Terms and Conditions

McKinstry Family Karate

Terms and Conditions

Version: V2.1 / 09-03-2026
Review Date: 12 months from issue


Revision Record

VersionDateChange SummaryV1.015/05/2019Initial Terms and Conditions issuedV2.020/02/2026Full structural revision. Clarified programme framework; introduced fixed-term promotional programmes (KickStart, Little Dragons, RAID); strengthened cancellation and termination provisions; aligned with Safe Practice, Codes of Conduct and Safeguarding policiesV2.109/03/2026Updated membership model to rolling monthly membership with a three-month cancellation notice period, replacing previous annual programme commitment


1. Membership Structure

1.1. McKinstry Family Karate operates structured martial arts training programmes designed to support progressive development in Tang Soo Do and related disciplines.

1.2. Membership operates on a rolling monthly basis and continues until cancelled in accordance with the notice provisions set out in Section 3.

1.3. Membership secures access to the structured training programme rather than attendance at a fixed number of sessions.

1.4. Absence from training due to illness, holidays, school commitments, or personal circumstances does not reduce membership fees.

1.5. Membership fees must be paid via the agreed payment method established at enrolment.

1.6. Failure to maintain payments may result in suspension of training privileges until outstanding fees are resolved.

1.7. McKinstry Family Karate may periodically review membership fees. Members will receive a minimum of 30 days’ notice of any change.

1.8 Paid-in-Full Membership Options

1.8.1. McKinstry Family Karate may offer discounted paid-in-full membership options covering a defined training period.

1.8.2. Paid-in-full memberships represent a fixed training period purchased in advance.

1.8.3. Once the membership period has commenced, fees are not refundable, except where required by law or where the Chief Instructor determines that exceptional circumstances apply.

1.8.4. Exceptional circumstances may include:

  • serious injury or illness preventing training

  • relocation making attendance impractical

  • other circumstances considered reasonable by the club

1.8.5. Where appropriate, the club may instead offer:

  • transfer of remaining membership time, or

  • credit toward a future training period.

1.8.6. Paid-in-full memberships do not automatically renew at the end of the fixed period.


2. Promotional and Fixed-Term Programmes

2.1. McKinstry Family Karate may offer introductory or specialist programmes including, but not limited to:

  • KickStart introductory programmes

  • Little Dragons introductory courses

  • RAID self-defence courses

  • Seasonal or specialist workshops

2.2. These programmes are fixed-term courses with defined start and end dates.

2.3. Participation in a fixed-term programme does not automatically create ongoing membership unless a separate membership agreement is entered into.

2.4. Fees for fixed-term programmes are payable at enrolment unless otherwise stated.

2.5. Fees for fixed-term programmes are generally non-refundable once the programme has commenced, except in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the Chief Instructor.

2.6. Promotional incentives or bundled equipment offered as part of a programme remain conditional upon participation in the agreed programme.


3. Cancellation by Member

3.1. Membership may be cancelled by providing three (3) months written notice to McKinstry Family Karate.

3.2. The notice period begins on the date the cancellation request is received in writing.

3.3. Membership fees remain payable throughout the full notice period regardless of attendance.

3.4. Members may continue to attend training sessions during the notice period.

3.5. No refunds will be issued for unused training time during the notice period.

3.6. In exceptional circumstances, including serious injury, relocation, or verified financial hardship, the Chief Instructor may consider requests to reduce the notice period at their discretion.

3.7. Written notice may be submitted by email or through the club’s designated membership management system.


4. Suspension or Termination by the Club

4.1. McKinstry Family Karate reserves the right to suspend or terminate membership without refund where a member:

  • Engages in unsafe conduct

  • Breaches safeguarding policies

  • Repeatedly violates the Codes of Conduct

  • Fails to maintain payment obligations

  • Acts in a manner damaging to the safety, welfare, or reputation of the club

4.2. Suspension may include:

  • Removal from sparring activities

  • Restriction to non-contact training

  • Temporary exclusion from classes

4.3. Members whose membership is terminated for disciplinary reasons forfeit access to training, grading, online materials, and all membership privileges.


5. Class Cancellations and Closures

5.1. Classes may occasionally be cancelled due to circumstances including:

  • Public holidays

  • Severe weather

  • Instructor illness

  • Venue availability issues

  • Civil emergency or national events

5.2. No refunds or credits will be issued for closures outside the club’s control.

5.3. Where practicable, alternative training opportunities may be offered but cannot be guaranteed.


6. Student Licensing and Grading

6.1. Students training beyond introductory level may be required to hold a valid martial arts licence where applicable.

6.2. McKinstry Family Karate participates in recognised grading registration systems, including the BMABA Lifetime Student Grading Register (LSGR).

6.3. Grading eligibility is determined by:

  • Technical standard

  • Safety and control

  • Maturity and conduct

  • Attendance and readiness

6.4. The Chief Instructor retains final authority in matters relating to grading and progression.


7. Health, Safety and Assumption of Risk

7.1. Martial arts training involves inherent physical risk including but not limited to:

  • Sprains

  • Strains

  • Bruising

  • Fractures

  • Concussion

7.2. McKinstry Family Karate takes reasonable steps to provide a safe training environment in accordance with its Safe Practice Policy.

7.3. By participating in training, members (or their legal guardians where under 18) acknowledge and accept the inherent risks associated with martial arts training, except where injury results from proven negligence.

7.4. Members must disclose all relevant medical conditions, injuries, or limitations that may affect safe participation.

7.5. In the event of a medical emergency, instructors are authorised to seek appropriate medical assistance.


8. Data Protection and Privacy

8.1. Membership information may be processed through third-party management systems including payment processors and class management platforms.

8.2. Data may be shared with licensing or governing bodies where required for grading registration purposes.

8.3. All personal data is processed in accordance with UK GDPR and the club’s Privacy Policy.

8.4. Members may request access to their personal data in accordance with statutory rights.

8.5. Certain information may be retained where required for safeguarding, insurance, grading integrity, or legal compliance.


9. Intellectual Property

9.1. All written, digital, and video materials produced by McKinstry Family Karate remain the intellectual property of the club.

9.2. Materials must not be copied, reproduced, distributed, or shared without written permission.

9.3. Access to digital training materials is contingent upon active membership.

9.4. Unauthorised use may result in termination of membership or legal action.


10. Pro Shop and Product Sales

10.1. Equipment and apparel sold by the club are subject to statutory consumer rights.

10.2. Items may be exchanged or refunded within 14 days if defective or misdescribed.

10.3. Normal wear and tear is not considered a defect.

10.4. Proof of purchase is required for returns.


11. Acceptance of Terms

By enrolling in McKinstry Family Karate, members (or their legal guardians) confirm that they:

  • Have read and understood these Terms and Conditions

  • Agree to abide by all club policies

  • Accept the structured nature of the training programme

Agreement to these Terms and Conditions may be recorded electronically through the club’s registration process.

McKinstry Family Karate reserves the right to update these Terms periodically. Significant changes will be communicated to members in advance.