Terms & Conditions – The Jade Tortoise Medical Qigong Studio (Eenmanszaak)

1. Definitions

• Studio: The Jade Tortoise, registered as an eenmanszaak in Amsterdam.
• Student: Any person attending classes, private sessions, workshops, or other activities offered by the Studio.
• Sessions: All group classes, private lessons, workshops, and consultations.

2. Scope

These Terms & Conditions apply to all in-person agreements between the Studio and the Student. The Studio does not operate an online shop, and Dutch distance selling rules (“herroepingsrecht”) do not apply. By attending or registering for a Session, the Student accepts these Terms & Conditions.

3. Registration & Health Responsibility

• Students are invited to share any relevant medical conditions, limitations, or concerns before participation.
• The practice of Medical Qigong is not a substitute for medical treatment. Students remain responsible for their own health and are encouraged to consult a qualified healthcare professional when appropriate.
• The benefits of Medical Qigong unfold gradually through consistent practice. The Studio makes no claims of guaranteed results.

4. Payment Options

• Monthly invoicing for classes attended, payable within 14 days.
• Direct payment (e.g. tap/transfer) after each session.
• Prepayment for a programme (e.g. 10 or 20 sessions). Prepaid sessions are non-refundable and non-transferable, except where required by law. We advise beginning with a few sessions before committing to a longer programme, so that the rhythm of practice can be felt and understood.
• To support continuity, a 10-session programme is valid for 4 months and a 20-session programme for 8 months from the date of purchase. We recommend attending at least two sessions per week.
• All prices are inclusive of 9% VAT.
• At The Jade Tortoise, we hold the view that health should remain within reach for all walks of life. If you are living with a temporary reduction in income, rely on a pension, or are in your student years, we are open to discussing reduced fees or payment in instalments. We invite you to share your motivation for joining, and together we will look for a way that allows the practice to remain accessible.

5. Programmes & Single Classes

6. Cancellation & Rescheduling

• If a Student cannot attend a scheduled session, the Studio should be notified as soon as possible. Missed classes are not refundable.
• The Studio may reschedule or cancel a session due to illness, unforeseen circumstances, or force majeure. In such cases, the Student will not be charged.

7. Ethical Conduct, House Rules & Respect

• The Studio is a place of mutual respect and inclusivity. Students are asked to show consideration for the learning process, health conditions, and personal boundaries of others.
• Respect extends to all forms of diversity — including gender, ethnicity, religion, views, and life stances.

House rules

• Wear comfortable clothing; the Studio is a space for practice, not performance.
• Mobile phones are to be switched off during sessions.
• Shoes are not worn in the Studio.
• All Students are invited to contribute to a safe and supportive atmosphere. If behaviour feels unkind, disrespectful, or disruptive, the Studio may address the matter and, if necessary, ask the Student to pause or step back from participation. In such cases, prepaid sessions are not refunded, as the responsibility for participation rests with the Student.
• To protect the privacy of all participants, no photographs, video, or audio recordings may be made during sessions, unless expressly permitted by the Studio and with the consent of everyone involved.

8. Liability

• Participation in all activities is at the Student’s own risk.
• The Studio is not liable for any injury, accident, or health issue arising during or after participation, except in cases of intent or gross negligence.
• The Studio is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings on the premises.

9. Privacy & Data Protection (AVG / GDPR)

• The Studio collects and stores limited personal and health-related information provided by Students to tailor sessions.
• Data is recorded manually and/or digitally, with Students receiving a password-protected copy of their consultation form.
• No cloud services are used; data is stored locally and securely.
• Student data will not be shared with third parties without explicit consent, unless required by law.

10. Complaints & Disputes

• Students are encouraged to raise concerns directly with the Studio.
• If a dispute cannot be resolved amicably, Dutch law applies. The competent court of Amsterdam has exclusive jurisdiction.

11. Amendments

The Studio reserves the right to update these Terms & Conditions. Students will be notified in advance of any material changes.

12. Force Majeure

• In the event of force majeure (including but not limited to government restrictions, pandemics, natural disasters, or other circumstances beyond the Studio’s control), scheduled in-person sessions may be postponed or moved online.
• Prepaid sessions will remain valid and will be rescheduled to a later date. Refunds are not provided in cases of force majeure.

13. Copyright & Use of Materials

• All photographs, texts, and other materials used by the Studio are original works created during the Studio’s Qigong journeys and practice.
• These works are protected under Dutch copyright law (Auteurswet).
• © Guido Porten / The Jade Tortoise. All rights reserved.
• Materials may not be copied, reproduced, or used in any form without prior written permission from the Studio.
• The sharing of Studio content (e.g. on social media) is welcomed if done with respect, acknowledgement, and without alteration of the original context.
• Recordings of classes are not permitted and may not be distributed.