ANN ARBOR BJJ

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK

READ CAREFULLY — THIS DOCUMENT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS

Ann Arbor BJJ | 525 Suite B East Liberty Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

This Release of Liability ("Agreement") is entered into between Ann Arbor BJJ LLC ("the Gym," "Ann Arbor BJJ") and the participant. For participants under the age of 18, this Agreement is executed by the participant's parent or legal guardian, who agrees to all terms on behalf of themselves and the minor participant. Throughout this document, "Participant" refers to the participating individual, whether adult or minor.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF INHERENT DANGERS

Participant understands and acknowledges that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ("BJJ") and all related activities — including drilling, live sparring (rolling), takedowns, throws, clinching, chokes, joint locks, and conditioning — are inherently dangerous activities that carry significant risk of physical injury, including but not limited to:

- Sprains, strains, tears, and other soft-tissue injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments
- Joint injuries, including to the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles
- Fractures and dislocations
- Head and neck injuries, including concussion or traumatic brain injury
- Loss of consciousness or impaired breathing resulting from choke or strangulation techniques
- Skin abrasions, cuts, and mat burns
- Exposure to communicable diseases, bacterial or viral infections (including MRSA, ringworm, and similar conditions common to contact sports)
- Catastrophic injury or death

Participant voluntarily assumes full responsibility for all such risks, whether arising from the actions of Participant, other participants, instructors, or any other cause.

INHERENT RISK DOCTRINE

Participant acknowledges that the risks of BJJ training are inherent to the sport itself, meaning they cannot be eliminated through any reasonable safety measures. Participant agrees that exposure to these inherent risks is part of the chosen activity and waives any claim that the Gym should have prevented such exposure.

CONDUCT OF OTHER PARTICIPANTS

Participant specifically acknowledges that injuries may occur due to the actions or omissions of other participants, including but not limited to misapplied techniques, failures to recognize or respect tap-outs, excessive force, or carelessness. Participant assumes all such risks and releases the Released Parties from any liability arising from the conduct of other participants.

BRAIN AND NEUROLOGICAL INJURY RISK

Participant specifically acknowledges that BJJ training involves chokes, head impacts during takedowns and scrambles, and other situations that may cause concussion, traumatic brain injury, cumulative head injury, or long-term neurological effects. Participant assumes these specific risks and waives all claims related to brain or neurological injury arising from training.

HEALTH AND FITNESS SELF-CERTIFICATION

Participant represents and warrants that they (or their minor child) are in adequate physical condition to participate in BJJ training and are not aware of any medical condition, illness, injury, or physical limitation that would make participation inadvisable. Participant agrees to consult a physician before beginning training if there is any doubt as to their physical fitness, and to immediately notify Ann Arbor BJJ of any change in health status that may affect safe participation.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND WAIVER OF CLAIMS

In consideration of being permitted to participate in BJJ training and use the facilities of Ann Arbor BJJ, Participant, on behalf of themselves and (if applicable) their minor child, heirs, assigns, and personal representatives, hereby RELEASES, WAIVES, DISCHARGES, AND COVENANTS NOT TO SUE Ann Arbor BJJ, its owners, members, officers, directors, employees, contractors, instructors, agents, and successors (collectively, "Released Parties") from any and all liability, claims, demands, causes of action, or damages of any kind arising out of or in connection with participation in BJJ training or use of the Gym's facilities, including claims arising from the negligence of the Released Parties, to the fullest extent permitted by Michigan law.

Participant specifically acknowledges that this Release includes claims arising from the ordinary negligence of Ann Arbor BJJ, its instructors, coaches, training partners, and other Released Parties. Participant understands that "negligence" includes failures to properly supervise, instruct, warn, or maintain equipment or facilities, and Participant voluntarily waives all such claims.

BINDING ON HEIRS AND SUCCESSORS

This Release is binding on Participant's heirs, executors, administrators, personal representatives, assigns, and any party claiming through Participant. No claim may be brought by any survivor, family member, or successor based on injury or death of Participant during participation.

AGREEMENT TO FOLLOW RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS

Participant agrees to observe and comply with all posted rules, policies, and warnings, and to follow all oral or written instructions given by Ann Arbor BJJ's instructors and staff. Participant understands that failure to comply may result in immediate removal from the facility without refund.

INDEMNIFICATION

Participant agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all claims, causes of action, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) arising out of or related to Participant's participation in activities at Ann Arbor BJJ, or the participation of Participant's minor child, including claims caused in whole or in part by Participant's own conduct.

PHOTO, VIDEO, AND MEDIA RELEASE

Participant grants Ann Arbor BJJ a perpetual, royalty-free license to photograph, video record, and use Participant's (or their minor child's) name, image, and likeness for promotional, educational, or social media purposes without compensation. Participant may opt out by sending written notice to info@annarborbjj.com prior to participation.

PARENTAL/GUARDIAN CONSENT FOR MINOR PARTICIPANTS

If Participant is under 18 years of age, the undersigned parent or legal guardian represents that they have full legal authority to execute this Agreement on behalf of the minor, and agrees that all terms of this Agreement apply with equal force to the minor participant.

Emergency Medical Authorization: In the event of an injury or medical emergency involving the minor during activities at Ann Arbor BJJ, I authorize Ann Arbor BJJ and its representatives to seek and consent to emergency medical treatment, including transportation to a medical facility, on the minor's behalf. I accept financial responsibility for all medical expenses incurred. This authorization is effective from the date of signing until terminated in writing.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Michigan. Any dispute arising from this Agreement shall first be addressed through good-faith negotiation. If not resolved within thirty (30) days, the dispute shall be submitted to binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association under its Consumer Arbitration Rules, with proceedings conducted in Washtenaw County, Michigan. Each party shall bear their own arbitration costs unless the arbitrator determines otherwise. Participant waives the right to participate in any class action lawsuit or class-wide arbitration relating to any claim covered by this Agreement.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Severability: If any provision of this Agreement is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

Arms' Length Agreement: This Agreement is the product of arms'-length negotiation. No rule of construction shall be applied against either party as the drafter of any particular provision.

No Duress: Participant acknowledges that they have not been pressured or coerced into signing this Agreement, have had a reasonable opportunity to review it, and may seek independent legal counsel before signing. Ann Arbor BJJ will refund any prepaid fees if Participant chooses not to sign.

Entire Agreement: This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements or understandings.

I HAVE READ THIS ENTIRE AGREEMENT, I UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, AND I AGREE TO BE BOUND BY IT. BY SIGNING, I VOLUNTARILY SURRENDER CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE.

ANN ARBOR BJJ LLC

COMMUNITY OPEN MAT AGREEMENT

This Community Open Mat Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into between Ann Arbor BJJ LLC (the “Gym,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) and the participating individual (the “Participant,” “you,” or “your”). By attending, registering for, or participating in Community Open Mat, you agree to all terms set forth below.

1. ELIGIBILITY & COMMUNITY REQUIREMENT

1.1 Community Participation Standard

Community Open Mat exists as a shared training space for individuals who are actively involved in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or grappling and who value safe, respectful training.

To support that goal, participants are expected to maintain an active membership with a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym or grappling gym, or hold current paid membership with the University of Michigan BJJ Club.

This requirement helps preserve a consistent training culture and reinforces the idea that Community Open Mat is a place for committed practitioners.

1.2 Verification of Membership

The Gym reserves the right to verify active membership status at any time.
Participants must present proof of active membership (digital or physical) no later than their first Community Open Mat session. Failure to provide verification may result in denial of participation.

1.3 Right to Deny or Remove

The Gym reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to deny or revoke access to Community Open Mat for any individual who does not meet eligibility requirements or who violates this Agreement.

2. PURPOSE & STRUCTURE OF OPEN MAT

2.1 Live Grappling Only

Community Open Mat is strictly for live grappling and live rounds.

The following are not permitted:

• Teaching or coaching others

• Private instruction

• Static drilling

• Running structured classes

• Organizing lessons or technique sessions

Open Mat is intended solely for live, unscripted training rounds.

2.2 Open Mat Time Window

Community Open Mat is scheduled from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.

While the session may exceed one (1) hour, the Gym expressly reserves the right to end all training and clear the mats at 2:00 PM if needed for facility operations, scheduling, or safety.

3. SHARED MAT SPACE

3.1 Shared Use with University of Michigan BJJ Club

Community Open Mat shares mat space with the University of Michigan BJJ Club.

The Gym will make a good-faith effort to allocate mat space approximately 50/50 between groups.
However, mat space allocation is dynamic and may be adjusted based on:

• Group size

• Safety considerations

• Flow of training

The larger group may be allocated more space at the Gym’s discretion.

4. SAFETY RULES & PROHIBITED ACTIONS

4.1 Absolute Prohibitions

The following actions are strictly prohibited at all times during Community Open Mat:

• Slamming

• Individual joint manipulation (small joint attacks)

• Flying submissions

• Kani Basami (scissor takedown)

• Jumping to closed guard

• Punching, kicking, groin strikes, or any form of striking

Any violation may result in immediate removal from Open Mat without warning.

4.2 Live Training Responsibility

Participants are expected to train with control, awareness, and respect for training partners. Continuing after a tap or engaging in reckless behavior will not be tolerated.

5. HYGIENE & ATTIRE REQUIREMENTS

5.1 Health & Hygiene

Participants must:

• Have clean, trimmed fingernails and toenails

• Be free of any skin infection, open wounds, or contagious condition

• Maintain appropriate personal hygiene

Anyone failing to meet hygiene standards may be asked to leave immediately.

5.2 Attire Standards

• Gi: Clean gi in white, blue, or black only

• No-Gi: Clean rashguard and grappling shorts

  • No pockets, zippers, buttons, or hard materials

Dirty, unsafe, or inappropriate attire is not permitted.

6. PARENTS, OBSERVERS & ENVIRONMENT

6.1 No Coaching From the Sidelines

Parents and spectators are welcome to observe; however:

• No coaching, instructing, or directing participants from the sidelines

• No interference with training

6.2 Training Environment

Participants acknowledge that:

• Adult music may be played during Community Open Mat

• The environment is intended for experienced live training, not instruction

7. CONDUCT & ENFORCEMENT

7.1 Community Standards

Participants must treat staff and fellow athletes with respect and contribute to a safe, professional training environment.

7.2 Enforcement Authority

The Gym reserves the right to:

• Require a Participant to sit out

• Remove a Participant from the mat

• Remove a Participant from the premises

• Permanently revoke Open Mat access

Enforcement decisions are final and made in the interest of safety and community integrity.

8. ASSUMPTION OF RISK & WAIVER REQUIREMENT

8.1 Assumption of Risk

Participant acknowledges that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and live grappling involve inherent risks, including serious injury, permanent disability, or death, and voluntarily assumes all associated risks.

8.2 Separate Liability Waiver Required

Participation in Community Open Mat is conditioned upon execution of the Gym’s separate Liability Waiver and Release, which must be signed prior to participation and remains in effect for all Open Mat activities.

9. GENERAL TERMS

9.1 No Instructional Guarantee

Community Open Mat provides access to training space only. No instruction, supervision, or coaching is implied or guaranteed.

9.2 Governing Law

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Michigan.

9.3 Severability

If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

9.4 Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement regarding Community Open Mat participation and supersedes all prior discussions or representations.

9.5 Electronic Acceptance

Electronic acceptance and signatures are valid and binding.

10. ACCEPTANCE

By attending or participating in Community Open Mat, Participant acknowledges that they have read, understand, and agree to all terms of this Agreement.