20/09/2026
Morning all.
There has been a recent update to the children's safeguarding policy, where head contact during sparring will now be completely stopped for children (Anyone under 18).
The full policy details below says that any contact (if necessary) must be light, however it is not necessary under normal training conditions, so we will remove it completely.
A full copy of all policies can be found on our website in the student area page.
Thanks.
Wayne
12a. Head contact while sparring and competing.
Head contact while sparring/competing in martial arts brings a significant risk of brain injury, even in adults.
For children, whose brains and skulls are still developing, the risks are even higher. Repeated blows to the head can lead to concussions and, over time, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition linked to repeated head trauma.
Children are more vulnerable to long-term damage because their brains are not fully matured, making them less able to withstand the impact of head blows.
While there’s no denying the benefits of martial arts for children, safety must always come first.
On that note full PPE must be worn for any sparring and head contact (if necessary) must be light, controlled and under the strict supervision of an instructor.
Instructors should never allow children to engage in full or heavy contact to the head.
