Participation & Membership Agreement
This Participant Agreement & Membership Policy (“Agreement”) is entered into between Wasatch Martial Arts Academy LLC, including its owners, instructors, agents, employees, and all persons acting on its behalf (collectively, “WMAA”), and the undersigned participant or, if a minor, the undersigned parent or legal guardian on the minor’s behalf (“Participant” or “Member”).
Part One: Assumption of Risk & Release of Liability
1. Inherent Risks. Participant understands that martial arts training, including Soo Bahk Do, Tang Soo Do, and related physical exercise (the “Activity”), involves known and unanticipated risks that cannot be eliminated without jeopardizing the essential nature of the Activity. These risks include, without limitation, being jolted, jarred, thrown, struck, or otherwise contacted; falling or landing awkwardly; sprains, fractures, dislocations, concussions, and other physical injury; and, in rare cases, catastrophic injury, paralysis, or death.
2. Assumption of Risk. Participant voluntarily and knowingly assumes all such risks, known and unknown, and elects to participate in the Activity in spite of those risks. Participation is entirely voluntary.
3. Release of Ordinary Negligence Claims. To the fullest extent permitted by Utah law, Participant releases, waives, and covenants not to sue WMAA for any claim, demand, or cause of action arising from ordinary negligence in connection with the Activity, including negligent instruction, supervision, or premises conditions. This release does not apply to, and does not waive any claim arising from, WMAA’s gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct.
4. Third-Party Facility. Participant acknowledges that classes are held at the Christ United Methodist Church and other facilities not owned or controlled by WMAA. WMAA is not responsible for the condition, maintenance, or security of any third-party premises, though WMAA will make reasonable efforts to select safe training locations.
5. Medical Authorization & Fitness Certification. Participant certifies that they have no medical or physical condition that would interfere with safe participation, or else knowingly assumes all risk created by any such condition. In the event of injury or medical emergency, Participant authorizes WMAA staff to contact emergency medical services and to arrange necessary emergency transportation or treatment, with all associated costs being Participant’s responsibility. Participant certifies they carry adequate health insurance or otherwise agree to bear the costs of any injury.
6. Indemnification. If WMAA is required to incur attorneys’ fees or costs to enforce this Agreement, Participant agrees to indemnify and hold WMAA harmless for such reasonable fees and costs.
7. Photo & Video Release. Participant grants WMAA permission to use Participant’s name, likeness, and image in photographs, video, or other digital media, including web and social media publications, without payment or other consideration. Participant may revoke this permission in writing at any time for future use.
8. Acknowledgment of Understanding. Participant has read this release, understands its terms, understands that they are giving up substantial legal rights including the right to sue for ordinary negligence, and signs it freely and voluntarily.
Minor Participants
In consideration of _________________________________ (print minor’s name) (“Minor”) being permitted to participate in WMAA programs and use its facilities, the undersigned parent or legal guardian agrees to indemnify and hold harmless WMAA from any claim brought by or on behalf of the Minor arising from such participation.
Part Two: Membership & Tuition Policy
Tuition
Membership operates on a month-to-month subscription. Tuition grants access to the regular class schedule, instruction, and curriculum — it is not a per-class fee, and is owed whether or not Member attends any individual class.
Payment Authorization
9. Member authorizes WMAA to charge the monthly tuition automatically via PayPal (or other designated payment processor) on a recurring basis until this Agreement is cancelled per Section 11. If a payment fails or is returned, Member agrees to remedy the failed payment within five (5) days of notice; class access may be paused until the account is brought current.
Cancellation
10. Member may cancel this Agreement at any time by providing thirty (30) days written notice to WMAA, delivered in person, by mail, or by email to the instructor. Tuition already billed is non-refundable. Former members may rejoin at any time with no reactivation fee and no penalty.
Vacation, Travel & Seasonal Breaks
11. WMAA does not offer membership freezes, holds, or pauses. Tuition reflects ongoing access and availability, not classes attended in a given month. Members anticipating extended absence may (a) continue billing and retain their place in the schedule, or (b) cancel under Section 10 and rejoin later with no reactivation fee.
Federation Membership
12. All students must independently maintain active membership with the US Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan™ Federation (soobahkdo.us), billed separately by the Federation. Federation membership is required for certified rank promotion and is Member’s sole responsibility to maintain.
Testing Fees
13. WMAA does not charge a separate fee for rank testing. Belt testing is included as part of active membership.
Testing Eligibility & Membership Tenure
14. To be eligible for rank testing, Member must maintain continuous, active (paid) membership for a minimum consecutive period immediately preceding the test date: (a) White through Green Belt: three (3) consecutive months of active WMAA membership; (b) Red Belt: six (6) consecutive months of active WMAA membership; (c) 1st Dan (black belt equivalent) and above: twelve (12) consecutive months of active membership. If membership lapses for any reason — including a missed payment or voluntary cancellation — the consecutive-membership count resets to zero upon rejoining, regardless of total time previously trained. This requirement is independent of, and in addition to, any minimum time-in-rank or curriculum requirements set by the US Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan™ Federation.
Relocated Dan-Level Students
15. For students holding Dan rank who relocate beyond reasonable commuting distance of WMAA’s physical classes, the in-person consecutive-membership requirement above does not apply. Continued eligibility for instructor recommendation and rank testing instead requires: (a) active enrollment in a Digital Dojang (Dojang.org) membership package appropriate to the student’s rank; (b) documented independent training consistent with the Digital Dojang curriculum, including any periodic check-ins or video submissions the instructor may request.
Event & Tournament Participation
16. Active membership with WMAA and instructor permission is required to participate in any World Moo Duk Kwan affiliated event, including events sponsored by country organizations, regional organizations, or individual studios.
Code of Conduct
17. Member agrees to conduct themselves with courtesy and respect toward instructors, fellow students, and the training facility, consistent with the philosophy and tradition of Soo Bahk Do. WMAA reserves the right to suspend or terminate membership, without refund of the current month’s tuition, for conduct that endangers others, violates facility rules, or is otherwise inconsistent with this standard.
Right to Amend
18. WMAA may amend this Agreement or its policies from time to time. Material changes (including changes to tuition or cancellation terms) will be communicated to Members with at least thirty (30) days’ notice before taking effect.
Communications Consent
19. Member consents to receive email and text communications from WMAA, including class reminders, schedule changes, and the Dojang Connect newsletter. Member may opt out of non-essential communications at any time.
Part Three: General Provisions
20. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including Parts One and Two, constitutes the entire agreement between Member and WMAA regarding its subject matter and supersedes all prior oral or written representations.
21. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
22. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Utah, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.