According to the Gokhale Method agreement, what are 'Approved Formats'?
Gokhale_Method Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
We grant to you the right to teach the Gokhale System in the manner and to the categories of students we authorize ("Approved Formats") in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. This Grant of Franchise is to teach the Gokhale System only to individual students, or to groups of students that were solicited individually ("Consumer Students"). No License is hereby granted to any other types of students, including, but not limited to, groups of students organized by companies or organizations ("Corporate Groups") or students with no prior affiliation aggregated together by a third party that is not you ("Wholesale Groups").
You agree to sell, offer for sale and deliver to students only the Gokhale System in Approved Formats and any related classes, services and products as have been expressly approved in writing by us and for which you have been qualified; to refrain from any deviation from our standards
The current schedule of Approved Formats and requirements for them is annexed as Exhibit B.
EXHIBIT B APPROVED FORMATS
The Manner and Categories of Students You Are Authorized to Teach the Gokhale System™. All teaching takes place in person to "Consumer Students" (see Item 1.1). More details and updates are available in the Teachers' Manual
Free Workshop
The Free Workshop is an important promotional tool that allows prospective students to learn about the underlying principles behind the Gokhale Method® and to experience its benefits at no risk. The hour-long, free workshop introduces the Gokhale Method and uses discussion, images and hands on work to introduce it.
Workshops always include discussion and pointers for a few individual concerns.
Gokhale® Consultation
The Gokhale Consultation is a good place to begin Gokhale Method hands on work, particularly if a student has a complex history of musculoskeletal or health problems. In a Gokhale Consultation, a student will receive a comprehensive evaluation of their current posture and how it relates to problems they may be having, a projection of what structural changes are possible, and some key ideas and practices to help them improve their structure immediately and long-term.
Gokhale® Foundations
Group Course
Gokhale® Foundations is a group course of six lessons. It allows for hands-on individualized attention, class discourse, learning and practice of techniques and presentation of Gokhale Method research through images and guided discussion.
One-on-One Course
The one-on-one format allows a more customized lesson plan. Students learn the basics of healthy posture and how to apply this knowledge in situations particular to their life.
Continuing Education Offerings
Alumni may choose to do follow up work in a One-on-One format or in small group classes capped at eight students. These offerings allow alumni to review the basic techniques, learn the material covered in Gokhale® Foundations in expanded contexts, and enhance their skills and awareness.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 34)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Gokhale Method's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Approved Formats refer to the authorized methods and student categories for teaching the Gokhale System. These formats are detailed in Exhibit B of the franchise agreement and are further elaborated in the Teacher's Manual. Franchisees are specifically granted the right to teach the Gokhale System to individual students or groups of students solicited individually, termed "Consumer Students." Teaching to other types of students, such as corporate groups or wholesale groups, is not permitted under the standard franchise agreement.
The approved formats include the Free Workshop, designed as a promotional tool to introduce prospective students to the Gokhale Method's principles and benefits. Other formats are the Gokhale Consultation, which provides a comprehensive evaluation for students, especially those with complex musculoskeletal issues; the Gokhale Foundations Group Course, consisting of six lessons; and the One-on-One Course, which allows for a more customized lesson plan. Continuing Education Offerings are also available for alumni in both One-on-One and small group settings.
Franchisees must adhere strictly to these Approved Formats and any related classes, services, and products that have been expressly approved in writing by Gokhale Method. Deviation from these standards without prior written consent is prohibited, and Gokhale Method retains the right to disapprove any branded class, service, product, merchandise, or equipment at any time. This ensures consistency and quality across all franchised businesses operating under the Gokhale System, protecting the brand's reputation and goodwill. The franchisee must also attend any and all required continuing training to maintain their approval to teach the Approved Formats for which they have been approved.