Martial arts can be one of the safest and most rewarding activities for children — building confidence, coordination, discipline, and respect. But like any sport, the safety and wellbeing of your child depends heavily on who is teaching them and how the club is run.

Unlike many sports, martial arts in the UK is not legally regulated, which means anyone — regardless of qualifications or background — can set up a club and begin teaching. That’s why it’s crucial that parents do their own checks and ask the right questions before enrolling a child.

Here’s what every parent should know and look for to ensure their child is training in a safe, professionally run martial arts club.

1. Safeguarding First

Before anything else, make sure the club:

• Has a clear and accessible safeguarding policy

• Has a named Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

• Requires all instructors and volunteers to hold enhanced DBS checks

• Actively promotes child protection and safe conduct on and off the mats

If a club doesn’t mention safeguarding — or seems unsure when you ask — that’s a major red flag. Safety should never be optional.

2. Instructor Qualifications

A safe club starts with competent instructors. Ask:

• What martial arts qualifications or grades do they hold?

• Who awarded these qualifications, and are they recognised?

• Do they have first aid training?

• Have they undertaken safeguarding or trauma-informed coaching training?

At BMABA, we independently verify every instructor’s grade and require strict adherence to compliance frameworks. Our clubs are Regulation Ready certified, meaning they meet nationally audited safety, insurance, and safeguarding standards.

3. Environment and Supervision

Look around the training space and consider:

• Is it clean, well-lit, and free from hazards?

• Are children always supervised, including during breaks?

• Are parents welcome to stay and observe sessions?

• Is the instructor calm, professional, and respectful in tone?

Trust your instincts — if something feels rushed, chaotic, or unstructured, ask more questions.

4. Ratios and Boundaries

Check that:

• There is an appropriate child-to-instructor ratio

• The club uses clear, respectful language when correcting children

• Physical contact is kept appropriate, professional, and explained

• The instructor sets healthy boundaries and maintains authority without aggression or intimidation

Martial arts should teach control, not fear.

5. Insurance and Oversight

Ask to see evidence of:

• Public liability insurance

• Instructor indemnity insurance

• Club membership with a recognised association

BMABA clubs are covered by specialist insurance and operate under a UKAS-certified ISO9001:2015 compliance framework, ensuring regular auditing and accountability.

6. Communication and Transparency

A good club should be open and transparent. Look for:

• A clear website and professional communication

• Written policies (safeguarding, complaints, first aid)

• Willingness to answer your questions and show documentation

If a club is dismissive or vague when you raise concerns, that’s a signal to reconsider.

7. Trust Your Gut

Above all, listen to your instincts. You know your child best. If something doesn’t feel right — whether it’s how children are being treated, the attitude of an instructor, or the lack of answers to your questions — it’s okay to walk away.

Good clubs welcome scrutiny. They want you to feel confident and reassured, and they will have nothing to hide.

How BMABA Helps You Stay Informed

As a parent, you can verify a BMABA club or instructor in real-time using our online verification platform. This allows you to check membership status, DBS clearance, safeguarding qualifications, and insurance cover — all in one place.

We’re proud to lead the martial arts sector in safeguarding and compliance — so you can feel confident that your child is in safe hands.