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 flat monthly membership fee payable for training services.
- “Grading Fee” refers to the fee payable when a Student is entered for grading (also referred to as promotion or graduation).
- “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 Islington Martial Arts 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.
2.1.4 As a Student’s grade, ability, or development changes, Islington Martial Arts may require the Student to move to a different class or training time to maintain appropriate standards, safety, and class balance.
2.2 Access and Use
2.2.1 Membership entitles the Student to use the available facilities at the relevant school during scheduled class times, 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 website and member resources. These must not be shared.
2.2.3 Membership includes access to up to two core training sessions per week. The twice-weekly training structure reflects the core expectation of the programme and is designed to support safe, consistent, and effective long-term development.
2.2.4 Additional classes may be offered from time to time as a complimentary benefit, allowing flexibility, make-up sessions, or additional practice. These additional classes are provided free of charge, are not guaranteed, and do not form part of the contractual entitlement of Membership.
2.2.5 Missed classes are not carried forward, credited, or guaranteed to be made up.
2.2.6 Membership is a flat monthly subscription and is not calculated on a per-session basis. Membership does not guarantee access to a fixed number of classes per week or per month.
2.2.7 Any per-class or per-session figures mentioned verbally, in writing, or in marketing materials are illustrative only and do not represent per-session billing or entitlement.
2.3 Extended Holiday, Absence, and Medical Pauses
2.3.1 Membership fees are calculated on a 48-week training year, allowing for four weeks’ holiday per year. Membership fees therefore continue monthly regardless of holidays taken beyond this allowance. Breaks and closures are scheduled by Islington Martial Arts and may vary year to year.
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 Membership payments are not paused or frozen except in cases of medical necessity, subject to prior written approval by Islington Martial Arts.
2.3.4 In exceptional medical circumstances, Islington Martial Arts may, at its discretion, approve a temporary medical pause of up to three months. Such pauses are offered as a one-off goodwill accommodation and are not automatic.
2.3.5 During an approved medical pause, membership payments may be suspended and the Student’s place held. Upon return, the Student will rejoin at the same rate; however, Islington Martial Arts cannot guarantee the same class time or slot if schedules have changed.
2.3.6 All medical pauses must be requested in writing and may require supporting information.
2.3.7 From time to time, classes may be cancelled, rescheduled, or modified due to grading events, holidays, instructor availability, or operational requirements. Such changes form part of the normal operation of the school and do not affect the monthly Tuition Fee.
2.3.8 Islington Martial Arts operates a structured annual training calendar. Classes run across the year with allowances for scheduled and operational cancellations, which may include (but are not limited to):
• Instructor illness or emergency absence
• School or facility closures
• Grading events
• Seminars, training events, or professional development
• Christmas, New Year, and public holiday periods
Such cancellations form part of the normal operation of the school and do not entitle the Student or Payer to refunds, credits, or fee adjustments.
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. At least one month’s notice will be provided of any changes.
3.1.2 The Student shall pay the Tuition Fee monthly in advance. The first payment is payable upon acceptance by Islington Martial Arts of the Student’s application, with subsequent payments payable on the agreed monthly date.
3.1.3 The minimum period of Membership is two months.
3.1.4 Tuition Fees are collected by EFC on behalf of Islington Martial Arts.
3.1.5 The Payer agrees to pay the monthly Tuition Fee for every month Membership is active, regardless of attendance.
3.1.6 Tuition Fees are non-refundable once paid, except where required by law.
3.1.7 Tuition Fees may be reviewed annually and may increase by up to 4% to reflect inflation and operational costs. Any increase will be communicated at least one month in advance.
3.1.8 Late or failed Direct Debit payments may incur administration fees as applied by EFC.
3.1.9 If a payment is not made within 30 days of becoming due, EFC will notify Islington Martial Arts.
3.1.10 Family discounts, where offered, apply only to immediate family members. Immediate family is defined as parents or legal guardians, their children, or siblings living within the same household. Family discounts apply per Student and do not constitute a shared or combined household membership unless explicitly stated in writing by Islington Martial Arts.
3.2 Martial Arts Licence and Insurance
3.2.1 Every Student has a Martial Arts Licence and insurance included within the monthly Tuition Fee. No separate annual licence fee is required.
3.2.2 Islington Martial Arts may review how licence/insurance is provided and included, with at least one month’s notice provided to Students.
3.3 Grading and Promotion Fees
3.3.1 Grading, promotion, and graduation all refer to the same assessment process at Islington Martial Arts.
3.3.2 A Grading Fee of £39 per Student is payable when a Student is entered for grading. This fee covers assessment, registration, belt, and certificate.
3.3.3 Grading fees are only payable when a Student is invited to grade, typically every 2-4 months depending on attendance, ability, and attitude.
3.3.4 Grading fees are non-refundable once a Student has been entered for grading.
3.3.5 Late payment of a Grading Fee may incur a £5 administration fee.
4. Suspension and Cancellation
4.1 Suspension of Membership
4.1.1 The Student may apply to Islington Martial Arts to suspend Membership for medical reasons only. Applications must be made in writing and approved in advance.
4.2 Cancellation by the Student
4.2.1 The Student may cancel Membership by providing not less than 30 days’ written notice to both EFC and Islington Martial Arts. Written notice means email sent to info@islingtonmartialarts.com and EFC at office@efcuk.org.uk (or such other address notified in writing). WhatsApp messages to instructors do not constitute formal cancellation notice.
4.2.2 Notice may not expire within the first two months of Membership.
4.2.3 All fees due up to the cancellation date must be paid in full.
4.3 Cancellation by Islington Martial Arts
4.3.1 Islington Martial Arts reserves the right to cancel or suspend Membership where there is a breach of these Terms, non-payment of fees, or conduct deemed unsafe, inappropriate, or damaging to the welfare or reputation of the school.
4.3.2 Where Membership is terminated for breach, no refunds of membership or grading fees will be issued.
4.3.3 Any behaviour deemed unacceptable, disruptive, unsafe, or contrary to the values of Islington Martial Arts may result in immediate suspension or termination of Membership.
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 may introduce guests only with prior appointment and approval from Islington Martial Arts.
6. Training Conduct and Dojang Etiquette
6.1 Students are expected to attend classes regularly, arrive on time, and train with focus, respect, and discipline.
6.2 The correct uniform must be worn at all times and should be clean and presentable. No jewellery, watches, or sharp objects may be worn during training.
6.3 Students must inform the instructor of any injuries, medical conditions, or if they feel unwell before or during class.
6.4 Fingernails and toenails must be kept short for safety and hygiene reasons.
6.5 Students should bring a bottle of water to class and may take drink breaks when instructed.
6.6 Students must not use any equipment without permission from an instructor. Any damage caused to equipment through misuse will be the responsibility of the Student or their parent/guardian.
6.7 Changing of clothing and eating are not permitted in the training hall and must take place only in designated areas.
6.8 Classes may already be in progress upon arrival. Students must wait quietly outside the training area until invited in by an instructor.
6.9 All children must be supervised at all times while on the school or club premises.
6.10 Parents or guardians are responsible for their child’s behaviour before, during, and after class. Islington Martial Arts instructors are not responsible for supervising children outside of active class time.
6.11 Children must not be left unattended on the premises or surrounding grounds. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the Student being asked to leave or Membership being reviewed.
7. Media Usage
7.1 The Student understands that images or videos of Students may be used for school communication, social media, or advertising.
7.2 Consent may be withdrawn at any time by contacting Islington Martial Arts in writing.
7.3 Photography or video recording within the school is not permitted without prior approval from the Chief Instructor. This is to protect the privacy, safety, and focus of all Students.
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) Personal injury or death of any Student or guest, except where such injury or death arises from a negligent act or omission of Islington Martial Arts or its employees.
b) Loss, damage, or theft of personal property belonging to the Student or their guest.
8.1.3 Students and their guests must consult their General Practitioner before undertaking physical activity and must inform Islington Martial Arts of any medical conditions or changes in 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 by providing reasonable notice at the relevant school location.
9.1.2 Islington Martial Arts intends to rely upon these written terms. Any changes must be in writing and signed by a director.
9.2 Communication
9.2.1 The Student agrees to notify Islington Martial Arts promptly of any changes to contact or payment details.
9.3 Waiver
9.3.1 Failure to enforce any right shall not be construed as a waiver of that right.
9.4 Severability
9.4.1 If any provision is held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder shall remain in full force and effect.
9.5 Jurisdiction
9.5.1 These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by the laws of England and Wales, and the parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.