Contract problem with Karate Studio

[chrispb]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CO

Hi, I joined a karate studio with a year contact stating I would pay 200 a month for services in karate. The problem though is I'm a disabled veteran and when I signed up for the services we talked about my disabilities and wether or not it would work out. Well, I decided to give it a try. It was going well for about 3-4 months, then I decided to try a light sparring tournament. Unfortunately during the tournament a contestant used extreme force and hurt my leg, (which my disability is in my sac joints, spine). I was injured about 2-3 months and asked my teacher if I could pause the contact while I'm healing. He said no

Well, the injury never fully healed (now 4-5 months later) and classes continued to make my disability worse. I'd even slow down and take it easy but I'd have to do it so much so that the service didn't feel worth it.

Is there any legal way to end the contract? I don't want to screw anybody or get the money I payed back. Just with the economy I can't really afford 200 bucks a month I don't really use. You know?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[Hot Topic]

Despite your disability, you decided to join a karate school and committed yourself to a year's contract.

The school is not obligated to give you the money for the rest of the contract back unless you can prove that you were somehow coerced into joining.

The economy has been bad for more than a year; however, you made the decision to take classes in something that may or may not have had any practical value for you.

Did your doctor approve your taking the classes? I suspect not.

 

[chrispb]

Yes my VA doctor recommended I join a light activity and felt karate would be fine. But with the degradation of my condition she no longer feels it is a safe outlet for physical exercise.

Your suspicions were incorrect.

"The school is not obligated to give you the money for the rest of the contract back"

I said I wasn't trying to get any money. I asked if there was simply a way to end the contract because of the injury caused by another student.

 

[chrispb]

And btw, I did sign a tournament waiver stating the dojo wouldn't be held responsible for any injuries occured at the tournament. But you have to understand, this tournament was for 5-60+ year olds. Me and my doctor both thought light sparring would be safe under these conditions. However, despite the no responsibility clause in the agreement of the tournament sign up. A student in the care of the dojo of the same company used excessive force and injured me. I have it on videotape and the injury was so excessive the student was kicked out of the dojo and the owner of the company (which is based out of California) apologized to me as well as 2 instructors came into review for not teaching their student the proper rules. (bingo, never admit blame specially in a letter apologizing because you're instructors were incompetent.)

This is what I was asking, not if I can get my money back. I have 3-4 months left on the contract.

I understand the terms of a contract and I understand what I signed. And I also understand the perception of practical value doesn't dictate the legal right to terminate a contract.

I researched it myself and got the correct answer. But thank you for your attempt.

PS. Are you guys actually lawyers or is this like a hobby for you?

 

[Hot Topic]

I understand perfectly that you're not asking to get the money for the classes you've already attended back. Can you drop the rest of the classes and not have the dojo try to force you to honor your contract by paying for them anyway? They may very well try unless there's something in the contract that lets you off the hook because of injury. Without seeing it, no one can tell you for sure.

As far as the people who post here, read the Important Notice on the website.