Safe Practice Policy

1. Policy Statement

Martial Arts are regulated physical activities where safe practice is essential to minimise the risk of injury.

For the purposes of this policy, “children” includes Adults at Risk.

Children are particularly vulnerable as they are still developing physically and neurologically. Training methods must therefore be age-appropriate, progressive, and appropriately supervised.

Safeguarding takes precedence over training progression at all times.

2. Warm-Ups and Cooldowns

All classes must begin with a structured warm-up appropriate to the activity taking place.

Warm-ups shall:

  • Be progressive in intensity

  • Prepare specific muscle groups used during the session

  • Include mobility and joint preparation relevant to techniques taught

All classes must conclude with an appropriate cooldown to assist recovery and reduce stiffness.

3. Throwing and Controlled Grappling

McKinstry Family Karate is primarily a striking-based martial art. Throwing and controlled grappling elements, where included, are limited and taught progressively within the structured syllabus.

Risks include (but are not limited to):

  • Injury resulting from incorrect break-fall technique

  • Loss of balance during throwing practice

  • Joint injuries from improper application of holds

  • Accidental collision with training partners

Safe Practice Requirements

  • All practice must take place on appropriate matted flooring.

  • The matted area must be checked prior to use.

  • Only qualified and experienced instructors may supervise throwing or grappling practice.

  • Break-fall technique must be demonstrated competently before participation in throwing practice.

  • Joint controls must be applied gradually and with control.

  • Choking or strangulation techniques are not taught within McKinstry Family Karate.

Joint Control Safety Principle

Joint control drills are cooperative learning exercises, not competitive resistance exercises.

They require:

  • Full attention to instructor instruction

  • Controlled application of technique

  • Cooperative participation consistent with the purpose of the drill

Students must not attempt to forcefully resist, twist out of, or abruptly counter a joint control unless specifically instructed as part of a structured exercise.

Attempting to “break out” of a joint lock during a cooperative drill carries inherent risk and may lead to uncontrolled movement and injury.

Tap-Out and Immediate Release Protocol

  • A clear tap-out signal (verbal or physical) must be understood before practice begins.

  • Upon receiving a tap, the technique must be released immediately.

  • No resistance or continuation is permitted.

Failure to release immediately upon tap-out constitutes unsafe conduct and will result in instructor intervention.

4. Strikes, Punches and Kicks

Risks include (but are not limited to):

  • Concussion or head injury

  • Joint or soft tissue injury

  • Accidental collision

  • Injury resulting from excessive force

Sparring Control Protocol

Sparring is conducted as a structured training exercise, not a full-contact contest.

  • Head contact is permitted only under controlled conditions and at instructor discretion.

  • Any permitted head contact must be light contact only, controlled at all times, with no follow-through.

  • Club-approved protective equipment must be worn.

  • Participants must be appropriately matched by age, size, experience, and maturity.

  • Sparring must take place on matted flooring.

Head contact sparring may only be undertaken by students who:

  • Have demonstrated technical control

  • Have demonstrated emotional maturity

  • Have shown consistent force regulation

  • Have been expressly authorised by the supervising instructor

Authorisation is discretionary and may be withdrawn at any time.

Head contact is not a required element for grading progression.

5. Concussion and Head Injury Escalation Procedure

Any suspected head injury must be treated seriously.

If a participant sustains a blow to the head or exhibits symptoms including dizziness, confusion, imbalance, headache, nausea, blurred vision, or behavioural change:

  1. Training must cease immediately.

  2. The participant must be removed from activity.

  3. The supervising instructor must assess the situation.

  4. The Concussion Policy must be implemented.

  5. Parents/guardians must be informed where applicable.

When in doubt, the participant does not return to training.

There is no “play on” culture.

6. Force Escalation Control

All techniques must be applied proportionately and with control appropriate to the drill being undertaken.

Instructors will intervene immediately where:

  • Force exceeds instructional guidance

  • Control deteriorates

  • Emotional regulation declines

Repeated unsafe force escalation may result in:

  • Removal from sparring

  • Restriction to non-contact drills

  • Delayed progression

  • Disciplinary action

Control is a prerequisite for progression.

7. Prohibited Activities

The following are not permitted within McKinstry Family Karate:

  • Full-force or uncontrolled head strikes

  • Heavy contact sparring

  • Strikes intended to cause knockout

  • Choking or strangulation techniques

  • Unsupervised sparring

  • Use of live blades or sharpened weapons

  • Conditioning drills inappropriate for developing joints

Any deviation from approved syllabus content is prohibited.

8. Instructor Requirements

All instructors must:

  • Hold appropriate martial arts qualifications

  • Hold current First Aid certification

  • Hold current safeguarding training

  • Hold BMABA-approved concussion awareness training

  • Maintain appropriate insurance cover

The supervising instructor’s decision in matters of safety is final.

Version Control

V1.0 – 15/05/2019 – First Issue
V2.0 – 12/10/2023 – Head contact guidance updated
V3.0 – 10/12/2024 – Concussion training requirement added
V4.0 – 20/02/2026 – Full policy revision and safeguarding enhancement

Review Date: 12 months from issue.