Safe Practice Policy

Martial Arts are activities where safe practice is essential to help prevent injury. Children* are particularly vulnerable as they are still developing mentally and physically, so training methods need to be modified as described below. (*also includes Adults at Risk)

1. Warmups
All activities should first include a thorough warm up which is appropriate for the activity taking place. To help reduce the risk of injury, specific attention should be paid to those muscle groups that will be used during later activity.

2. Exercises
Age and ability are a big factor in exercise for strength and fitness.
Safe practice should include, but is not limited to:
(a) Students should be allowed to exercise at their own pace within the group activity.
(b) Under 16 are not permitted to perform Pressups on Knuckles
(c) If a student of any age is looking unwell, they should be allowed to rest, they should be allowed to rejoin the class when feeling better. if this persists a First aider must be called.

3. Throwing, grappling and strangling
The risks include but are not limited to falling on unsuitable surfaces; landing on the head; damage to the joints from locks; strangulation.
Safe practice should include, but is not limited to:
(a) Checking the matted area for suitability, particularly where the mats have been joined.
(b) Checking that there are no hard surfaces or sharp/hard objects around the matted area.
(c) Having an experienced instructor who will ensure that children are not taught to use locks, throws, or strangles which will cause injury.

4. Sparring - strikes, punches, and kicks
The risks include but are not limited to concussion (brain injury) from heavy blows to   the head; damage to internal organs and joints from heavy blows; injury from inappropriate stretching and other exercises.
Safe practice should include, but is not limited to:
(a) Checking the matted area for suitability, particularly where the mats have been joined.
(b) When sparring all students must where suitable protective equipment such as but not limited to Mouth guard, Hand mitts and Foot pads.
(c) Additionally, all under 16’s must where a head guard
(d) Under 16’s are restricted to light (touch) contact. over 16’s and restricted to Semi contact.
(e) Instructor should supervise and coach the sparring session, maintaining the standards above.
(f) Avoiding excessive stretching and exercises such as press-ups on the knuckles or hitting heavy bags; the joints of children are still developing and can be damaged by these exercises.

5. Martial Arts involving weapons.
Safe practice should include but is not limited to:
(a) No live blades (sharp or otherwise) in the training hall when children are present.
(b) Children below the age of 7 are not permitted to use wooden training weapons.
(c) Safe protocols for the use of training weapons by children include no running around by other students, only students of a sensible nature are permitted to train with weapons (essentially earning the right to train with weapons)
(d) Good supervision at all times by Instructors

6. First Aid
If injury occurs, a first aider must be called and the injury delt with accordingly (as per first aid training).   This should be recorded on an accident form.
Above all, safe practice means having a suitably qualified and experienced instructor who will ensure that children are not exposed to the above risks and who can make a training session enjoyable whilst maintaining the discipline essential to learning a Martial Art.