top of page

Statement from another Martial Art website – General Information response shaded in Yellow

 

Non-named Web Martial Art Association Statement;

Probably the hardest area of sports insurance for people to get their heads around and the main issue to understand is that the need for this type of insurance differs between a student and an instructor. The liability cover provided for a student, alongside their PA cover, is for what we can call general liability, in other words, cover for the general Duty of Care, that one person owes to another which if breached can open a person up to a claim for damages - loss or injury.

​

Response;

(Generally called Student Indemnity)

Member to Member Indemnity covers the Member from injuring a training partner upto the upper
Association Policy limit of £5/£10 Million. this Indemnity is provided from the Association Policy and is not
an individual Policy - There is no accidental cover provided within these types of Indemnity Policies

​

Member to Member Liability
The Insurer will indemnify member or members of the Association
in their respective capacities as such as though each party was
individually named as the Insured in the Association Policy.

Association Student Indemnity covers the student from being sued upto the Association Indemnity limit; students do not claim against their own Indemnity, they claim against the
student that has caused the injury, that does not prevent them from also claiming against the Club.

 

In UK common law, there is a principle that basically states that when it comes to engaging in activities that hold risk and the potential for injury, then a person takes on that risk and cannot then sue for damages if they are subsequently injured. This, in Latin, is the principle of "Volenti Non Fit Injuria” and means that where two people are engaging in a risky activity, where the potential for injury is accepted, then should an injury occur the injured party cannot sue the other player.

​

Response;

This statement is both True & False, “Volenti non fit injuria” is a defence against an injury claim, but not a complete Defence, a Judge will make a decision of the facts, when this defence is litigated (not straight forward as you state) – UK Law states, a plaintiff can only have their rights withdrawn by the Courts – A Declaration Form, must be proved that a person Freely agrees to it; (No coercion used or implied).

In any event, Strict proof of a Volenta Defence is required to be placed before a Judge, by the Defendant’s Legal Team, there are cases that this defence has been used and Struck Out by a Court Judge, at first sitting and further on at an Appeal hearing, and if proven, the Judge can apply a percentage of blame/cost to either party.

 

This is why in the UK there is NO 'member to member' (as this situation is typically, but incorrectly known) cover available which, more properly should be known as 'participant to participant.' An example may help because there is in fact member to member cover available; for example, where two martial artists turn up to train and one puts his bag on the floor at the top of the stairs, which trips someone up, sending them headlong down the stairs, then this is covered under the member to member section of the policy.

​

Response;

False, just a play on words: Member to Member, Player to Player, are words used by the Martial Arts Industry, it is actually Member Indemnity as used by the Insurance Industry, although some do call it Member to Member to make it more easily explained.

​

A Claimant could claim against a Member (in your example) “puts his bag on the floor at the top of the stairs, which trips someone up, sending them headlong down the stairs, in reality a Claim could/would be made against the Club and or the Chief Instructor under either Health & Safety rules and or Duty of Care.

 

HOWEVER - should those same two students be training together on the mat and one injures the other there is no 'participant to participant' cover in place for the very simple reason that under Volenti the injured student cannot sue, therfore no cover can actually be provided. The principle of Volenti accepts that the situation changes if one person grossly steps outside the accepted bounds of the rules of the sport which would, in fact, pretty much move the action to be a criminal assault.

​

Response:

This statement “if one person grossly steps outside the accepted bounds of the rules of the sport which would, in fact, pretty much move the action to be a criminal assault”, this is only one of the reasons your “Volenti non fit injuria” Defence would fail, Misleading of the actual facts, either injury/damages claim or criminal assault can be pursued in UK Law.

In any event, the Legal Costs of the Pleading, “Volenti non fit injuria”  by Solicitors/Barristers, could cost anywhere between £2,000 to £10,000 (dependent on the amount of the claim) and higher if procedures end up in the Supreme Court, this is the reason Member Indemnity is advisable, (Liability Protection) as it goes; where there’s blame, there’s a claim (No Win-No Fee)

I would advise your web statement could if plead, breach the Misrepresentation Act 1967.

Search

Why Your Martial Arts Business Needs Proper Coverage

Running a martial arts Club or just because you love to instruct within a small Locally run Club; involves more than just teaching techniques and training students. It requires careful planning and protection against risks that could threaten your livelihood. Proper business insurance is essential to safeguard your investment, reputation, and peace of mind. Without the right coverage, you could face significant financial losses from accidents, injuries, or legal claims.


In this article, we will explore why having the right insurance is crucial for your martial arts business. We will cover the types of coverage you need, how much it might cost, and practical steps to ensure you are fully protected.


Understanding the Importance of Business Insurance for Martial Arts Schools


Martial arts schools face unique risks that other businesses might not encounter. From physical injuries during training to property damage, the potential for claims is high. Business insurance helps you manage these risks by providing financial support when unexpected events occur.


Some key reasons why business insurance is vital to include:


  • Protecting against injury claims: Visitors/Members of the Public might get injured during classes or events. Insurance covers, medical costs and legal fees if a Public/Professional claims arise.

  • Covering property damage: Equipment, mats, and your facility can be damaged by accidents or natural disasters.

  • Safeguarding your income: If your business must close temporarily due to an insured event, insurance can help cover lost income.

  • Meeting legal requirements: Some regions require businesses to have certain types of insurance to operate legally.

  • Building trust with clients: Having insurance shows professionalism and commitment to safety.


Without proper coverage, a single lawsuit or accident could lead to severe financial strain or even closure of your martial arts Club/Clubs.


Eye-level view of a martial arts dojo with training mats and equipment
Martial arts dojo interior with mats and equipment

Types of Business Insurance Every Martial Arts School Should Consider


To fully protect your martial arts business, you need a combination of insurance policies tailored to your specific risks. Here are the most important types to consider:


Public Liability Insurance


This covers claims made by third parties for injuries or property damage caused by your business activities. For example, if a student slips and injures themselves during a class, this insurance helps cover medical expenses and legal costs.


Professional Indemnity Insurance


If you provide advice or training that leads to a client’s financial loss or injury, professional indemnity insurance protects you against claims of negligence or mistakes.


Employers’ Liability Insurance


If you employ staff, this insurance is usually a legal requirement. It covers claims from employees who get injured or ill due to their work.


Property Insurance


This protects your physical assets such as your training facility, equipment, and stock against damage or theft.


Business Interruption Insurance


If your business is forced to close temporarily due to an insured event like fire or flood, this insurance helps cover lost income and ongoing expenses.


Equipment Insurance


Martial arts equipment can be expensive. This insurance covers repair or replacement costs if your gear is damaged or stolen, up to stated Policy Limit.


By combining these policies, you create a safety net that protects your business from a wide range of risks.


Close-up view of martial arts training equipment on the floor
Martial arts equipment including gloves and pads on training floor

How much does martial arts instructor insurance cost?


The cost of insurance for martial arts instructors varies depending on several factors:


  • Type of coverage: More comprehensive policies cost more but provide better protection.

  • Claims history: A history of claims can increase your premiums.

  • Number of instructors: More instructors mean higher coverage needs.


On average, martial arts instructor insurance can range from £99.00 (£5ML PL) to £120.00 (£10ML Pl) per year coverage - IMASA Registered Club/Instructor Discounts

IMASA can also supply £1ML & £2ML PL Instructor Policies.


To get the best value, compare quotes from different providers and ensure the policy covers all your specific risks. You might also want to explore specialised options like martialguard insurance, which is designed specifically for martial arts professionals.


Practical Steps to Secure the Right Insurance for Your Martial Arts Business


Getting the right insurance coverage requires careful planning and research. Here are some actionable recommendations:


  1. Assess your risks: Identify the specific risks your business faces, including injury types, property vulnerabilities, and legal requirements.

  2. Consult an insurance expert: Speak with brokers or providers who specialise in martial arts or sports businesses.

  3. Compare policies: Look at coverage limits, exclusions, and premiums to find the best fit.

  4. Review your policy regularly: As your business grows or changes, update your coverage accordingly.

  5. Train your staff: Implement safety protocols to reduce the likelihood of accidents and claims.

  6. Keep detailed records: Document incidents and maintenance to support any future claims.


By following these steps, you can ensure your martial arts business is well protected and compliant with regulations.


High angle view of a martial arts instructor demonstrating a technique to a student
Martial arts instructor demonstrating a technique during class

Protecting Your Business Reputation and Future Growth


Insurance is not just about managing risks - it also plays a key role in building your business reputation. Clients and partners feel more confident working with a school that takes safety seriously. This can lead to:


  • Increased enrolments

  • Better partnerships with local organisations

  • Opportunities to host larger events or tournaments


Moreover, having proper insurance coverage ensures your business can recover quickly from setbacks. This stability allows you to focus on growth and delivering quality training.


In summary, investing in the right business insurance is a smart decision that protects your financial health, supports your professional image, and helps secure your martial arts business’s future.



Taking the time to understand and obtain the correct insurance coverage is essential for any martial arts business owner. It provides peace of mind and a solid foundation to build a thriving, safe, and respected martial arts school.

 
 
 

Recent Posts

See All
IMASA

When possible, drop IMASA a Like on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/IndependentMartialArtSportsAssociation

 
 
 

Comments

Independent Martial Art Sports Association

enquiriesimasa@aol.com

©2023 by Independent Martial Art Sports Association. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page