All prospective members must complete a Membership Application Form and provide accurate personal and medical information.
Membership is granted upon the approval of the Club's committee and payment of the required fees. The Club reserves the right to refuse any application without providing a reason.
Adult Membership: Open to individuals aged 18 years and older.
Junior Membership (Under 18s): Requires the signature and explicit consent of a parent or legal guardian who must also agree to these Terms on the junior member’s behalf.
All members must hold valid individual insurance and be affiliated with the Club’s governing body (e.g., the British Aikido Federation or equivalent, as determined by the Club). Membership may be suspended if this affiliation lapses.
Fees are payable monthly and are due in advance.
Failure to pay fees within 14 days of the due date may result in the immediate suspension of training rights until the account is settled.
Membership fees are generally non-refundable. Exceptions may be considered in cases of long-term injury or relocation, solely at the discretion of the Club committee.
The Club reserves the right to review and adjust fees annually. Members will be notified of any changes at least 30 days in advance.
The member acknowledges that Aikido is a contact martial art and inherently involves a risk of injury, including minor, serious, or potentially catastrophic injuries. Participation is entirely voluntary and at the member's own risk.
The member must inform the instructor prior to each training session of any pre-existing medical conditions, injuries, physical limitations, or pregnancy that may affect their ability to train safely.
Members must strictly adhere to the instructions and techniques demonstrated by the Sensei (instructor) and senior grades. Failure to follow instructions may result in being asked to leave the training session immediately.
Members must wear a clean, proper gi (uniform) appropriate for Aikido training. All jewellery must be removed prior to training. The Club is not responsible for loss or damage to personal items.
Members must use the training venue, equipment, and facilities in a safe and respectful manner and follow all venue rules.
All members must respect the traditional etiquette (reigi) of the dojo, including bowing, cleaning, and maintaining silence during instruction.
Members must show respect towards all instructors, senior grades, fellow members, and visitors at all times. Harassment, discrimination, or abusive behaviour (physical or verbal) will not be tolerated.
Good personal hygiene is mandatory. Fingernails and toenails must be trimmed, and feet and hands must be clean. Open wounds must be covered with suitable dressings.
The Club committee reserves the right to suspend or terminate the membership of any individual whose behaviour is deemed detrimental to the Club, its members, or its reputation. No refund of fees will be provided in such an event.
The Club, its instructors, and officers shall not be held liable for any loss, damage, or injury suffered by a member or any third party arising out of or in connection with their participation in Club activities, except where such loss, damage, or injury is caused by the proven negligence of the Club or its officers, and such liability cannot be excluded by law.
The member agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Club, its instructors, and officers against all liabilities, claims, demands, costs, or expenses arising from the member’s negligence, breach of these Terms, or reckless actions during training.
Each member is responsible for assessing their own physical condition and fitness to participate in training. If in doubt, professional medical advice should be sought.
The Club will collect and process personal data (including contact details and medical information) for the sole purposes of managing your membership, fulfilling its duty of care, and communicating essential information. This data will be handled in accordance with UK data protection legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Members may request access to their data at any time.
These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales, and any disputes arising under or in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales