Terms & License Agreement Between MDS North America and Certified Instructor

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the services provided by M.D.S. North America (hereinafter referred to as "Provider") and their Instructor Site, you (the "Instructor") agree to abide by license agreement. If you do not agree, do not subscribe to the service nor use the materials.

2. License Grant

The Provider grants the instructor a non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to:

• Access and Use of Online Videos and Teaching Aids for personal use only: This license does not permit commercial use, distribution, or modification of the materials.The content is provided for entertainment purposes only and intended for enjoyment and personal enrichment, not as professional training or guidance. Access to M.D.S. Training Material will be granted only up to the Level the Instructor has received certification for. The Instructor shall be permitted to teach only up to the Certification Level they have been officially received by the Provider. 

-     Directory Listing: The Instructor will be listed in the M.D.S. North America directory (unless you request to not be listed). The listing will include the Instructor's name and Level.  If the Instructor wishes to include additional contact information, providing visibility to potential students, they must submit information for approval via the online form at mdsnorthamerica.com/locations (bottom of the page).  Once approved, the Instructor is responsible for keeping this listing up to date at all times.

-     Host Approved Seminars: The Instructor is authorized to organize and host M.D.S. seminars, provided these events are approved by the Provider. Seminar details (dates, locations, topics) must be submitted to the Provider for review at least 30 days prior to the event date for approval. You may not advertise or promote any seminar advertising M.D.S. Instruction without approval first. You can submit your event for approval and to be listed on MDSNorthAmerica.com at mdsnorthamerica.com/events (bottom of the page).

• Branding and Promotion: The Instructor may use the M.D.S. name, logo, and branding for promotional purposes relating to M.D.S. authorized classes and seminars. Any other use of the M.D.S. brand requires prior written approval from the Provider. Unauthorized use or modification of the branding will result in immediate revocation of the license.

3. Instructor Obligations

Compliance with M.D.S. Standards: The Instructor agrees to adhere to all M.D.S. training guidelines, follow M.D.S. curriculum and uphold the integrity of the system during all classes, seminars, and workshops. The Instructor must maintain certification to continue using MDS materials and actively participate in the M.D.S. community.

Certification Maintenance: The Instructor is required to maintain their certification. To maintain an active certification status the instructor must remain registered with the Providers website and agrees to pay a monthly fee of $40 to stay in good standing. This fee is due on the same day of each month and is subject to change with 30 days' notice from the Provider. Failure to pay this fee on time will result in the suspension of the Instructor’s access to M.D.S. resources and directory listing. If at any time the membership is interrupted the instructor will be placed on inactive status through the Provider’s website.

Instructor Affiliation Requirement: The Instructor must operate under a Certified M.D.S. School, unless such a school has not been established in their area. In cases where no certified school exists in the Instructor’s area, the Provider may allow the Instructor to operate independently until a certified school becomes available. Once a certified school is established within their area, the Instructor must affiliate with that school within 60 days of notification from the Provider.

4. No Professional Endorsement

The techniques discussed are not intended as a substitute for professional self-defense training or legal advice. Participants should seek professional guidance for practical application.

5. Assumption of Risk

Participants understand that engaging in self-defense activities can involve physical risks. By joining the class, you acknowledge that you assume all risks associated with participation. Participants are responsible for their own actions and decisions while engaging with the material. The class does not endorse any specific method as the only means of self-defense.

6. Age Requirement

Participants must be at least 18 years old or have parental consent.

7. Permitted Use

The Instructor may: View and use the materials for personal development. Share the materials within a private setting (e.g., with a small group of students) for entertainment purposes only.

8. Prohibited Use

The Instructor agrees not to: Share, distribute, or sell the materials in any form, including online platforms. Modify, adapt, or create derivative works from the materials. Use the materials for any commercial purposes.

9. Code of Conduct

Respectful behavior is expected from all participants. Harassment or disruptive conduct will not be tolerated.

10. Ownership

All rights, title, and interest in the materials provided (“Training Materials) remain with the Provider, the sole owner of the copyright and other legal rights to the Training Materials. No ownership rights, including rights to exclusive territories or any trademarked or copyrighted items, are granted to the Instructor through this agreement. The Provider reserves the exclusive right to create, modify, supplement, or require the return of the Training Materials at any time. 

11. Termination

This license is contingent upon the instructor remaining actively enrolled. The Provider reserves the right to terminate this agreement and revoke access to the materials immediately if the Instructor violates any terms of this agreement, including failure to maintain certification, misuse of M.D.S. materials, or failure to pay the monthly fee.

12. Limitation of Liability

The Provider shall not be liable for any damages arising from the use or inability to use the materials. Participants agree to release and hold harmless the instructors, organizers, and platform providers from any liability for injuries or damages resulting from accessing or using the online videos and teaching aids provided by the Provider. The Provider will not be held liable for any injuries, damages, or claims arising from the Instructor's classes or seminars. The Instructor is responsible for obtaining and maintaining appropriate liability insurance to cover any claims arising from their teaching activities.

13. Governing Law

This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of California without regard to its conflict of law principles.

14. Amendments

The Provider reserves the right to amend these Terms of Use at any time. Participants will be notified of any significant changes.

15. Acceptance

By subscribing and using the materials, the Instructor acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Terms & License Agreement as well as the Provider's website's Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.