Terms and Conditions

01 Who we are and what these terms cover

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Okinawa Sakamoto Dojo ("BJJO", "we") runs jiu-jitsu classes at the Sakamoto Dojo in Misato, Okinawa City, and at Kadena Air Base, Camp Foster and Camp Courtney. These terms apply to this website and to all classes, open mats, events and trials we run, at every location. Our Privacy Policy explains how we handle personal information and forms part of these terms.

02 Free trial and enrolment

Your first class is free. One free trial per person. Before training you must complete our registration and liability waiver at the dojo. Anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign for them. We may ask for identification. We can decline or end a trial or membership at our discretion, for example for safety or conduct reasons.

03 Training involves risk

Jiu-jitsu is a full-contact martial art. Bruises, strains, sprains and, occasionally, more serious injuries can happen even when everyone trains carefully. By training with us you confirm that you are physically able to take part, that you have consulted a doctor if you have any doubt, and that you accept these inherent risks.

Our coaches are experienced instructors, not medical professionals. Follow their instructions, tap early, and stop when told to stop. Tell a coach about injuries, medical conditions, pregnancy or medication before class. You are responsible for deciding whether a technique or drill is appropriate for you on a given day.

To the fullest extent permitted by Japanese law, BJJO, its owners, coaches and staff are not liable for injury, loss or damage arising from training, except where caused by our intentional misconduct or gross negligence.

04 Conduct and hygiene

• Arrive clean, with a clean gi or clean shorts and rashguard, trimmed nails and no jewellery.
• No shoes on the mats. No training with open wounds, skin infections or contagious illness.
• Respect your partners: control your techniques, release submissions on the tap, and adjust to less experienced partners.
• No bullying, harassment, discrimination or intoxication. Coaches may remove anyone from class, and repeated or serious breaches end a membership without refund.

05 Membership payments

Fees, plans and any discounts are explained at the dojo and confirmed when you enrol.

• Monthly membership fees must be paid by the 5th day of each month.
• Until the 5th, the academy's regular accepted payment methods may be used.
• After the 5th, payment is accepted by card only, with an additional 10% late fee.
• If payment remains overdue for more than two weeks, a 20% late fee applies to the outstanding amount.

Fees are not refunded for missed classes, public holidays, or closures caused by typhoons or other events outside our control.

06 Cancellation and refunds

• Once payment has been made and the membership agreement has been signed, payments are non-refundable, except where otherwise required by applicable law.
• Once a membership month or paid period has begun, cancellation cannot be applied retroactively, and no prorated refund is provided for that period.
• You must give advance notice to cancel your membership. Tell us in writing, by email or message, and we will confirm the last month you are billed for.

07 Base locations

Classes at Kadena Air Base, Camp Foster and Camp Courtney take place on US military installations. You are responsible for holding valid base access or for being properly signed in by an authorised sponsor, and for following all base regulations. A member signing in a guest does so under the rules of the installation. BJJO cannot guarantee access and is not responsible for denial of entry or for base schedule changes.

08 Photos and media

We take photos and video at classes and events for the website, social media and team records. If you or your child do not want to appear, tell a coach or email us and we will make sure of it. See the Privacy Policy for how to withdraw consent later.

09 Schedule changes and closures

Class times may change. We post changes on our Facebook and Instagram pages and at the dojo. We close for Japanese public holidays, typhoon warnings and occasional team events. Closures do not extend memberships unless we say otherwise.

10 Website content

The text, photos, logo and design on this website belong to BJJO or are used with permission. You may share links and use the material for personal reference. You may not copy, sell or republish it without our written permission. Information on the site, including schedules and prices, may change without notice; check with us before relying on it.

11 Website disclaimer

We work to keep this website accurate and available, but we provide it as is. To the extent permitted by law, BJJO is not liable for errors, interruptions, or loss arising from your use of the site or of sites we link to. Nothing in these terms limits liability that cannot be limited under Japanese law.

12 Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of Japan. Any dispute that cannot be resolved by talking to us will be brought before the Naha District Court, Okinawa, as the court of first instance with exclusive jurisdiction.

13 Changes to these terms

We may update these terms. The date at the top shows the current version. Continuing to train or use the site after a change means you accept the updated terms. If a court finds any part invalid, the rest remains in force.