(i) The Programs involve certain ingerent risks. Certain risks cannot be eliminated withoout eroding the unique character of the experience, and the Participant understands that Upstate Karate is not insuring against or promising to eliminate all risks. Participant recognizes and understands that martial arts training is an activity that involves physical contact and that participation in the Programs might result in serious injury, including permanent disability or even death, and severe social and economic loss. Risks involved in the Programs include, but are not limited to, concussions, cuts, bruises, and lacerations from striking and grappling, bruising and abrasions to the face, neck, or extremities, sprains, strains, fractures, or joint dislocations, negligence of staff and other participants, use of equipment, and other serious injury or death.
(ii) Participant’s participation in the Programs is purely voluntary. No one is forcing or requiring Participant to participate, and Participant elects to participate in spite of the risks. Participant understands Participant’s safety is his/her personal responsibility and Participant will notify Upstate Karate if Participant feels something is unsafe or beyond Participant’s abilities.
(iii) Participant acknowledges and understands that Participant has the opportunity to inspect Upstate Karate’s equipment and location before Participant’s participation in any Programs.
(iv) Participant certifies that Participant is not aware of any physical or mental condition that precludes Participant from participating in the Programs and that Participant is not participating against medical advice. Participant understands that Upstate Karate strongly recommends that Participant does not partake in the Programs if Participant is pregnant and advises Participant to seek medical advice before choosing to participate if Participant is pregnant.
(v) Participant agrees that Participant will comply with all of Upstate Karate’s rules and rules of the Programs. Participant understands that compliance with these rules, exercising common sense, and being aware of Participant’s surroundings can minimize Participant’s risk of injury.
(vi) Participant agrees that he/she must wear protective equipment in order to participate in any Programs involving physical contact with others. Protective equipment includes headgear, forearm pads, mouthpiece, padded gloves and boots, shin pads, and (for males) a groin protector. Participant expressly acknowledges and agrees that he/she is responsible for ensuring that his/her protective equipment is in good condition and fits correctly. Participant agrees he/she will notify Upstate Karate if Participant is unsure about how to correctly put on or adjust protective gear. Participant further expressly acknowledges and agrees that Upstate Karate may prohibit Participant from participating in any Programs if Upstate Karate, including its owners, affiliates, operators, employees, volunteers, agents, and officers, determines in its sole discretion that Participant’s protective equipment is not adequate.
(vii) The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 is extremely contagious and is believed to spread mainly from person-to-person contact. Upstate Karate has put in place preventative measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19; however, Upstate Karate cannot guarantee that Participant will not become exposed to or infected with COVID-19. Further, participating in the Programs could increase Participant’s risk of contracting COVID-19. Participant’s risk of becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 by participating in the Programs may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of the Participant him/herself and others, including, but not limited to, Upstate Karate employees, volunteers, and participants in the Programs and their families.
(viii) Participant assumes full responsibility for all risks associated with the Programs, and for all injuries, harms, and damages that may result from participation in the Programs, including bodily injury, emotional damage, illness, disability, exposure to or contraction of COVID-19 or other pandemic disease, death and/or loss of or damage to personal property. Participant assumes responsibility for all such risks, whether identified in this document or not.
(ix) Participant grants Upstate Karate, its representatives, and its employees the right to take photographs and videos of Participant in connection with Participant's participation in the Programs. Participant hereby authorizes Upstate Karate to copyright, use, and publish the same in print and/or electronically; and hereby agrees that Upstate Karate may use such photographs and video of Participant for any lawful purpose, including but not limited to publicity, illustration, advertising, and Web content.