF and our partner organisations Arlans Siqueira BJJ & Yoddecha Sityodtong Muay Thai. Crucially, this membership ensures we have up to date information on injuries, allergies, medical conditions and Emergency Contact information.

  • Discounts / scholarships can be given at the head instructor’s discretion.

  • Membership / fees are for The Fighting Arts Academy only (These entitled you to participate in TFAA classes and not to use the gym facilities at other times)

  • We may change the Club opening times or withdraw any of the facilities at any time if we need them for events, tournaments, exhibitions, holidays or other special activities. 

  • It is your responsibility to ensure class fees are paid in a timely manner (and where possible without interrupting teaching that is in progress).

  • Fees and memberships are non-refundable

  • Monthly class fees cannot be “carried over” if unused.

  • In general we do not pause and restart monthly memberships for short periods. If you require that a  monthly membership is paused for a number of months, please let us know via email and with at least 1 months advanced notice.

Equipment

  • Please ensure you have the appropriate training and safety equipment.  This can be purchased from the club in most cases. 

  • Remove all jewellery when training.

  • Bring water (preferably in an environmentally friendly container)

  • A well stocked kit bag would include:

    • 16oz fully closed gloves (14oz for smaller students)

    • Hand Wraps

    • Shin Guards

    • MouthGuard 

    • BJJ Gi / Kimono and belt 

    • Rashguard & Spats

    • MMA Gloves (Optional)

    • Chest protector (optional)

    • Groin guard

  • We cannot be held responsible for any personal belongings lost or stolen during a training session. It is strongly advised that anything of value be left at home.

  • Please help with setup and tidy-up at the start and end of class.

  • Respect club equipment and treat it as if it was your own.

  • If you use a club Gi - take it home, wash it and return it next lesson.

Insurance & Liability disclaimer

  • As with any physical activity, there is a remote possibility of injury from time to time. You understand that this is a contact sport and as such can lead to minor or serious injury to either the student, or that in extremely unlikely circumstances that myself or my child could inflict these injuries on another student. These injuries could include bruises, abrasions, broken bones, concussion, organ damage, or in extremely unlikely circumstances, death.  

  • The Fighting Arts Academy will take every precaution to ensure a safe training environment but cannot assume or accept any responsibility or liability for a student injuring themselves and/or a third party. You agree to this unreservedly and agree to not pursue legal action against The Fighting Arts Academy or its instructors/students.

  • All members must have a paid up annual membership fee which includes insurance

Data Protection

  • It is necessary for the purpose of providing you with advice and support in relation to our facilities to hold certain data concerning your identity, contact details and general health on files. By agreeing to these terms you are expressly consenting to The Fighting Arts Academy having authority to keep this data for the duration of your membership to the Club and for up to two years afterwards (or, if membership is refused for any reason, for the period of two years from the date you complete this form) to assist us in providing you with the best possible service. For the avoidance of doubt, by joining up for membership you are not affecting any of your rights under the Data Protection Act 1998.

    Media Consent

  • You understand that from time to time, we take photos / videos of students, classes and facilities for our website, social media presence and advertising information.  You agree to your images being used for this purpose.

  • Children will never be named in photos.  We will only use images of children in appropriate kit (training or competition), to reduce the risk of inappropriate use, and to provide positive images of the children.

  • TFAA is keen to promote positive images of children doing sport and is not preventing the use of photographic or videoing equipment. For the avoidance of doubt, these guidelines also apply to live broadcasts on social media or other platforms.

  • For specators taking photographs/filming, subjects should be informed a person will be intending to taking photographs/film. They should be informed that if they have concerns they can report these to a coach. If no consent has been given for a child/adult, then it is to be made known so the appropriate person/s taking photographs for the other team is/are aware and can avoid taking photographs of that particular child.

  • Concerns regarding inappropriate, or intrusive, photography should be reported to the Club Head Coach and recorded in the same manner as any other child protection or safeguarding concern.

  • The use of video equipment as a legitimate coaching aid is permitted. However, players and parents/carers will be aware that this is part of the coaching programme, and material taken in connection with coaching, will be stored securely and deleted or destroyed when a parent requests this, or when the material is no longer needed.

 

Covid - 19 (Special Circumstances)

Obviously, Covid-19 has created significant challenges for combat sports. We have conducted a Covid Risk Assessment and as such our indoor classes will operate under stricter conditions for the time being:

  • Temperature checks on entry

  • Checkin via NHS App

  • Hand and equipment Sanitisation.

  • No access to toilets/changing rooms

  • Socially distanced mat spaces

  • No shared equipment

  • No Spectators

  • Covid Liability Waivers Signed

    You can read more about our Covid-19 plan here.

    Please note, that whilst we are trying our best to follow guidelines and take an approach to Covid that balances pragmatism with safety - there are inherent risks involved. As such by agreeing to these terms and conditions you knowingly and freely assume all such risks (both known and unknown - even if arising from negligence). As such you waive any claims to liability and agree to release and hold harmless all at The Fighting Arts Academy in this regard.