RELEASE OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK & PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT

NekoCon 2026 – Martial Arts & Historical Combat Workshops

November 6–8, 2026 | Hampton Roads Convention Center, Hampton, Virginia

READ CAREFULLY – THIS DOCUMENT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS

In consideration of being permitted to participate in martial arts, historical fencing, swordsmanship, combatives, demonstrations, instructional drills, or related physical activities conducted by Ludus Ferocia Historical Combat and Applied Defense Concepts LLC during NekoCon, organized by Event Support Solutions, Inc. (ESSI), I acknowledge and agree to the following terms.

For purposes of this Agreement, Ludus Ferocia Historical Combat, Applied Defense Concepts LLC, NekoCon, Event Support Solutions, Inc. (ESSI), and their respective owners, officers, directors, instructors, employees, agents, representatives, volunteers, contractors, successors, and assigns shall collectively be referred to as the “Released Parties.”

1. AGREEMENT TO FOLLOW ALL DIRECTIONS

I agree to observe and obey all rules, safety instructions, warnings, and directions provided by the Released Parties or their authorized representatives.

I acknowledge that failure to follow instructions, unsafe behavior, intentional misuse of equipment, or conduct that endangers myself or others may result in immediate removal from the activity without compensation.

I further agree to comply with all applicable NekoCon and venue policies, including restrictions on weapons and training equipment.

2. ASSUMPTION OF RISKS

I understand that participation in martial arts, historical combat, fencing, and related instructional activities involves inherent risks, even when reasonable safety measures are followed.

These risks include, but are not limited to:

• Injury from contact with training swords, knives, staffs, or other approved training equipment.

• Accidental contact with instructors or other participants.

• Bruises, cuts, sprains, fractures, concussions, or other bodily injuries.

• Slips, trips, falls, collisions, or loss of balance.

• Injuries resulting from physical exertion, fatigue, or improper execution of techniques.

• Equipment malfunction, accidental impacts, or the actions of other participants.

• Aggravation of pre-existing injuries or medical conditions.

• In rare cases, permanent disability or death.

I acknowledge that these activities may involve controlled physical contact, demonstrations, drills, and simulated combat scenarios.

I voluntarily choose to participate with knowledge of these risks and accept responsibility for the risks inherent in the activities to the extent permitted by law.

3. RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND HOLD HARMLESS

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Virginia law, I agree to release, discharge, and hold harmless the Released Parties from claims, losses, damages, or expenses arising from my voluntary participation in the activities, including claims relating to inherent risks of the activities or my own conduct.

This Agreement is intended to provide the Released Parties with the maximum protection permitted under applicable law.

Nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted as releasing any party from liability that cannot legally be waived under Virginia law.

4. INDEMNIFICATION

To the extent permitted by law, I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from third-party claims, damages, judgments, expenses, or reasonable attorney fees arising from my negligent, reckless, intentional, or unlawful conduct during the workshop.

This provision does not require me to indemnify any Released Party for that party's own negligence or other conduct for which indemnification is prohibited by law.

5. PROPERTY DAMAGE AND EQUIPMENT RESPONSIBILITY

I agree to use all provided equipment responsibly and only as directed by authorized instructors.

I understand that I may be held financially responsible, to the extent permitted by law, for damage to equipment, facilities, or other property caused by my negligent, reckless, or intentional misconduct.

This includes property belonging to Ludus Ferocia Historical Combat, Applied Defense Concepts LLC, NekoCon, ESSI, the convention venue, and other participants.

6. PHYSICAL CONDITION AND MEDICAL RESPONSIBILITY

I acknowledge that I am physically capable of participating in the selected activities or have disclosed relevant limitations to an instructor before participating.

I understand that I may stop participating at any time.

I agree to notify an instructor immediately if I experience pain, dizziness, injury, or any condition that could compromise my safety.

In the event of an injury or medical emergency, I authorize the Released Parties to contact emergency medical services when reasonably necessary.

I understand that I remain responsible for my own medical expenses, subject to applicable law and any legally responsible party's obligations.

7. VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION AND NO DURESS

I acknowledge that my participation is voluntary and that I have been given an opportunity to read and understand this Agreement before signing.

I understand that I may decline participation if I do not wish to accept the risks or terms described herein.

I further acknowledge that I have had the opportunity to ask questions regarding the activities, equipment, safety requirements, and this Agreement.

8. PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO RELEASE

I understand that the workshop may be photographed, filmed, or recorded by authorized representatives of Ludus Ferocia Historical Combat, Applied Defense Concepts LLC, NekoCon, or ESSI, subject to applicable convention policies.

By separately consenting below, I authorize these organizations to use photographs, video footage, and recordings containing my likeness for educational, promotional, advertising, website, social media, and other lawful publication purposes without compensation.

I understand that declining promotional media consent does not prevent incidental appearance in general convention recordings where otherwise permitted by law.

9. APPLICABLE LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Any dispute arising from participation in these activities shall be addressed in accordance with applicable Virginia law.

10. SEVERABILITY AND ENFORCEABILITY

If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in effect to the extent permitted by law.

The unenforceability of any provision shall not automatically invalidate the remainder of this Agreement.

11. ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND AUTHENTICATION

I certify that the information I have provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge.

I acknowledge that I have read and understand this Agreement, understand the risks associated with participation, and voluntarily agree to its terms.

I understand that this Agreement applies to my participation in the martial arts and historical combat workshops conducted by Ludus Ferocia Historical Combat and Applied Defense Concepts LLC at NekoCon 2026.

I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I AM VOLUNTARILY PARTICIPATING IN ACTIVITIES THAT MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY.