Participant Waiver, Release & Membership Agreement
Ippon Sports Academy · 150 3rd Ave, Charlestown, MA 02129 · version 2026-08-01
1. Assumption of risk
I understand that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, judo, grappling, self-defense and related conditioning are physically demanding contact activities that carry an inherent risk of injury. Those risks include, without limitation: bruises, sprains, strains, cuts and abrasions; joint, muscle and ligament injuries; broken bones; dental and facial injuries; concussion and other head, neck or spinal injuries; heat illness; cardiac events; permanent disability; and death. These risks cannot be eliminated by instruction, supervision, equipment or facility rules, and they may arise from my child's own actions, the actions of other participants, the condition of the training space, or the ordinary negligence of Ippon Sports Academy and its instructors. Knowing this, I voluntarily choose to enroll my child and accept these risks.
2. Release of liability
In exchange for my child being permitted to participate, I release and agree not to sue Ippon Sports Academy, its owners, instructors, coaches, employees, volunteers, and the owners of the facilities where classes are held (including St. John's Parish House, the Charlestown YMCA and Sityodtong) from any claim for injury, illness, loss or damage arising out of my child's participation, including claims based on ordinary negligence. This release does not apply to gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional or criminal misconduct, and does not waive any right that cannot be waived under Massachusetts law.
3. Indemnification
I agree to indemnify and hold Ippon Sports Academy harmless from any claim brought by or on behalf of my child, or by another participant, arising out of my child's conduct during training, competition or academy events.
4. Physical fitness and medical disclosure
I confirm my child is in good health and physically able to take part in martial arts training, and that I have disclosed below every medical condition, allergy, medication and injury that instructors should know about. I will tell the academy in writing if that information changes. I understand instructors are not medical professionals and cannot give medical advice.
5. Emergency medical treatment
If my child is injured or becomes ill and I cannot be reached, I authorize Ippon Sports Academy staff to arrange emergency medical care, including calling 911 and transport to a hospital. I accept financial responsibility for any medical care provided.
6. Rules, conduct and supervision
My child will follow academy rules, instructor direction, and the mat etiquette and hygiene standards taught in class. Techniques learned at the academy are for class, competition and genuine self-defense only. Ippon Sports Academy may suspend or end participation for conduct that endangers others, with no refund of amounts already billed. Supervision is provided during scheduled class time only; I am responsible for my child before and after class.
7. Membership and billing
I am enrolling in the plan I selected on this page. All plans bill monthly through Square, starting on the date I complete checkout, and renew automatically until cancelled under section 8. The 6-month and 12-month plans commit me to that number of monthly payments in exchange for a reduced monthly rate. Payment amounts and billing dates shown at Square checkout govern; missed classes are not refunded or credited.
8. Cancellation policy
Month-to-month memberships require 30 days' written notice. Early cancellation fee: 6-Month Membership = $159. 12-Month Membership = $298. Canceling payments through your bank or Square does not cancel this Agreement.
Written notice goes to ippon1sports@gmail.com.
9. Photo and video
Classes, competitions and academy events are sometimes photographed or filmed for the academy's website and social media. Consent to this is optional and is given separately below — enrollment does not depend on it, and I can withdraw it at any time by emailing the academy.
10. Entire agreement
This agreement is governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. If any part of it is found unenforceable, the rest stays in effect. I have read this agreement in full, I understand I am giving up substantial legal rights on behalf of my child and myself, and I am signing it freely.
