WAIVER OF LIABILITY & PHOTO RELEASE
(Independent Grappling)

1. ASSUMPTION OF RISK

I understand and acknowledge that participation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, martial arts instruction, sparring, live training, drilling, strength and conditioning, competitions, open mat sessions, demonstrations, and all related activities ("Activities") involves inherent and significant risks. These risks include, but are not limited to, falls, throws, strikes, joint locks, chokes, collisions with persons or equipment, overexertion, equipment failure, exposure to communicable illnesses, permanent disability, paralysis, serious bodily injury, property damage, and death.

I knowingly, voluntarily, and freely assume all such risks, whether known or unknown, foreseeable or unforeseeable, that may arise from my participation in the Activities.

2. MEDICAL & FITNESS ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I certify that I am physically fit and mentally capable of participating in the Activities. I understand that it is my responsibility to consult with a physician before participating if I have any medical condition that may affect my ability to train safely.

I agree to immediately stop participating and notify an instructor if I experience pain, dizziness, illness, injury, or any condition that may impair my ability to participate safely.

I further acknowledge that Independent Grappling has not made any representations regarding my physical fitness or medical condition.

3. RELEASE, WAIVER OF LIABILITY, COVENANT NOT TO SUE & HOLD HARMLESS

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, I HEREBY RELEASE, WAIVE, DISCHARGE, HOLD HARMLESS, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE INDEPENDENT GRAPPLING, ITS OWNERS, MEMBERS, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, INSTRUCTORS, COACHES, VOLUNTEERS, AGENTS, REPRESENTATIVES, SUCCESSORS, AND ASSIGNS (COLLECTIVELY, THE "RELEASED PARTIES") FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS, CAUSES OF ACTION, DAMAGES, LOSSES, OR LIABILITIES ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO MY PARTICIPATION IN THE ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING CLAIMS ARISING FROM THE ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASED PARTIES.

THIS RELEASE DOES NOT APPLY TO CLAIMS ARISING FROM GROSS NEGLIGENCE, RECKLESS CONDUCT, OR INTENTIONAL MISCONDUCT TO THE EXTENT SUCH CLAIMS CANNOT BE WAIVED UNDER APPLICABLE TEXAS LAW.

4. PHOTO & MEDIA RELEASE

I grant Independent Grappling and its assigns, licensees, successors, and legal representatives the irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free right to photograph, videotape, record, and otherwise capture my name, image, voice, likeness, and appearance during participation in the Activities.

I authorize the use of such materials for any lawful purpose, including advertising, marketing, promotional materials, social media, websites, publications, and other media, without compensation or further approval. I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product.

5. EMERGENCY MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION

If I become ill or injured during participation and am unable to provide informed consent, I authorize Independent Grappling to seek emergency medical treatment on my behalf.

I understand that Independent Grappling is under no obligation to provide medical care and assumes no responsibility for any medical treatment obtained. I accept full responsibility for all medical expenses incurred.

6. COMMUNICABLE ILLNESS ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I understand that participation in close-contact sports may expose me to communicable illnesses, including viral, bacterial, fungal, and other contagious infections.

I voluntarily assume these risks and agree that I will not participate if I am experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness or have been advised by a healthcare provider to refrain from participation.

7. PERSONAL PROPERTY

Independent Grappling is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of any personal property brought onto the premises, whether left unattended or otherwise.

8. RIGHT TO REFUSE PARTICIPATION

Independent Grappling reserves the right to refuse or terminate participation at any time if a participant engages in unsafe conduct, violates gym rules, behaves in a disruptive manner, or otherwise presents a risk to themselves or others.

9. MINOR PARTICIPANTS

If the participant is under eighteen (18) years of age, I certify that I am the participant's parent or legal guardian and have the legal authority to execute this Agreement on the participant's behalf.

By signing below, I agree to all terms of this Agreement on behalf of myself and the minor participant and acknowledge that I have read and understand this Agreement in its entirety.

10. GOVERNING LAW & VENUE

This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas without regard to conflict of law principles.

Any legal action arising out of or relating to this Agreement or participation in the Activities shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in El Paso County, Texas, and the parties consent to the jurisdiction of such courts.

11. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect and shall be interpreted to give maximum legal effect consistent with applicable law.

12. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties concerning the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior oral or written agreements, representations, or understandings relating to participation in the Activities.

13. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF UNDERSTANDING

I acknowledge that I have carefully read this Agreement in its entirety, fully understand its contents, understand that I am giving up substantial legal rights, including the right to sue for claims arising from the ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE of the Released Parties, and voluntarily sign this Agreement without any inducement, assurance, or guarantee not expressly stated herein.

I understand that by signing this Agreement, I am entering into a legally binding contract.