Checkmat Jiu-Jitsu Waterford – Academy Membership Terms & Conditions

By signing up as a member (or enrolling your child/ward) at Checkmat Jiu-Jitsu Waterford, you agree to comply with all policies, procedures, and rules designed to ensure safety, respect, and wellbeing at the academy. 

1. Assumption of Risk, Personal Responsibility, Medical Disclosure & Insurance

Participation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, grappling, MMA, martial arts training, strength and conditioning activities, use of gym and weight-training equipment, yoga, stretching, mobility sessions, and any related physical activities at CHECKMAT JIU-JITSU WATERFORD involves inherent risks of injury.

All members and visitors acknowledge and agree that they train and participate entirely at their own risk when enrolling in, attending, or using the facilities and services of CHECKMAT JIU-JITSU WATERFORD.

For members under the age of 18, the parent or legal guardian, by enrolling the child and/or allowing participation in any activities at CHECKMAT JIU-JITSU WATERFORD, confirms that they are fully aware of and accept the inherent risks associated with all activities offered, and voluntarily assume such risks on behalf of the minor.

By signing up as a member or visitor, and in the case of minors by a parent or legal guardian, you confirm that you have read, fully understood, and agree to the Terms & Conditions of CHECKMAT JIU-JITSU WATERFORD, including the Assumption of Risk, Medical Disclosure, and Personal Accident Insurance requirements.

Members, visitors, and parents or legal guardians of minors under 18 years of age are fully responsible for disclosing any pre-existing medical conditions, injuries, allergies, disabilities, or health concerns that may affect safe participation in activities at CHECKMAT JIU-JITSU WATERFORD at the time of registration.

They further agree to promptly inform CHECKMAT JIU-JITSU WATERFORD of any changes in the medical or health status of the participant, whether a member or visitor, throughout the duration of participation or membership.

The Academy’s insurance provides Public and Products Liability coverage only and does not provide Personal Accident or personal injury cover for members or visitors participating in training, sparring, MMA, strength and conditioning, yoga, or use of gym equipment.

Each member and visitor, and in the case of minors their parent or legal guardian, is solely responsible for ensuring that appropriate Personal Accident Insurance is maintained, valid and up to date, for the full duration of participation or membership.

Members, visitors, and parents or legal guardians on behalf of minors agree to use all facilities, equipment, and training areas responsibly, comply with all safety rules and instructions provided by instructors, and refrain from participating in activities or using equipment for which they are not medically fit or properly instructed.

CHECKMAT JIU-JITSU WATERFORD shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, or damage suffered by any member or visitor arising from participation in training, sparring, MMA, strength and conditioning, yoga, or use of gym equipment.

2. Payments, Late Fees, Cancellation & Freezing

• Payment Method: All memberships are paid by card only, through automatic recurring billing. Members must maintain a valid and active card on file to access classes, gym facilities, and members-only benefits.
• Monthly Billing: Fees are billed monthly and must be up to date to access classes, gym facilities, and members-only benefits.
• Non-Refundable / Non-Transferable: Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Missed classes do not reduce fees or extend membership periods.
• Grace Period & Late Fees: A grace period of 5 calendar days applies from the billing date. If payment is not received within this period, a €10 late fee will be applied. Continued non-payment may result in temporary suspension or cancellation of membership.
• Cancellation: Cancellations must be requested in writing by email to info@checkmatwaterford.ie at least 15 days before the next billing date. If a member cancels and later decides to rejoin, current membership prices and applicable joining fees at the time of re-enrolment will apply, regardless of any previous rates or promotions.
• Freezing Membership: Membership freezing must be requested in writing by email to info@checkmatwaterford.ie and is permitted only in cases of injury, for a minimum period of 1 month of membership (28 days) and maximumperiod of 2 months of membership (56 days). After this period, the membership will be automatically reactivated, and the next scheduled membership charge will be applied.
• Overdue Payments & Membership Cancellation: Any membership payment that remains overdue for more than twenty-eight (28) days will result in automatic cancellation of the membership.
  In the event of cancellation due to non-payment:
  The member will lose all rights to their previous membership rate, discounts, or grandfathered pricing.
  Any future return or re-enrolment will be treated as a new membership, and the member will be subject to the current prices, fees, and terms in effect at the time of rejoining.
  The academy reserves the right to refuse re-enrolment or to require full settlement of any outstanding balance before accepting a new membership.

3. Academy Rules & Etiquette

Members must:

• Respect at All Times: All members must show respect to instructors, staff, training partners, visitors, and everyone within the academy facilities. Foul language, aggressive conduct, or any form of disrespectful behaviour or discrimination will not be tolerated.

• Leave Your Ego Off the Mat: Train with humility, control, and consideration for your training partners.

• Punctuality: Members must be on the mat and ready before class starts. If you arrive late, wait for the instructor’s acknowledgment before entering the mat.

• Entering the Mat: Upon entering the mat area, present yourself first to the instructor or professor leading the class, followed by your training partners.

• Leaving the Mat: To ensure everyone’s safety, do not leave the mat during class without permission from the instructor or professor leading the session.

• No Coaching During Class: Parents, visitors, and students are not permitted to coach children or other students during class. All instruction is the responsibility of the academy instructores.

• Attention & Posture: Maintain good posture and full attention while the instructor or professor is demonstrating techniques or giving instructions.

• Appropriate Dress: Everyone inside the academy must be properly dressed at all times. If you need to change clothing, use the designated changing rooms.

• Mat Cleanliness: No shoes, food, drinks, or electronic devices are permitted on the mat. When leaving the mat area, flip-flops must be worn at all times, especially when using the toilet facilities.

• Photos & Video Recording: Taking photos or recording videos in the training area is strictly prohibited unless expressly authorised by academy management.

• Respect the Tap: To ensure the safety of all participants, the tap must be respected immediately and without exception at all times.

4. Uniform Policy

• Clean Uniform Requirement: All participants must wear a uniform that is clean and in good hygienic condition during class. Dirty or unhygienic uniforms will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
• Gi Classes: A white Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gi, worn with a rashguard underneath, is mandatory for all Gi classes.
• No-Gi Classes: A Academy-approved No-Gi uniform is required for all No-Gi classes.
• Affiliation: Only Checkmat/Fightzone-affiliated uniforms and patches are permitted. Uniforms, patches, or apparel representing other teams or affiliations are not allowed.

5. Hygiene, Safety & Facility Use

• Due to the close physical contact involved in the practice of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, No-Gi, and MMA, high hygiene standards are mandatory at all times.
• Members are required to maintain proper personal hygiene, including clean uniforms, appropriate grooming, clean hands and feet, and keeping fingernails and toenails neatly trimmed, to ensure a safe and healthy training environment.
• Participants in yoga classes are responsible for bringing their own personal yoga equipment, including mats and any other required items, unless otherwise stated by the academy.
• The use of gym and training equipment is at the member’s own risk. All equipment must be used correctly and returned in a clean and organised condition after use.
• The academy accepts no liability for injuries arising from the use of gym or training equipment, nor for the loss, theft, or damage of personal belongings brought onto the premises.

6. Children & Minors

• Under-18 members require parental/guardian consent.

• Children must be collected inside reception and may not leave unaccompanied.

• Parents are not permitted on the training area during kids’ classes and must not coach their children.

7. Use of Images & Media

• By participating, members/parents grant permission for Checkmat Jiu-Jitsu Waterford to use photos/videos taken during training, competitions or events for promotional purposes (social media, websites, etc.).

8. CCTV Surveillance

• CCTV is active throughout the premises for safety and security.

• Footage is stored securely and may be accessed by authorised personnel or law enforcement if required by law.

9. Right to Refuse Access & Membership

The academy management reserves the right to accept or refuse any membership or subscription. Management may also refuse access to, suspend, or remove any individual whose behaviour is unsafe, disrespectful, disruptive, or in violation of academy rules, policies, or codes of conduct.

10. Code of Conduct & Membership Termination

• Membership may be terminated for violating rules, exhibiting harmful behaviour, or damaging the academy’s order or reputation.

• Abusive, threatening or violent conduct will not be tolerated; individuals may be asked to leave immediately.

11. Check-In Requirement:
All members and parents/guardians must check in at the reception front desk before joining any class or training session. Failure to check in may result in restricted access to classes or training activities.

1 2. Changes to Terms

• Terms and fees are subject to change; continued membership after changes constitutes acceptance.