Member Standards

Member Standards

As well as club standards, we expect certain standards from our members. A club member is defined as anyone who comes along to train with Musashi BJJ. Any member who does not comply with the standards outlined below will not be permitted to train with Musashi BJJ.

·   Members must sign a waiver form prior to their first class.
·  As a Gi only club, all members should train in a Gi after a maximum of 4 weeks training, unless otherwise agreed with a coach or staff member.

- Be a Good Human and a Nice Person

- Hygiene:

  • Only clean, bare feet are allowed on the mats; no footwear permitted.

  • Off the mats, you MUST wear flip flops/sliders at ALL times.

  • Maintain good personal hygiene. Ensure you have taken a shower, are physically clean, and have fresh breath before each class.

  • You must wear washed and clean Gi / Kit and Belt for every session.

  • Keep finger and toenails trimmed short to prevent scratching anyone.

  • Tie long hair back or in a bun.

  • No jewellery or watches allowed during training.

  • Practice handwashing before and after training.

- Skin Conditions / Health Consideration:

  • We have a zero-tolerance policy on training with skin infections or other infectious illnesses or diseases.

  • If you have any contagious skin conditions (e.g., ringworm, staph, impetigo, athlete's foot, or other skin issues), you MUST not train.

  • If you are experiencing symptoms of a cold, flu, fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat or any other contagious illness, please refrain from attending classes until you are fully recovered.

  • Report such conditions to the instructor, and any such illness should be treated and cleared by a GP prior to returning to training.

  • For any open wound or injury, proper bandaging is expected.

In addition to the above, we expect a certain level of respect to be upheld during training and sparring from a physical standpoint. We cannot train without each other, so respect for your partner is of paramount importance. Therefore, we ask for the following member to member training standards to be upheld.

- Respect and Sportsmanship:

  • All members are expected to respect each other and behave accordingly. We have a zero-tolerance policy on bullying of any kind.

  • Begin each roll with a side five and fist bump.

  • Thank your partner after each roll.

  • Welcome newcomers warmly, be kind and introduce yourself.

  • Support and celebrate the progress of fellow training partners.

- Controlled Techniques:

  • Prioritise the safety of your training partners during every session

  • Maintain full control during drilling and rolling to minimise injury risks.

  • Respect varying skill levels, abilities, and personal boundaries.

  • If you are currently injured or have any areas of concern, inform your training partner and adjust intensity levels accordingly.

  • No striking, nipping, fish hooking, eye gouges or small joint manipulations are allowed.

  • Any non-IBJJF approved practises such as using wrist locks or leg locks should be agreed on a case-by-case basis between partners prior to rolling.

- Tap Early and Respect Taps:

  • Leave your ego at the door and train with respect.

  • Tap early and tap often during rolling to prevent injuries.

  • Respect a tap as a signal to immediately release the technique.

- Financial Responsibility:

  • Please ensure timely payment of your training fees.

Waiver Agreement

Musashi BJJ is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club which promotes and teaches martial arts and self-defence to accommodate all levels. Taking part in any martial arts may be difficult and strenuous and brings with it a risk of injury.

This form is an important legal document which explains the risk you / your child are / is assuming by beginning training at Musashi BJJ. It is critical that you read and understand its contents completely, only after doing so and signing this form will you / your child receive the benefit of club member to member liability insurance, and be permitted to train with Musashi BJJ.

Please review the following terms and referred conditions to participating in activities, classes, and programs offered by Musashi BJJ (hereafter to as "the Club").

1. Assumption of Risk:

You understand that martial arts training involves physical contact and carries inherent risks of injury. You voluntarily assume all risks associated with your participation. You acknowledge that while the Club operates under the standards set out in the club policy, it cannot and will not be held responsible for any injuries incurred or loss suffered as a result of your participation in these activities while training at the club.

2. Health and Fitness:

You recognize that your health is your own responsibility. You certify that you are physically capable of participating in these activities and have no known medical conditions that would prevent you from engaging in martial arts training. If you have any concerns about your health or fitness level, you agree to consult with a qualified medical professional before engaging in any training. Additionally, you will also inform the instructor to the fullest of your knowledge about your medical background if you have any specific concerns.

3. Photographic Release:

You grant permission to the Club to use photographs, videos, or other media taken during training for promotional purposes, both online and offline. You will provide notice to the Club via email if you withhold consent for the sharing of your or your child’s photos.

4. Liability Release & Indemnification:

You hereby release the Club, its instructors, and representatives from any and all claims, liabilities, arising from or in any way connected to your participation in training sessions. This release covers any loss, injury, or harm, even in unfortunate instances.

5. Medical Authorisation:

In the event of injury or medical emergency, you hereby authorize the Club to provide necessary first aid and arrange for medical and emergency treatment on your behalf in case of injury or illness. You understand that reasonable efforts will be made to contact parents (<16yo) or designated emergency contacts if such a situation arises.

Club Standards

Musashi Brazilian Jiujitsu club is a Bronze level member of the United Kingdom Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Assocation (UKBJJA) and therefore upholds certain club standards, as follows:

·       All coaching staff will be a minimum of purple belt level.

·       All coaching staff will have completed and current PVG checks carried out.

·       All coaching staff will have a minimum of basic first aid training. Again, this certification will be kept current.

·       All coaching, and any other staff, will have completed current and up-to-date Child Protection and Safeguarding training.

·       We train in a clean and tidy venue with 40mm minimum for mats, no sharp edges or corners on the mats, minimal gaps and with male and female changing facilities available.

·       Mats are cleaned before and after every class.

·       We cap class numbers to ensure a minimum area per pair during sparring.

·       Instructor, club, and member-to-member liability insurance is provided by Musashi BJJ through the UKBJJA though only applies after signing a waiver form.

Evidence of the up-to-date certification for the above should be available on request of any member or parent / guardian. Any such request should also be inherently satisfied through display of the current UKBJJA club membership certificate as we are required to uphold these standards as Bronze level members.

Venue Disclaimer

Our venue for training is Tam’s Brig Judo Club and Strength Gym in Ayr. While we enjoy a close relationship with this club, we are not a part of the club. Any such litigation or any other issues that were ever to arise against Musashi BJJ would not involve Tam’s Brig Judo Club and Strength Gym and vice-versa.

Risk Assessment

Tam’s Brig Judo Club and Strength Gym has ramped access as well as fire exits to British Standards. Any further risk assessment is carried out by Tam’s Brig themselves.

Accident Logging

Any accidents that occur during class should be reported to the instructor, who will have a minimum of basic first aid training and will be able to advise / treat. There will be an accident book present as well as a fully stocked first aid kit. All accidents will be logged by the instructor in the accident book.

Child Protection Policy

This section of the document outlines the club child protection policy as well as the policy on adult and child integration during training.

·       All adults interacting with children from a coaching or training standpoint must have an up-to-date PVG check done.

·       Adult to child interaction during training, such as sparring, must be pre-approved by parents via the waiver form.

·       Adult to child interaction during training will only happen when the adults in question have been approved to work with children by Musashi BJJ.