Terms and Conditions

Clear Terms for Our Members

Important information about membership, training, safety, and your rights at our martial arts academy.

Last updated: October 20, 2025

1. Acceptance of Terms

By becoming a member of Starling MMA, you agree to these Terms and Conditions. If you don’t agree, please do not join or use our facilities.

These terms apply to all members, students, visitors, and anyone using our martial arts academy facilities and services.

Minors (under 18) must have a parent or legal guardian sign these terms on their behalf.

2. Services Offered

Starling MMA is a complete martial arts academy offering professional training in:

  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
  • Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
  • Judo
  • Karate
  • Muay Thai
  • Kickboxing
  • Zumba fitness classes
  • Physical conditioning programs
  • Open mat sessions for members

We provide expert instruction, training facilities, equipment, and a welcoming community for students of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced competitors.

3. Membership Requirements

To become a member, you must:

  • Be at least 5 years old (minors require parental consent and supervision)
  • Complete membership registration form with accurate information
  • Provide emergency contact information
  • Disclose any medical conditions or injuries that may affect training
  • Sign liability waiver (or have parent/guardian sign if under 18)
  • Choose a membership plan and pay the required fees
  • Agree to follow all academy rules and instructor guidance

Health Requirements:

  • You must be in sufficient physical condition to participate in martial arts training
  • Inform instructors of any injuries or health conditions before training
  • Obtain medical clearance if you have serious health concerns

4. Pricing and Payments

Membership Plans: Pricing based on training frequency per week:

  • 1x per week: $35/month
  • 2x per week: $45/month
  • 3x per week: $55/month
  • 4x per week: $65/month
  • 5x per week: $70/month
  • 6x per week: $75/month
  • 7x per week (unlimited): $80/month

What’s Included:

  • Access to all classes in your chosen disciplines
  • Use of training facilities during open hours
  • Basic equipment use (mats, bags, pads)
  • Progress tracking and skill development

Payment Terms:

  • Monthly memberships paid in advance
  • Payment due on the 1st of each month
  • Accepted: Cash, bank transfer, or credit card
  • Late payments may result in suspension of training privileges

Refund Policy:

  • No refunds for partial months
  • No refunds after the 7th day of the month
  • Medical emergencies considered on case-by-case basis

5. Cancellation and Freeze Policy

To Cancel or Freeze Membership:

  • Provide written notice at least 7 days before next billing cycle
  • Contact us via WhatsApp (+505 8861 0538) or in person
  • Cancellations take effect at end of current paid month
  • No refunds for unused portion of current month

Membership Freeze:

  • Freeze membership for up to 2 months per year (with valid reason)
  • Medical freeze requires doctor’s note
  • Must give 7 days notice to freeze
  • Billing resumes when freeze period ends

Reinstatement:

  • Former members can rejoin anytime
  • May need to re-register and pay current rates

6. Assumption of Risk and Liability

Assumption of Risk: Martial arts training involves physical contact and carries inherent risks including:

  • Bruises, cuts, and minor injuries
  • Sprains, strains, and muscle soreness
  • More serious injuries (fractures, concussions, etc.)
  • In rare cases, permanent injury or death

By joining, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

Liability Waiver:

  • You participate at your own risk
  • Starling MMA, its owners, instructors, and staff are not liable for injuries
  • You waive the right to sue for injuries sustained during training
  • This waiver applies to all training sessions, events, and use of facilities
  • Parent/guardian assumes liability for minors

Insurance:

  • Starling MMA maintains liability insurance
  • Members are responsible for their own health/medical insurance
  • We recommend all members have adequate health coverage

7. Academy Rules and Code of Conduct

All members must follow these rules:

Safety Rules:

  • Follow all instructor guidance and commands
  • Tap early and tap often during submissions
  • Respect training partners’ safety limits
  • No striking without protective gear (when required)
  • Stop immediately if instructor calls “stop”
  • Report injuries to instructors immediately

Hygiene Requirements:

  • Shower before training
  • Wear clean training clothes (gi, rash guards, shorts)
  • Keep fingernails and toenails trimmed short
  • No shoes on training mats
  • No training when sick or with open wounds
  • Wash gi/training gear regularly

Conduct Rules:

  • Respect all members, instructors, and staff
  • No bullying, harassment, or discrimination
  • No foul language or aggressive behavior off the mats
  • No alcohol or drugs on premises
  • No unauthorized use of equipment
  • Children must be supervised by parent/guardian

Violation of Rules:

  • First offense: verbal warning
  • Second offense: written warning
  • Third offense: suspension or termination of membership without refund

8. Equipment and Personal Property

Required Equipment (student responsibility):

  • BJJ gi (for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes)
  • Rash guard and shorts (for no-gi training)
  • Mouthguard (recommended for all sparring)
  • Groin protection (recommended for men)
  • Shin guards (for Muay Thai/kickboxing)

Academy Equipment:

  • Mats, bags, pads, and basic equipment provided
  • Equipment must be used properly and safely
  • Report damaged equipment to staff
  • Members liable for intentional damage to equipment

Personal Belongings:

  • Academy not responsible for lost or stolen items
  • Use lockers for valuables (bring your own lock)
  • Don’t leave belongings unattended

9. Photos, Videos, and Media

Photo and Video Consent:

  • By joining, you consent to being photographed/filmed during training
  • Photos/videos may be used for marketing, social media, and promotional purposes
  • Minors require parent/guardian consent for photos/videos
  • You can opt out by informing staff in writing
  • You can request removal of specific photos/videos

Social Media:

  • Please respect other members’ privacy in your posts
  • Don’t post photos of minors without parental permission
  • Tag @starlingmma when sharing training photos

10. Visitors and Guests

Visitors and Guests:

  • Visitors welcome to watch one class for free
  • Guests must register and pay drop-in fee to train
  • Children’s classes: parents may observe from designated area
  • No unauthorized persons on training mats

Drop-in Rates:

  • Single class: $10
  • Week pass: $35
  • Visitors must sign waiver before training

11. Temporary Closures

Temporary Suspension: We may temporarily close or modify operations due to:

  • National holidays
  • Emergency situations
  • Facility maintenance
  • Instructor illness or absence
  • Government orders (pandemic, etc.)

No Refunds for temporary closures, but we may:

  • Offer makeup classes
  • Extend membership by closure period
  • Provide online training options

We’ll notify members as soon as possible of any closures.

12. Indemnification

Indemnification:

  • You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Starling MMA from any claims
  • This includes claims arising from your conduct or injuries to others
  • Parents/guardians indemnify academy for minors’ actions

Limitation of Liability:

  • Academy liability limited to membership fees paid in current month
  • Not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
  • Not liable for injuries, property loss, or personal disputes

13. Changes to Services and Terms

Starling MMA reserves the right to:

  • Modify class schedules with reasonable notice
  • Change membership pricing for new members (existing members keep current rate for 6 months)
  • Update these terms and conditions with 30 days notice
  • Substitute instructors as needed
  • Add or remove class offerings

Members will be notified of significant changes via WhatsApp or email.

14. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of Nicaragua. Any disputes will be resolved through:

  1. Good faith negotiation between parties
  2. Mediation if negotiation fails
  3. Nicaraguan courts in Managua as last resort

By joining, you consent to jurisdiction of Nicaraguan courts.

15. Contact Information

Questions about these terms?

Phone: +505 8861 0538 WhatsApp: +505 8861 0538 Location: Frente al Restaurante El Paladar, Managua, Nicaragua

Academy: Starling MMA Website: https://www.starlingmma.com

Visit us during operating hours: Monday-Saturday

We’re here to help and answer any questions about membership, training, or these terms.

Ready to Start Your Martial Arts Journey?

Join Starling MMA and train with professional instructors in a supportive, family-friendly environment. Your first class is free!

No experience required. All skill levels welcome.