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Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions govern your membership with ESKA Karate (“ESKA”, “we”, “us”, “our”). By joining or continuing your membership, you agree to be bound by these terms. 

 

1. Membership and Joining

1.1 Membership begins on the date you attend your first paid class, unless otherwise agreed. This will usually be your second class where one free trial lesson has been offered but may be later where ESKA has agreed to provide additional free trial classes. 

1.2 Membership is a recurring monthly subscription. 

1.3 There is no minimum term unless explicitly stated. 

1.4 New members may be offered one or more introductory sessions. Continued participation after this/these requires an active membership. 

1.5 We reserve the right to refuse membership where reasonable to do so.


2. Cooling-Off Period

2.1 Membership is a rolling monthly contract and may be cancelled at any time by giving 28 days’ written notice in accordance with these Terms. 

2.2 If you join online, by phone, or otherwise at a distance, you have the right to cancel your membership within 14 days of joining. 

2.3 If you request that your membership and training begin during this 14-day period, you agree that: 

  • ESKA may provide services immediately; and  
  • if you cancel during this period, you may be charged for any classes attended and services already provided.  

2.4 In addition to your statutory rights, where a member cancels within their first month of membership, ESKA will usually cancel the membership without requiring the full 28-day notice period, provided that the member pays for any classes attended and services already received. 

2.5 This clause does not affect your statutory rights. 


3. Membership Types and Changes

3.1 ESKA offers different membership options (e.g. once per week, unlimited training). 

3.2 You may upgrade your membership at any time. Changes will take effect from the agreed date and may result in a pro-rata adjustment. 

3.3 Downgrades will take effect at the end of the current billing period. 


4. Payments

4.1 Membership fees are payable in advance, typically by direct debit. 

4.2 Where direct debit is not possible, alternative payment arrangements may be agreed at our discretion. 

4.3 If a payment fails: 

  • you remain responsible for the outstanding amount;  
  • an administration fee of £10 may be charged;  
  • we may recover reasonable costs incurred in collecting overdue payments.  

4.4 We reserve the right to suspend access to classes until outstanding payments are settled. 


5. Membership Freezing

5.1 You may request to freeze your membership for a minimum period of one full calendar month. 

5.2 A reduced monthly fee (your licence/membership fee) will apply during the freeze period to maintain insurance and membership status. 

5.3 We request at least 14 days’ notice for freeze requests, but this may be waived in cases of illness, injury, or exceptional circumstances. 

5.4 During a freeze: 

  • you may not attend classes;  
  • certain membership benefits may continue (e.g. access to governing body events).  

6. Attendance and Class Participation

6.1 Members may attend any class appropriate for their age, grade, and membership type. 

6.2 Members must use ESKA’s booking system to book into each class they wish to attend. This is mandatory so that ESKA can manage class numbers, ensure safe instructor-to-student ratios, and maintain the quality and safety of training. 

6.3 We reserve the right to refuse entry where a member has not booked into the class, the class is full, or attendance would not be appropriate for safety, age, grade, or membership reasons. 


7. Missed Classes and Make-Up Sessions

7.1 Missed classes may be made up at alternative suitable sessions, subject to availability. 

7.2 You are still required to book into your make-up session using the ESKA booking system. 

7.3 Make-up sessions must be used within 12 months and while your membership remains active. 

7.4 If your membership is cancelled or lapses, unused sessions will normally be forfeited unless otherwise agreed. 


8. Fees, Refunds and Credits

8.1 Fees are generally non-refundable. 

8.2 This does not affect your statutory rights. Where services are not provided, or are not delivered with reasonable care and skill, we will offer an appropriate remedy, which may include: 

  • a refund;  
  • a credit; or  
  • alternative sessions.  

8.3 Events, gradings, and competitions may be subject to separate terms and booking deadlines. These will be provided at the time of booking. 


9. Membership Cancellation

9.1 You may cancel your membership by providing at least 28 days’ written notice to: office@eska.co.uk 

9.2 Your membership will remain active during the notice period and fees will continue to be payable on a pro rata basis to reflect the notice period. 

9.3 You may continue attending classes during this notice period. 


10. Suspension and Termination by ESKA

10.1 We may suspend or terminate membership where reasonably necessary, including in cases of: 

  • safeguarding concerns;  
  • misconduct or inappropriate behaviour;  
  • risk to other members or staff;  
  • persistent non-payment.  

10.2 We may suspend membership while investigating concerns. 

10.3 Where appropriate, we will act in accordance with our safeguarding and disciplinary procedures. 

10.4 In cases of termination, refunds will be considered on a fair and reasonable basis. 


11. Safeguarding, Conduct and Policies

11.1 ESKA operates in accordance with its own safeguarding, conduct, and welfare policies, which are informed by and aligned with the standards of our national governing body, Traditional Shotokan Karate UK. 

11.2 All members, parents, guardians, and volunteers must comply with the relevant ESKA policies and codes of conduct. 

11.3 These policies are available upon request or via our website: ESKA – Norfolk’s Premier Karate Club | Safeguarding 


12. Late Collection of Children

12.1 Parents/guardians must collect children promptly at the end of class. 

12.2 A grace period of up to 15 minutes will apply. 

12.3 Where collection exceeds 15 minutes after the end of class: 

  • we will attempt to contact the parent/guardian;  
  • we may charge a reasonable fee for additional staff time.  

12.4 If a child is not collected and no contact has been made after 30 minutes, safeguarding procedures will be followed. This may include contacting the Designated Safeguarding Person, Social Services, and relevant statutory authorities. 


13. Classes, Venues and Service Availability

13.1 We may make reasonable changes to: 

  • class times;  
  • instructors;  
  • venues;  
  • timetables.  

13.2 We will provide reasonable notice of significant changes where possible. We do not guarantee that the same instructor, venue, or class time will be available at all times. 

13.3 Changes will not materially reduce the overall level of service without appropriate adjustment. 

13.4 Where services cannot be delivered due to circumstances beyond our control, we will use reasonable endeavours to offer: 

  • alternative sessions;  
  • credits; or  
  • adjustments.  

14. Changes to Fees and Terms

14.1 We may update our fees or terms from time to time. 

14.2 We will provide at least 30 days’ notice of any material changes. 

14.3 If you do not wish to continue under the updated terms, you may cancel your membership without penalty before the changes take effect. 


15. Uniform and Equipment

15.1 Appropriate Karate uniform (Gi) with an embroidered ESKA badge is required for gradings and may be required for certain classes (this will be clearly communicated ahead of such classes). 

15.2 Approved hand pads are compulsory for all kumite (sparring) sessions. Students will not be permitted to take part in free sparring without them. The use of gum shields is strongly recommended. 

15.3 For safety reasons, jewellery must not be worn during training. This includes rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and watches. Any exceptions (for example, newly pierced earrings) must be agreed with an instructor in advance and may require appropriate covering. ESKA reserves the right to refuse participation where jewellery presents a safety risk. 


16. Membership Associations

16.1 Your membership includes affiliation with governing bodies, including Traditional Shotokan Karate UK, and the World Union of Karate-Do Federations (WUKF). 

16.2 Your monthly membership fee includes a licence/insurance element, which covers your affiliation to these governing bodies and provides the associated insurance cover required for training and participation. 


17. Photography and Media

17.1 Photography and filming must comply with venue rules and safeguarding requirements. 

17.2 ESKA may take photographs or videos for promotional purposes, subject to appropriate consent. 

17.3 General photography/videography consent will usually be obtained on registration. For specific events, such as gradings or competitions, consent may also be obtained at the point of booking and can be withdrawn at any time. The most recent consent status recorded by ESKA will apply. 

17.4 You may opt out of media use by notifying us in writing. 

17.5 At The Dojo Norwich (a venue owned and operated by ESKA), the following rules apply to photography and videography: 

  • Photography and filming are permitted during ESKA classes, courses, events, and gradings, provided they are carried out responsibly and respectfully.  
  • Members, parents, and visitors should avoid capturing images or video of individuals outside of their own family group, particularly where consent has not been given.  
  • Photography and videography are strictly prohibited in changing rooms, toilets, and any private areas.  
  • All photography must be appropriate and in line with safeguarding best practice. 
  • ESKA reserves the right to restrict, limit, or prohibit photography where necessary for safety, privacy, or safeguarding reasons. 
  • Any person asked to stop filming or photographing must do so immediately. 

18. Lost Property

18.1 Items left at venues will be disposed of after one month if unclaimed. It is the member’s responsibility to claim any lost property within this period. 


19. Complaints

19.1 Complaints should be submitted to:
office@eska.co.uk 

19.2 Complaints will be handled in accordance with ESKA’s Complaints, Grievances and Managing Allegations Policy. This policy can be accessed here: ESKA – Norfolk’s Premier Karate Club | Safeguarding 


20. Data Protection

20.1 We process personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy, available on our website: ESKA – Norfolk’s Premier Karate Club | Privacy Policy 


21. Liability

21.1 Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability for: 

  • death or personal injury caused by negligence;  
  • fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation;  
  • any liability that cannot legally be excluded.  

21.2 Subject to this, our liability is limited to the amount paid for the relevant services. 

21.3 Participation in martial arts and physical activity carries inherent risks. Members must follow all instructor guidance. 


22. General

22.1 These terms should be read alongside ESKA’s policies. In the event of conflict, mandatory legal obligations and safeguarding procedures will take precedence. 

22.2 If any provision is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in effect. 

22.3 These terms form the entire agreement between you and ESKA. 

ESKA

The Dojo Norwich
3 Burton Road
Norwich, Norfolk
NR6 6AX

+44 (0)1603 418751

office@eska.co.uk

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A professional karate club based in East Anglia, headed by Chief Instructor Jason Hitchings, 6th Dan. We are dedicated to teaching traditional Shotokan Karate to the very highest standard.

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