Terms and conditions

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of the Defensive Fitness Academy (“DFA”, “the DFA”) website and participation in any classes, memberships, classes, private sessions, courses, workshops, events, or purchases made through DFA.

By accessing this website or engaging in DFA services, you (“you”) agree to be legally bound by these Terms as well as the relevant policies outlined in the DFA policies section..

If you do not agree with these Terms and policies contained within this website, you must not use this website or participate in DFA services, classes or workshops.

1. Business Information

The Defensive Fitness Academy (DFA)
Contact: Scott Deane
Email: info@defensivefitness.co.uk  

The DFA provides Krav Maga, self-defence training, martial arts instruction, fitness training, workshops, and related merchandise.

The DFA operates solely in England & Wales.

 

2. Eligibility

• Participants must be aged 18 or over for Adult classes.
• Participants under 18 must have written parental or guardian consent.
• Parents/guardians are responsible for minors attending sessions.

The DFA operates in accordance with a Safeguarding Policy that is aligned with the the British Martial Arts And Boxing Association (BMABA) National Safeguarding Policy, which can be found at: BMABA National Safeguarding Policy.

 

3. Health, Fitness & Assumption of Risk

Participation in martial arts, Krav Maga, and fitness training carries inherent risks, including but not limited to:

• Sprains and strains
• Impact injuries
• Concussion
• Serious injury in rare cases

By participating, you:

• Confirm you are medically fit to train and confirm in writing by completing a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PARQ)
• Agree to inform the DFA of any medical conditions or injuries
• Accept the inherent risks associated with physical training, self-defence training, sparring and other activities related to such training.

You are advised to consult a medical professional before beginning training.

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence or where liability cannot legally be excluded under UK law.

These general terms are aligned with the DFA Health & Safety policy which must be read in conjunction with these general terms.

4. Memberships

These Terms & Conditions govern participation in all training services provided by Defensive Fitness Academy (“DFA”, “we”, “us”, “our”). By purchasing any DFA service or membership, you agree to be bound by these terms.

All memberships and training services are subject to availability and may be amended where necessary to maintain safety, quality, and operational standards.

4.1 Free Introductory Class Offer

DFA reserves the right, at its sole and absolute discretion, to amend, suspend, withdraw, or terminate the free introductory class offer at any time and without prior notice. Eligibility for, and availability of, the free class is determined solely by DFA and may be refused, limited, or revoked for any reason. Participation in the offer does not create any ongoing entitlement or guarantee of future availability.

4.2 Foundation Series (Introductory Programme)

The DFA Foundation Series is a three-session introduction to the DFA training system, designed to allow participants to experience the methodology, coaching standards, and training environment before committing to a membership.

• One-off fee: (price confirmed during sign up)
• Includes: 3 classes
• All required safety training equipment is provided

4.2.1 Foundation Booking & Usage Conditions

• The Foundation series is a one-time offer to new customers who are considering DFA membership but wish to try classes without further commitment.
• Your first session must be booked within 7 days of payment (this does not affect your right to request a refund within a cooling period)
• All three sessions must be completed within 3 weeks of the payment date.
• Sessions not used within this timeframe will expire and cannot be rebooked or transferred.
• The Foundation Series offer can only be used once per customer
• DFA reserves the right, at its sole and absolute discretion, to amend, suspend, withdraw, or terminate the Foundation series offer at any time and without prior notice.
• Eligibility for, and availability of, the free class is determined solely by DFA and may be refused, limited, or revoked for any reason.
• Participation in the offer does not create any ongoing entitlement or guarantee of future availability.

4.2.2 Progression Requirement

Upon completion of the Foundation Series, participants must enrol in an appropriate DFA membership plan if they wish to continue training.

4.2.3 Refund & Cancellation Policy (Foundation)

• Under UK law, you have the right to cancel your purchase within 14 days of payment without giving any reason.
• If no sessions are used, you are entitled to a full refund.
• To cancel, you must notify DFA in writing (email is acceptable).
• Once any session has been attended, the Foundation Series becomes non-refundable.
• No refunds are provided for unused sessions after the expiry period.

4.3 Core Membership

• Price confirmed upon registration
• Includes: 1 class per week
• No long-term contract

Core Membership is designed to build a strong defensive foundation through progressive skill development.

4.3.1 Induction Package

A one-off DFA Induction Package (£30) is offered prior to participation. This includes:

• Official DFA training t-shirt
• Groin Protector
• Insurance

4.3.2 Insurance

Core Members may purchase training public liability insurance for an additional £10 per month. Participation without insurance is at the member’s own risk. Public Liability insurance protects you if you injure a third party, it does not cover you for accident or injury that you suffer. Should you require Personal Accident Cover, please contact the lead instructor to discuss further.

Advanced Membership included public liability insurance as standard.

4.3.3 Usage Policy

• Membership allows attendance at one class per week at a chosen venue
• Unused classes within a billing cycle do not roll over.

4.4 Advanced Membership

• Price confirmed upon registration
• Includes: 2 classes per week (up to 8 per month) at any venue
• No long-term contract

Designed for accelerated development and consistent training.

4.4.1 Included Benefits

These benefits may change or be altered at any time.

• Free DFA Induction Package, including:
  • Baseline defensive capability assessment
  • Official DFA training t-shirt
  • Training insurance (public liability insurance)
  • Access to all DFA classes and future locations
  • Priority booking and discounted access to workshops
  • Personal discount code for DFA merchandise

4.4.2 Usage Policy

• Advanced members may attend up to 2 classes per week at any venue.
• Unused classes do not roll over to future months.

4.5 Partner Membership

4.5.1. Overview

The Partner Membership is a discounted membership option available to two individuals who join the Defensive Fitness Academy (DFA) together. This membership provides reduced monthly fees compared to standard individual memberships, subject to both members maintaining active status.

4.5.2. Eligibility

• Partner Membership must be purchased by two individuals at the same time.
• Both members must complete all required onboarding processes, including induction and PAR-Q where applicable.
• Each member holds an individual agreement but is linked under the Partner Membership structure.

4.5.3. Membership Benefits

• Each member receives access to DFA training and benefits in line with the agreed Advanced membership level.
• Members are not required to attend the same sessions or train together.
• Scheduling, attendance, and progression remain individual.

4.5.4. Dependency of Membership

• The discounted Partner Membership rate is conditional on both memberships remaining active.
• If both members remain active, both retain the discounted rate.

4.5.5. Change in Membership Status

If one member cancels, pauses, or otherwise ends their membership:

• The remaining member will automatically transition to the Advanced Membership at the standard individual rate.
• The remaining member may choose to downgrade to a Core Membership, or cancel their membership in line with DFA cancellation terms.

This change will take effect from the next billing cycle following the partner’s membership change.

4.5.6. Cancellation

Each member retains the right to cancel their membership individually, in accordance with DFA’s standard cancellation policy.
Cancellation by one partner does not automatically cancel the other member’s agreement.

4.5.7. Billing

Payments are taken individually from each member unless otherwise agreed.
The discounted Partner rate applies only while both memberships are active and in good standing.

4.5.8. Non-Transferability

Partner Membership is specific to the two individuals who enrolled together.
Membership pairing cannot be transferred to another without DFA approval and is at the sole discretion of the Instructor.

4.5.9. General Terms

All Partner Memberships remain subject to DFA’s general membership terms and conditions.
DFA reserves the right to amend membership structures or pricing with reasonable notice.

4.5.10. Abuse of Offer

Partner Membership is intended for genuine joint enrolment. DFA reserves the right to revoke the discounted rate if the structure is used to intentionally bypass standard membership pricing.

4.5.11. Existing single membership upgrade to Partner Membership

• An existing DFA member may enter into a Partner Membership by nominating one new member as their Training Partner.
• This is permitted only where both individuals are not currently part of an existing Partner Membership.
• Once established, the Partner Membership will be subject to all standard Partner Membership Terms & Conditions.
• Fair Use & Restrictions
• Partner Memberships are intended for genuine, ongoing training partnerships and must not be used to repeatedly access discounted rates through multiple partner changes.
• A member may not switch Training Partners more than once within a 6-month period without prior written approval from DFA.
• Re-pairing with a new partner following cancellation or change may be subject to a cooling-off period or re-enrolment conditions at DFA’s discretion.
• DFA reserves the right to remove the Partner Membership rate and revert members to standard individual pricing if the structure is deemed to be misused or no longer viable.

4.6 Cardiff International Member Offer Terms & Conditions

4.6.1. Eligibility

Offer available exclusively to active members of Cardiff International Pool & Gym. Proof of a valid membership may be required at sign-up and throughout participation.

4.6.2. Discounted Rate

The discounted DFA member rate (£45/month) and associated benefits are only available while the participant maintains an active Leisure Centre membership.
If a participant’s Cardiff International Pool & Gym membership expires, is cancelled, suspended, or otherwise ceases for any reason, the DFA partner offer will automatically end.

4.6.3. Fair use and Restrictions

• DFA reserves the right to verify membership offers and available membership packages periodically.
• Classes require advance booking and are subject to availability.
• Spaces are limited and cannot be guaranteed.
• Unused free classes cannot be carried forward, transferred, exchanged, or redeemed for cash or credit.
• The 4-week beginner programme requires a one-off payment of £35 and includes one class per week for four consecutive weeks.
• Missed beginner programme sessions are non-refundable and cannot be transferred unless otherwise agreed by DFA.
• If a 4-week beginner programme is not used at all, then, at the discretion of DFA, the one-off payment can be refunded.
• Ongoing DFA membership remains subject to DFA membership policies and training requirements.
• DFA memberships have no long-term contract and may be cancelled at any time in accordance with the cancellation process in place at the time.
• DFA reserves the right to amend, suspend, withdraw, or end this promotional offer at any time without prior notice.
• Participation in DFA training is subject to completion of any required registration, waivers, health declarations, or onboarding documentation.
• DFA reserves the right to refuse participation where it believes training may be unsafe, unsuitable, or disruptive.

4.7 Pausing Membership

• Members may request their membership to be paused at any time, for any reason.
• Paused memberships will result in a DFA member becoming “dormant” in the system.
• Any membership benefits will be frozen and the dormant member will not be able to train at any club, regular session or workshop until membership is resumed, or unless with the written consent of the Lead instructor.
• Memberships can be paused indefinitely, however every 6 months the DFA reserve the right to check with dormant members if they wish their membership to resume, remain paused, or be cancelled.
• Should the DFA be unable to contact dormant members, memberships older than 12 months will be deleted. Under data protection and GDPR requirements, only necessary data will be retained to comply with applicable laws and necessary business practice (to prevent fraud for example) however all other data will be deleted in compliance with GDPR and data protection.

4.8 Form submissions, data collection and processing of your information

By submitting a form on this website, you understand that Defensive Fitness Academy (DFA) will process the personal information you provide for the purpose of responding to your enquiry and arranging your requested trial session, event booking, private coaching session, membership enquiry, or other service you have expressed an interest in.

Our lawful basis for processing this information is Legitimate Interest under Article 6(1)(f) of the UK GDPR. We have a legitimate interest in contacting individuals who have requested information or expressed an interest in our services so that we can administer bookings, answer enquiries, provide relevant information, and communicate any necessary updates relating to your request.

We will only use your information for purposes connected with your enquiry unless we obtain your consent or have another lawful basis to do so. Your information will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy, and you may object to this processing or exercise your data protection rights at any time by contacting us.

4.9 Private Coaching

4.9.1. Booking and Payment

4.9.1.1 All private coaching sessions must be booked in advance.
4.9.1.2 Payment is required on the day of the session unless otherwise agreed with the Client.
4.9.1.3 Where Coaching packages have been agreed, payment is in full before the first session unless a payment plan has been agreed.
4.9.1.4 Session fees are non-transferable and may not be exchanged for other services unless agreed by DFA.

4.9.2. Cancellations and Rescheduling

4.9.2.1 A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule a session. This is due to costs incurred with room or venue bookings that cannot be avoided without prior notice.
4.9.2.2 Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged in full unless exceptions are made at the discretion of the Instructor.
4.9.2.3 Failure to attend a scheduled session without notice will result in the session being forfeited and charged in full. This is to prevent time being lost that could have otherwise been allocated to another customer as well room hire, travel costs and other associated costs incurred in arranging the session not attended.
4.9.2.4 In exceptional circumstances that both parties agree constitute an emergency, DFA may, at its sole discretion, waive all or part of the cancellation fee. Where appropriate, only venue hire, travel expenses and other unavoidable costs may be charged.
4.9.2.5 DFA reserves the right to reschedule sessions due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, an alternative date and time will be offered. Any deposits or money paid in advance will be refunded if necessary or used as credit for the next session, depending on customer preference.

4.9.3. Expiry of Sessions

4.9.3.1 Individual sessions must be used within 30 days of purchase.
4.9.3.2 Coaching packages must be completed within six months of the purchase date unless otherwise agreed.
4.9.3.3 Where paid sessions remain unused and the Client cannot be contacted despite reasonable attempts, DFA reserves the right to close the coaching programme. Any refund offered will be calculated after deduction of any venue hire costs, travel expenses or other direct costs already incurred in connection with the coaching programme.

4.9.4. Health and Medical Conditions

4.9.4.1 Safety in training is of paramount importance to DFA. While every effort is taken to ensure Clients are safe and protected from harm or injury, Clients accept that by training self-defence and Krav Maga there is an inherent and implied degree of risk that may include bruising, grazing, delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), sprains and other minor injuries.
4.9.4.2 Participants are responsible for informing DFA of any injuries, medical conditions, or physical limitations that may affect training.
4.9.4.3 By participating, clients confirm they are physically capable of undertaking the activities involved or have sought appropriate medical advice where necessary.
4.9.4.4 Self-protection training may involve realistic discussion and simulation of violence, conflict, aggression and related scenarios. In some cases, this may trigger emotional distress, anxiety, stress responses or trauma-related reactions. DFA will make every reasonable effort to provide a safe and supportive training environment and to tailor training appropriately. Clients are encouraged to inform the Instructor of any relevant history, concerns or circumstances that may affect their participation.
4.9.4.5 Clients agree to immediately notify the instructor of any injury, discomfort, or concern during training.

4.9.5. Assumption of Risk

4.9.5.1 Self-protection and physical training activities involve inherent risks, including the risk of injury.
4.9.5.2 While every reasonable effort will be made to provide a safe training environment, participation is undertaken entirely at the client’s own risk.
4.9.5.3 Nothing in these Terms & Conditions shall exclude or limit any liability that cannot legally be excluded under UK law.

4.9.6. Conduct

4.9.6.1 Clients are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner at all times.
4.9.6.2 DFA reserves the right to terminate a session or coaching programme without refund where behaviour is deemed unsafe, abusive, threatening, or inappropriate.
4.9.6.3 The Instructor abides by the same code of conduct to ensure Clients feel safe and respected at all times.

4.9.7. Coaching Objectives

4.9.7.1 DFA provides instruction, guidance, and coaching designed to improve personal safety, awareness, and self-protection skills.
4.9.7.2 No guarantee is made regarding specific outcomes, performance levels, or results.
4.9.7.3 Clients acknowledge that progress and outcomes depend upon individual participation, effort, and practice.

4.9.8. Photography and Video

4.9.8.1 No photography, audio recording, or video recording will take place without the prior consent of all parties involved.
4.9.8.2 DFA may request permission to use photographs or video footage for educational or promotional purposes. Such permission may be declined without affecting participation.

4.9.9. Data Protection

4.9.9.1 Personal information collected during the coaching process will be used solely for administration, coaching, safety, and communication purposes.
4.9.9.2 Personal information will be handled in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation and inline with the DFA GDPR Policy.

4.9.10. Instructor Suitability & Refusal of Service

DFA reserves the right to refuse or discontinue coaching where it is believed that training would be unsafe, inappropriate, outside the Instructor’s scope of expertise, or where the Client’s objectives are inconsistent with the lawful and ethical use of self-protection skills.

4.9.11. Acceptance

By booking and attending a DFA Private Coaching session, the client confirms that they have read, understood, and agree to these Terms & Conditions.

4.9.12. Complaints and escalation

4.9.12.1 DFA core objectives are to ensure every client, customer or member

• Gains practical self-defence skills to improve their confidence and self-protection capability
• Improve mental and physical fitness
• Gain enjoyment and have fun in training
• Customer satisfaction is therefore at the core of our business, only secondary to safety in training.

4.9.12.2 Should a client, customer or member have a need to raise a concern or complaint, this can be done anonymously online here: www.defensivefitness.co.uk/incident-report-form/
4.9.12.3 Should the matter not be resolve to their satisfaction, the Client can escalate the matter to the British Martial Arts & Boxing Association (BMABA). This can be done online at: https://bmaba.org.uk/safeguarding/
4.9.12.4 DFA will make every effort to correct the issue and seek a resolution that meets the Client’s needs and everything in this contract is designed to be in line with UK law.

5. Member Payments

• All memberships are billed on a monthly recurring basis.
• Payments must be made in advance of the billing period.
• Failure to make payment may result in suspension or termination of membership.

6. Cancellations

6.1 Member Cancellations

• Memberships may be cancelled at any time by giving 30 days written notice.
• Cancellation will take effect at the end of the current billing period.
• No partial refunds will be issued for unused time within a billing cycle.

6.2 DFA Right to Cancel

DFA reserves the right to suspend or terminate membership without refund if a member:

• Breaches DFA policies or code of conduct
• Acts in a manner that endangers themselves or others
• Engages in abusive, inappropriate, or unsafe behaviour

7. Code of Conduct & Safety

All members must:

• Follow instructor guidance at all times
• Train in a safe and controlled manner
• Respect other members and staff
• Use provided equipment responsibly

Failure to comply may result in removal from sessions or termination of membership. Please consult our DFA Policies section for more details on Code of Conduct, Club Charter and other relevant policies.

8. Health & Responsibility

By participating in DFA training, you confirm that:

• You are physically able to take part in training activities
• You will disclose any relevant medical conditions prior to training
• You accept the inherent risks involved in physical training and self-defence activities

9. Changes to Services

DFA reserves the right to:

• Modify class schedules, locations, or instructors
• Update membership pricing with reasonable notice
• Amend these Terms & Conditions and other DFA policies where necessary

10. Liability Disclaimer

Participation in DFA training is undertaken at your own risk. DFA is not liable for:

• Injuries sustained during training, except where caused by proven negligence
• Loss or damage to personal property

11. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

12. Bookings & Session Cancellations

12.1 Booking

All courses must be booked in advance unless otherwise stated.

12.2 Participant Cancellation Policy

• A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required to cancel a booked session.
• Failure to provide 24 hours’ notice may result in loss of payment, although we will do everything possible to refund fees where possible.
• Courses and workshops may have specific cancellation terms stated at booking.

12.3 DFA Cancellation

DFA may cancel or reschedule sessions due to:

• Instructor illness
• Venue issues
• Insufficient attendance
• Circumstances beyond reasonable control
• National holidays

Where possible, an alternative date, credit, or refund will be offered.

13. Refer a friend scheme

• The Refer a Friend offer is available to current DFA members only.
• A referred friend must be a new DFA member who has not held a DFA membership within the previous 12 months.
• The referred friend must identify the referring member at the time of booking or registration.
• Once the referred friend has completed their registration and paid their first membership payment:
• The referring member will receive a 25% discount code for use in the DFA Shop; and
• The new member will receive a 25% discount code for use in the DFA Shop.
• Discount codes:
  • Are valid for a single transaction unless otherwise stated
  • Cannot be exchanged for cash, credit, or membership discounts;
  • Cannot be transferred to another person; and
  • May not be used in conjunction with other promotional offers unless expressly permitted by DFA.
• There is no limit to the number of friends a member may refer. A separate reward may be earned for each eligible referral.
• DFA reserves the right to amend, suspend, or withdraw the Refer a Friend scheme at any time without prior notice.
• DFA reserves the right to withhold or cancel referral rewards where it reasonably believes the scheme is being misused or abused.

14. Consumer Cooling-Off Rights (Distance Selling)

In accordance with the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013:

• You have 14 days from the date of online purchase to cancel and receive a refund, without giving a reason.
• To cancel, you must notify the DFA in writing at support@defensivefitness.co.uk.

Exceptions:

• By booking or attending any session within the 14-day cooling-off period, you acknowledge and agree that:

  • The service has begun at your request.
  • You may lose your full right to a refund.

  If you cancel after attending any sessions within this period:

  • You will be charged for any sessions used.
  • Any remaining balance may be refunded at DFA’s discretion.

  Sealed merchandise (e.g., protective equipment) that has been opened and is unsuitable for return for hygiene reasons may not be refundable unless faulty.

Refunds will be processed within 14 days of receiving valid cancellation notice. Refunds outside this time frame may not be possible but we will always endeavour to refund customers at every opportunity.

15. Merchandise Sales

Where the DFA sells equipment or merchandise:

• Prices will be displayed clearly.
• Delivery times are estimates.
• Faulty goods will be handled in accordance with the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
• Items must be returned unused and in original condition unless faulty.
• Certain items, once opened, cannot be returned due to health and safety.

Return postage costs are the responsibility of the customer unless goods are defective.

16. Code of Conduct

All participants must:

• Follow instructor guidance at all times
• Wear required protective equipment where applicable
• Behave respectfully toward instructors and students
• Refrain from aggressive, abusive, discriminatory, or unsafe conduct

The DFA reserves the right to remove or ban individuals whose behaviour compromises safety. No refund will be issued in cases of removal for misconduct.

The full DFA code of conduct policy should be read in conjunction with these Terms. If you do not agree with the policy, you should not use this website or participate in DFA services, classes or workshops.

17. Use of Techniques

Techniques taught at the DFA are strictly for lawful self-defence purposes.

Participants agree:

• Not to misuse techniques learned
• To comply with UK laws relating to reasonable force

The DFA accepts no responsibility for unlawful application of techniques outside training.

18. Safeguarding

DFA is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

All safeguarding procedures are detailed in the Safeguarding Policy available on this website.

Any safeguarding concerns should be reported to:
Scott Deane
info@defensivefitness.co.uk

19. Photography & Media

The DFA may take photographs or videos during sessions for promotional use.

By participating, you consent to the use of such media on:

• The DFA website
• Social media platforms
• Marketing materials

If you do not wish to appear in media, you must notify the Lead Instructor prior to participation.

No photography or media will be taken of anyone under the age of 18 by anyone, for any reason.

Should any visitor, member, parent or guardian see photography taken by anyone other than official DFA instructors or assistants, this should be reported immediately to the Lead instructor.

No photography of any kind is permitted by visitors, students, parents or guardians during any DFA session, class, workshop or event without the written consent of the Lead Instructor.

Anyone found in violation of this clause may be asked to leave the venue immediately, will have their membership cancelled, and should the circumstances dictate, appropriate parent, guardian, social services, and law enforcement agencies will be contacted.

20. Intellectual Property

All website content, branding, logos, course materials, and media remain the intellectual property of the DFA (Defensive Fitness Academy) and DFA (Defensive Foundational Awareness).

You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or commercially exploit content without written permission.

21. Website Use

You agree not to:

• Use the website for unlawful purposes
• Attempt to gain unauthorised access to systems
• Introduce malicious software
• Copy or scrape website content

The DFA does not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free website availability.

22. Data Protection

Personal data is processed in accordance with UK GDPR.

Please refer to the GDPR Privacy Policy for full details on data collection and use.

23. Corporate & Private Contracts

Corporate training, private group sessions, and commissioned workshops are governed by separate written agreements and are not subject to these general Terms unless expressly stated.

24. Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, The DFA shall not be liable for:

• Indirect or consequential loss
• Loss of earnings
• Damage to personal property during training

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability where exclusion would be unlawful.

25. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

26. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner to ensure its effectiveness and to make necessary updates.