TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP
1. Definitions
In these Terms and Conditions, the following definitions apply:
- “Islington Martial Arts” refers to Elite Black Belt Ltd, the provider of martial arts training services.
- “Student” refers to the individual receiving training services from Islington Martial Arts.
- “Payer” refers to the individual responsible for payment of fees, if different from the Student.
- “EFC” refers to Educational Funding Company Ltd, which collects fees on behalf of Islington Martial Arts.
- “Tuition Fee” refers to the monthly fee payable for membership and training services.
- “Testing Fee” refers to the fee payable prior to taking a promotional test.
- “Membership” refers to the agreement between the Student and Islington Martial Arts for the provision of training services.
2. Membership Terms
2.1 Types of Membership
2.1.1 All new Students, upon acceptance by Islington Martial Arts, will be enrolled on the beginners Programme. Upon completion, the Student may be invited to join the Black Belt Programme.
2.1.2 Membership is personal to the Student at the relevant school location and cannot be transferred to another school not operated by Islington Martial Arts.
2.1.3 Islington Martial Arts may assign the benefit and burden of this agreement at any time to any person, firm, or company without notice to the Student.
2.2 Access and Use
2.2.1 Membership entitles the Student to full use of the available facilities at the relevant school during its opening hours, subject to compliance with these Terms and Conditions.
2.2.2 Each Student will be issued with a Student ID number and PIN, which enable access to the full website. The Student must not permit their ID number or PIN to be used by anyone else.
2.3 Extended Holiday or Absence
2.3.1 Membership fees are calculated on a period of 48 weeks per year, allowing for four weeks’ holiday per year. Membership fees therefore continue every month regardless of holidays that extend past these four weeks.
2.3.2 Any additional vacation time a Student chooses to take is at their own discretion and is not compensated for by Islington Martial Arts.
2.3.3 Additional payment freezes may be offered by Islington Martial Arts for prolonged illness or hospitalisation only through prior agreement and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
3. Charges and Payment
3.1 Tuition Fees
3.1.1 The monthly Tuition Fee shall be specified by Islington Martial Arts from time to time at the relevant school location. Islington Martial Arts shall provide at least one month’s notice by displaying a notice or informing the Student of any proposed changes at the relevant school location.
3.1.2 The Student shall pay Islington Martial Arts the Tuition Fee monthly in advance. The first payment is payable upon acceptance by Islington Martial Arts of the Student’s application, and subsequent payments are payable on the agreed day of each month.
3.1.3 The minimum period of membership is two months.
3.1.4 The Student may choose to pay the Tuition Fee for a period of either one month or one year by making a one-off payment in advance. In this event, the Student is entitled to a discount as specified in the membership details, and the minimum period of membership will be two months. There will be no refund of monies paid within this time.
3.1.5 Tuition Fees are collected by EFC on behalf of Islington Martial Arts.
3.1.6 Payer’s Agreement: The Payer agrees to pay the monthly payment for membership to Islington Martial Arts for every month the services are provided.
3.1.7 Annual Fee Increase: The Payer understands and agrees that the monthly Tuition Fee will automatically increase by 4% on every anniversary of the first payment date to account for inflation. Islington Martial Arts will provide at least one month’s notice of the new fee amount.
3.1.8 Late or Failed Payments: If a Direct Debit collection fails, EFC will resubmit the payment request to the bank, including an administration fee of £5.00. If a payment is not made within ten days of the due date, an admin fee of £5.00 may be levied for each reminder letter it is necessary for EFC to send.
3.1.9 If the Payer does not meet the monthly payment within 30 days of it becoming due, EFC will inform Islington Martial Arts that payment has not been made.
3.2 Annual Martial Arts Licence and Insurance Fee
3.2.1 The Student shall pay the yearly Martial Arts Licence and Insurance Fee upon acceptance by Islington Martial Arts of the Student’s application.
3.2.2 The current yearly Martial Arts Licence and Insurance Fee is £45.00. This fee is non-refundable. Islington Martial Arts shall provide at least one month’s notice by displaying or informing the Student of any proposed changes at the relevant school location.
3.3 Promotional Test Fees
3.3.1 Promotional Test Fees shall be paid prior to the Student taking the promotional test. It becomes due once the Student has been entered for the test.
3.3.2 The Testing Fee is £30 per Student and includes grading assessment, grading registration, new grade belt, and a new grade certificate. The fee must be paid to the school no later than two weeks after the grading promotion.
3.3.3 Late payment for the promotional test will incur an additional £5.00 administration fee.
3.3.4 The Testing Fee is non-refundable. Islington Martial Arts shall provide at least one month’s notice by displaying or informing the Student of any proposed changes at the relevant school location.
4. Suspension and Cancellation
4.1 Suspension of Membership
4.1.1 The Student may, apply to Islington Martial Arts to have their membership suspended for medical reasons only. The application should be in writing and addressed to the Chief Instructor of the relevant school.
4.1.2 Additional payment freezes may be offered by Islington Martial Arts for prolonged illness or hospitalisation only through prior agreement and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
4.2 Cancellation by the Student
4.2.1 Except where the Student has taken advantage of the discount offered in clause 3.1.4, the Student may cancel their membership by giving not less than 30 days’ written notice to both EFC at office@efcuk.org.uk and Islington Martial Arts at info@islingtonmartialarts.com.
4.2.2 Such notice is not to expire within the first two months of the Student’s membership and is subject to the Student having paid all fees up to the date of cancellation.
4.2.3 The Payer understands that if they wish to cancel the membership, they must make a payment equal to one month’s membership fee.
4.3 Cancellation by Islington Martial Arts
4.3.1 Islington Martial Arts reserves the right at any time, without notice, to cancel or suspend the membership of any Student where, in its absolute discretion, there has been or is likely to be a breach of these Terms and Conditions, or where the Student’s conduct is deemed by Islington Martial Arts to be improper or likely to endanger the welfare, safety, or reputation of the relevant school.
4.3.2 Where a Student has not paid their fees by the due date, Islington Martial Arts reserves the right to take appropriate action to recover any outstanding fees.
4.3.3 Where membership is terminated for a breach of Islington Martial Arts’ Terms and Conditions, the relevant school rules, or failure to follow guidance, there will be no refund of any membership or joining fees.
5. Conduct
5.1 Code of Conduct
5.1.1 The Student agrees to be bound by these Terms and Conditions, and any damage to the relevant school caused by the Student or their guest shall be paid for by the Student or their parent/guardian.
5.1.2 The Student agrees to abide by all rules and guidance displayed throughout the relevant school as well as those stated in the Student Guide. Any Student not abiding by these rules may be asked to leave and excluded from future membership.
5.2 Dress Code
5.2.1 Students agree to wear the approved uniform, as supplied by Islington Martial Arts, at all times.
5.2.2 Islington Martial Arts has the right to prevent entry into the relevant school by anyone whose behaviour or appearance is deemed unsuitable.
5.3 Alcohol and Drugs Policy
5.3.1 No alcohol may be brought into the school by Students, and smoking is strictly forbidden.
5.3.2 Students may not enter the school under the influence of alcohol or mind-altering drugs.
5.4 Guests
5.4.1 All Students are entitled to introduce guests at the relevant school. An appointment must be made and confirmed with Islington Martial Arts in advance before the Student may bring their guest.
6. Promotions and Advancements
6.1 Grade promotions are carried out in class.
6.2 Advancement assessments are made when a Student reaches the minimum required classes and skill level to be tested for their ability to move on to the next phase of training.
6.3 These carry a charge of £30 per Student, which includes grading assessment, grading registration, new grade belt, and a new grade certificate, and are to be paid to the school no later than two weeks after the grading promotion.
7. Media Usage
7.1 The Student understands that occasionally images of Students may be used as part of the club’s social media group and advertising campaigns.
7.2 The Student has the option to withdraw consent for the use of images by contacting Islington Martial Arts directly at info@islingtonmartialarts.com.
8. Liability
8.1 Disclaimer of Liability
8.1.1 All Students who use the relevant school and facilities do so at their own risk.
8.1.2 As far as permitted by law, Islington Martial Arts, any associated company, or any of its employees or agents shall not be liable for:
a) The personal injury or death of any Student or guest whilst at the relevant school, except to the extent that death or personal injury arises from any negligent act or omission of Islington Martial Arts or its employees.
b) Any loss, damage, or theft of personal property belonging to the Student or their guest occurring at the relevant school.
8.1.3 Students and their guests must consult with their General Practitioner (GP) before undergoing any physical activity programme. Students must inform Islington Martial Arts of any medical conditions and take appropriate medical advice before using any of its facilities. Students must inform Islington Martial Arts promptly of any change in their health.
9. Miscellaneous
9.1 Changes to Terms and Conditions
9.1.1 Islington Martial Arts reserves the right to alter these Terms and Conditions at any time by displaying a notice or informing the Student of the proposed changes at the relevant school location for a reasonable period, up to a maximum of one month.
9.1.2 Islington Martial Arts intends to rely upon these written terms. Any changes must be put in writing and signed by the institution’s director to avoid any misunderstandings regarding the obligations of the Payer and the Payee.
9.2 Communication
9.2.1 The Student agrees to notify Islington Martial Arts promptly of any change in their address, telephone number, or payment details.
9.3 Waiver
9.3.1 The failure of Islington Martial Arts to enforce any of its rights for any period shall not be construed as a waiver of such rights.
9.4 Severability
9.4.1 Each of these conditions shall be construed independently. If any provision is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable under any law, such provision shall be deemed deleted from this agreement, and the remainder of the provisions shall remain in full force and effect. In such an event, the parties shall negotiate in good faith to agree on a mutually acceptable and satisfactory alternative provision.
9.5 Jurisdiction
9.5.1 These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales, and the parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.