Agreement & Release of Liability:

Revised August 2023
THIS AGREEMENT is made between the person named on this account and Aikido of Santa Cruz (a.k.a. North Bay Aikido, Inc.), a non-profit public-benefit corporation, its Board of Directors, instructors, students, agents, authorized guests and affiliated organizations (collectively referred to hereafter as “Aikido of Santa Cruz”).

Aikido of Santa Cruz provides a variety of activities, including, but not limited to, martial arts training that may involve: observing, sitting, stretching, twisting, rolling, falling, striking, grabbing, throwing, or pinning, weapons training, calligraphy training, misogi practices, and any other activities provided by or at the request of, Aikido of Santa Cruz, whether on premises or elsewhere (“Aikido Activities”).
In consideration of my enrollment in any Aikido Activities, I make the following statements and promises:

1) I am aware that such Aikido Activities may involve strenuous physical activity and personal body contact, and that I may be participating in simulated attack situations which can be physically harmful and/or emotionally stressful.

2) I am voluntarily taking such Aikido Activities with the understanding that there is potential danger and the possibility of injury (minor or severe, including those that may result in disability or death). I agree to accept any and all risks of injury, known and unknown, as my sole responsibility.

3) If I have, or at any time develop, a disability or illness, I promise to consult with my physician before taking any Aikido Activities and I agree that I am financially responsible for any costs associated therewith.

4) I release from liability and waive my right to sue Aikido of Santa Cruz from any and all claims, including claims related to Aikido of Santa Cruz’ negligence (active or passive), resulting in any physical injury, illness (including death) or economic loss I may suffer or which may result from my participation in the Aikido Activities

5) I agree that I, my heirs, legal representatives and assigns will abide by the following: I promise to defend, indemnify and hold Aikido of Santa Cruz harmless from any and all liability (including attorney's fees and costs) for all claims, actions, or damages:
a) for any injury or damage and/or wrongful death resulting from my participation in the Aikido Activities;
b) by third parties alleging injury from my use of the techniques learned in the Aikido Activities, or any variation thereof, whether occurring on the premises of Aikido of Santa Cruz or elsewhere. I have not requested nor received any warranties as to the effectiveness of the training.

6) Additional Special Conditions Related to Infectious Diseases. I understand that Aikido of Santa Cruz may provide Aikido Activities indoors and outdoors, observing recommendations by the CDC, and other public health authorities, as well as its own guidance. If I voluntarily elect to participate in any such Aikido Activities, I acknowledge that:
a) I understand the contagious nature of and the risk of becoming exposed to and/or infected potential infectious diseases, and I voluntarily accept such risk;
It is my responsibility to abide by the recommendations of the CDC and other public health authorities, as well as any guidance that Aikido of Santa Cruz may provide, to protect myself and my community.
b) Aikido of Santa Cruz cannot guarantee that I will not become infected with potential infectious disease, even if I follow the recommendations of any public health authorities or guidance provided by Aikido of Santa Cruz.
d) On each and every occasion that I choose to participate in Aikido Activities, I attest that:
i) I am not experiencing any symptoms of a potential infectious disease.
ii) I have not been diagnosed with a potential infectious disease by state or local public health authorities, within the last 5 days.

7) I understand that in order to maintain other participants’ privacy and for the safety of all attendees, Aikido of Santa Cruz kindly asks that I do not record or take pictures while attending or observing classes or activities, without explicit permission of Aikido of Santa Cruz.

8) I understand and agree that Aikido of Santa Cruz occasionally films and takes photographs during classes and events sponsored by Aikido of Santa Cruz, and that by attending an event I am giving express permission to be filmed/photographed and to have these materials be used in all manner of media throughout the world by Aikido of Santa Cruz, including but not limited to social media.

9) Additional Special Conditions Related to online classes: I understand that Aikido of Santa Cruz may provide online Aikido Activities using a video conference platform (such as Zoom) and if I opt to participate in such online Aikido Activities, I understand that I will not be supervised during online Aikido Activities; and that the online sessions may be recorded and may be posted online by Aikido of Santa Cruz (in various platforms) and I hereby explicitly consent to the use of any recordings by Aikido of Santa Cruz.

10) I agree to abide by the rules of Aikido of Santa Cruz and to follow explicitly all instructions given by instructors during the course of my instruction.

This liability waiver is governed by the laws of the state of California, USA, excluding any conflict of laws rules and the parties explicitly consent to the jurisdiction of the courts in the Santa Cruz County, State of California. I have carefully read this Agreement and fully understand its contents. I am aware that this is a release of liability and a contract between Aikido of Santa Cruz and myself, and I sign it of my own free will.