Witness Martial Arts Policies

1. Membership Policies

  • Waiver Requirement: All members must sign a liability waiver before participating in any class, program, or open mat.

  • Membership Fees: Payments are due on time. Late or missed payments may lead to temporary suspension or termination of membership.

  • Medical Conditions: Members are responsible for notifying staff of any injuries, medical conditions, or limitations that could affect safe training.

  • Minors: Students under 18 must have parental or guardian consent and may only participate under adult supervision.

2. Code of Conduct

  • Respect: Treat all members, coaches, and staff with courtesy and professionalism.

  • Zero Tolerance: Discrimination, harassment, or use of profanity is strictly prohibited.

  • Obedience & Safety: Follow the instructions of instructors and staff at all times.

  • No Bullying: Aggressive or hostile behavior toward others—inside or outside the gym—will not be tolerated.

  • Positive Attitude: Encourage others, respect the space, and contribute to a healthy, supportive atmosphere.

3. Safety Guidelines

  • Proper Attire: Clean, appropriate uniforms and gear are required for all classes. Exposure of private or sensitive areas—intentional or otherwise—is not acceptable.

  • Modesty & Undressing: Members may not undress down to underwear in any public area of the gym at any time. Please use designated restrooms or locker areas to change clothes.

  • Shirts & Training Dress Code: During regular classes, shirts must be worn at all times. During designated fight team practices or competition prep sessions, athletes may remove shirts when instructed by the coach, as this reflects the conditions under which they compete.

  • Safe Practice: Train with control, awareness, and respect for your partner’s safety. Unsafe, reckless, or overly aggressive behavior may result in removal from class.

  • Mat Rules: No food, gum, or drinks other than water (in sealed containers) are allowed on the mats.

  • Equipment Use: Handle all training equipment responsibly and report damage or unsafe conditions immediately.

4. Class & Training Policies

  • Punctuality: Arrive on time and participate for the full class duration. Late arrivals may need to wait until the next session.

  • Focus & Noise: Keep noise levels low and avoid distractions during classes.

  • Instructor Authority: Only qualified instructors may teach or lead classes.

  • Equipment Care: Return all gear to its designated place after use.

5. Hygiene & Cleanliness

  • Personal Cleanliness: Maintain good hygiene and wear clean training attire.

  • Mat Etiquette: No shoes are allowed on the training floor at any time.

  • Clean Environment: Wipe down used equipment and help keep the gym sanitary for everyone.

6. Personal Belongings

  • Witness Martial Arts is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property.

  • Members are encouraged to leave valuables at home or locked securely in their vehicles.

7. Injuries & First Aid

  • Report all injuries or accidents to staff immediately, no matter how minor.

  • Keep your emergency contact information up to date at all times.

  • Basic first aid is available on-site; serious injuries will be referred to emergency medical services.

8. Cancellations & Refunds

  • All members agree to a 30-day cancellation notice policy upon joining Witness Martial Arts. This policy supersedes long-term contracts, ensuring fairness and flexibility for all parties.

  • To cancel a membership, members must submit written notice at least 30 days prior to the desired cancellation date. Membership fees that fall within that 30-day period will still be due and collected as scheduled.

  • Refunds will not be issued for late cancellations, non-attendance, or failure to provide the required notice.

  • Witness Martial Arts cannot make exceptions for individuals who “forget” or neglect to cancel in writing (electronically is sufficient). Upholding this standard equally for all members maintains fairness and ethical consistency.

  • Members are encouraged to contact staff early if circumstances change so the process can be handled smoothly and respectfully.

9. Account Freeze Policy

  • Witness Martial Arts offers account freezes only under specific, verifiable circumstances.

  • Memberships may be frozen for the following reasons:

    • Military orders or deployment, with official documentation.

    • Catastrophic injury or illness, supported by a doctor’s note or medical documentation.

  • Account freezes will be granted for a reasonable period based on the situation and supporting documents.

  • We do not freeze accounts for vacations, holidays, temporary travel, or non-medical absences.

  • Members must contact gym management as soon as possible to request a freeze and provide the required documentation before their next billing date.

  • During a freeze, members may not attend classes, and billing will pause only for the approved duration.

10. Social Media & Publicity

  • Members may share photos or videos of themselves training, provided they respect others’ privacy and the gym’s environment.

  • Do not post or tag others in photos or videos without their consent.

  • By participating in gym activities, you acknowledge that Witness Martial Arts may take photos or videos during classes, events, or competitions for use on social media, marketing materials, or the gym’s website.

11. Image Rights & Media Use

By signing the membership agreement and participating in gym activities, you grant Witness Ventures, LLC the following rights:

  • Permission to use your image, likeness, or voice in photographs, video recordings, or digital media for promotional, educational, or marketing purposes.

  • These materials may appear on the gym’s website, social media pages, print materials, or advertisements.

  • No financial compensation will be provided for such use.

  • If you prefer not to appear in the media, please notify staff in writing before participating in any class or event, and reasonable efforts will be made to honor your request.

12. Liability & Assumption of Risk

  • All members are required to sign a liability waiver before participating in any class, open mat, or event. This waiver confirms each member’s understanding and acceptance of the inherent risks involved in martial arts training.

  • Martial arts training involves physical contact, conditioning, and techniques that carry the risk of injury. By joining Witness Martial Arts and participating in any activity, all members voluntarily assume full responsibility for their own safety and well-being.

  • Witness Martial Arts, its owners, instructors, and staff are not liable for injuries, accidents, or damages sustained during training, events, or while on gym property.

  • Members agree to train responsibly, follow all safety protocols, and show respect for partners, instructors, and the training space.

  • Parents or legal guardians of minors accept full responsibility for their child’s participation and behavior within the facility.

13. Dispute Resolution

  • Any disputes or concerns should first be addressed directly with gym staff or management.

  • Witness Martial Arts reserves the right to take appropriate action to resolve issues in the best interest of safety, fairness, and community standards.

14. General Use & Facility Policies

  • The training facility is for members, guests, and authorized visitors only.

  • Spectators are welcome only in designated viewing areas.

  • All facility equipment, signage, and materials are the property of Witness Martial Arts and may not be altered, removed, or reproduced without permission.

  • The gym may modify schedules, instructors, or classes as needed without prior notice.

15. Conduct Outside the Gym & Representation

  • Members of Witness Martial Arts are expected to uphold the values of respect, self-control, and integrity both inside and outside the gym.

  • The martial arts skills taught at Witness Martial Arts are for self-defense, competition, personal growth, and discipline—not for aggression, intimidation, or unlawful conduct.

  • Any member who uses martial arts techniques to intentionally harm others, provoke violence, or engage in fighting outside of legitimate competition will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of membership.

  • Members must represent Witness Martial Arts positively in public, online, and in competition. Behavior that damages the reputation of the gym, instructors, or students will not be tolerated.

  • If any member is convicted of a crime involving violence, assault, or similar conduct, their membership will be immediately terminated.

  • Witness Martial Arts reserves the right to deny participation or revoke membership to any individual whose behavior is inconsistent with the standards and values of the gym.

16. Amendments to Policies

  • Witness Martial Arts reserves the right to modify or update these policies at any time.

  • Members will be notified of significant changes via email, posting in the gym, or updates on the official website.