Terms & Conditions

By registering for, purchasing, participating in or otherwise engaging with any class, program, grading, membership or other service provided by Goju Hakutsuru Karate-Do (GHKD), you agree to these Terms & Conditions.

1. Participant Understanding

GHKD teaches traditional Goju Ryu karate, incorporating key principles of Hakutsuru and related traditional martial arts.

Training is predominantly non-contact. Much of our training involves individual practice, controlled partner exercises, technical drills and the practice of techniques with a partner without forceful physical contact.

Where physical contact is appropriate to a particular exercise or drill, it is introduced in a controlled and supervised manner and is intended to develop a realistic understanding and application of techniques while maintaining the safety of all participants.

As with any physical recreational activity, there remains a risk of injury. Participants undertake training voluntarily and must follow all reasonable safety instructions provided by GHKD instructors.

2. Safety

GHKD is committed to providing a safe, respectful and supportive training environment.

• Non-contact training: The majority of GHKD training is conducted without physical contact. Partner exercises are performed in a controlled manner, with participants expected to maintain appropriate distance, control and awareness.
• Controlled contact: Where contact is specifically required as part of an exercise or drill, it must be performed only as instructed and with appropriate control.
• Self-control: Participants must exercise appropriate self-control at all times. Techniques must never be applied with excessive force or in a manner that could unnecessarily endanger a training partner.
• Respect for training partners: Participants must treat their training partners with care, respect and consideration.
• Training area: Participants must follow reasonable instructions relating to the use of the training area and any equipment.
• Jewellery and watches: Jewellery, watches and other items that could cause injury must not be worn during training.
• Instructor's authority: Instructors have the authority to modify, restrict or stop an exercise or a participant's involvement where they consider this necessary for safety.
• Unsafe behaviour: A participant whose behaviour presents a risk to themselves or others may be asked to stop training or leave the class.

3. Participation and Personal Responsibility

By participating in GHKD training, you acknowledge that:

• Karate training involves physical activity and carries inherent risks, including the possibility of injury.
• You are responsible for informing your instructor of any injury, physical limitation or other condition that may affect your ability to participate safely.
• You will follow reasonable instructions given by GHKD instructors.
• You will communicate immediately if you experience pain, injury, illness or any other concern during training.
• You will not deliberately perform techniques or exercises in a manner that could unnecessarily endanger another participant.
• You will respect the rights, safety and wellbeing of instructors and other participants.

If you have a health condition, previous injury or other concern that may affect your ability to participate safely, you should seek appropriate medical advice before training and inform your instructor of any relevant limitation.

4. Minimum Age

Participants in GHKD adult classes must be at least 18 years of age.

By registering for an adult class, you confirm that you meet this minimum age requirement.

5. Equipment and Training Gear

Participants must use training equipment responsibly and in accordance with instructor directions.

Any damaged or defective equipment should be reported to an instructor immediately.

Karate Uniform

Active members must wear an approved Karate Uniform (Gi) and Belt (Obi) during training unless an instructor has approved alternative training clothing for a particular session.

GHKD members must also have their GHKD badge permanently attached to their Gi in the approved manner.

6. Sparring and Advanced Contact Training

Free sparring is not included in all GHKD classes.

Where sparring or other advanced contact drills are specifically included in a class, they will be conducted under appropriate instructor supervision.

Participants must follow all instructions relating to the level of contact, protective equipment and conduct during these activities.

Protective equipment must be worn where required by the instructor.

7. Health, Illness and Injury

Participants must not train if they are unwell or have a contagious illness that could reasonably place other participants at risk.

Participants must:

• Inform their instructor of relevant injuries or physical limitations before training.
• Stop training and notify an instructor if they become injured or unwell during a class.
• Follow reasonable instructions relating to first aid and safety.
• Maintain appropriate personal hygiene and grooming.
• Not consume alcohol or recreational drugs before or during training.
• Not smoke or vape in training areas or where otherwise prohibited.

GHKD may ask a participant to stop training if their condition presents a reasonable safety concern.

8. Conduct and Dojo Etiquette

GHKD is committed to maintaining a respectful, inclusive and safe learning environment.

All members are expected to follow the GHKD Etiquette Standards, as published in the Members' Portal, at all times when participating in GHKD classes, events, activities or otherwise representing GHKD.

The Etiquette Standards form an important part of GHKD's expectations for member conduct and are intended to maintain the standards, respect and discipline of the dojo.

Participants are expected to:

• Treat instructors, training partners and other members with courtesy and respect.
• Follow reasonable instructor directions.
• Observe appropriate dojo etiquette and the GHKD Etiquette Standards.
• Avoid disruptive, threatening or inappropriate behaviour.
• Respect personal boundaries and maintain appropriate physical contact.
• Not engage in harassment, bullying or discrimination.
• Not engage in sexual harassment or other inappropriate conduct.

Failure to follow the GHKD Etiquette Standards, or serious or repeated misconduct, may result in suspension or termination of participation or membership.

Continued membership is conditional upon complying with these Terms & Conditions and the GHKD Etiquette Standards.

9. Fees, Membership and Attendance

A low quarterly training fee covers all classes, instruction and membership. Current training fees will be advised before joining.

GHKD does not charge separate joining, annual membership or administration fees.

All active members receive free access to the GHKD Members' Portal, subject to the conditions relating to Portal access below.

Grading and Belt Advancement

Grading or belt advancement fees apply when gradings take place. These fees currently start from $45 and will be advised before the relevant grading.

All fees must be paid by the due date.

Failure to pay outstanding fees may result in suspension of participation or membership until the account is brought up to date.

10. Cancellations and Refunds

Fees are generally non-transferable and non-refundable, except where GHKD agrees otherwise or where a refund, cancellation or other remedy is required by law.

Where a participant needs to cancel or withdraw because of illness, injury or another significant circumstance, GHKD may consider the circumstances and any reasonable supporting information provided.

Nothing in these Terms & Conditions is intended to exclude, restrict or modify any rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or modified under Australian Consumer Law or other applicable legislation.

11. Membership and Extended Absence

Participants who expect to be absent from training for an extended period should contact GHKD where possible.

Extended absence may affect a participant's training progression and readiness for grading. Any decision relating to grading or advancement will take into account the participant's current ability, training history and readiness rather than simply the passage of time.

12. GHKD Members' Portal

Active class members receive free access to the GHKD Members' Portal while their membership remains active.

Portal access may be suspended or withdrawn if membership is suspended or terminated, or where there is a serious breach of these Terms & Conditions.

All instructional material provided through the Portal is for the member's personal training and educational use.

Members must not reproduce, distribute, publish, sell, commercially exploit or teach GHKD instructional content to others without prior written permission from GHKD.

13. Photography, Video and Audio

Photography, video or audio recording may take place during GHKD classes, seminars, events or other activities for educational, archival or promotional purposes.

Participants who do not wish to be photographed, filmed or recorded should notify the Chief Instructor before participating.

Participants must not photograph, film or record classes or other participants without prior authorisation from GHKD.

14. Application of Techniques Outside Training

GHKD training is provided for martial arts education, personal development and practical understanding of traditional karate principles.

Techniques taught during training are practised in controlled environments and should not be regarded as a guarantee of a particular outcome in a real-world situation.

The effectiveness and appropriateness of any technique outside the training environment can depend on many factors, including the practitioner's skill, physical condition, timing, environment, number of people involved and circumstances beyond their control.

Participants are responsible for making their own decisions about whether and how to apply any technique outside supervised training and must act in accordance with applicable laws.

15. No Guarantee of Proficiency or Outcome

GHKD provides instruction designed to develop technical ability, understanding, physical skills, confidence and practical application.

However, GHKD does not guarantee that a participant will achieve a particular level of proficiency, grading result, physical outcome or result in any real-world situation.

Progress depends on many factors, including attendance, effort, ability, physical condition, experience and individual circumstances.

16. Responsibility for Personal Property

Participants are responsible for their own personal belongings and equipment brought to training.

GHKD recommends that valuables and unnecessary personal items are not brought into the training area.

17. Changes to These Terms & Conditions

GHKD may update these Terms & Conditions from time to time to reflect changes to its services, practices or applicable requirements.

Where material changes are made, GHKD will take reasonable steps to notify current members where appropriate.

The current version of these Terms & Conditions will be published on the GHKD website.

18. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws applicable in Victoria, Australia.

Any dispute will initially be addressed directly between the participant and GHKD with a view to resolving the matter reasonably and, where appropriate, through an agreed dispute-resolution process.

Nothing in this section limits any rights a person may have under applicable Australian law.