Policies & Safety

1. Class Activity Risk Assessment

Karate is physical, so minor bumps and strains can happen. We minimise risk by teaching correct technique, progressing students gradually, supervising closely, and using protective equipment where appropriate. The typical risks by activity are below.

Stretching (Risk level: Low) — Rare muscle pulling. Warm-ups are guided and age-appropriate.

Basic karate techniques (Risk level: Low) — Occasional soft injury such as tiredness, muscle pulling, twisting ankles. Technique is taught progressively with supervision.

Basic partner sparring (Risk level: Low) — Non-contact. Poor behaviour/lack of concentration can increase risk (e.g., tripping, banging arms). Managed through clear rules, spacing and supervision.

Advanced partner sparring (Risk level: Low to medium) — Body attack only; no head contact. Semi-contact with protective equipment (body, head, face and hand protection). Only suitable students participate; injuries are rare (e.g., toe cuts, finger twists).

Pad work (Risk level: Low) — Low risk when pads are held correctly. Pads are kept clean and in good working order.

Rolls / breakfalls (Risk level: Low) — Training mats are used. Rare injury from poor technique (e.g., muscle pull). Beginners learn simpler progressions first.

Games (e.g., dodgeball, tag, skipping) (Risk level: Low to medium) — Potential for falls or collisions. Risk is reduced by spreading out, stopping activities early if needed, and excluding unsafe behaviour.

2. Health & Safety Policy

It is the policy of LKA to:

• Provide, so far as reasonably practical, safe methods of training, safe training conditions and a healthy environment by assessing the risks inherent in karate training.
• Ensure, so far as reasonably practical, co-operation, co-ordination and exchange of information between parents and other parties involved in activities under our control (primarily in relation to serious cuts and head injuries).
• Establish procedures with the school or centre.
• Provide basic first aid when required (e.g., plasters and cold compression).
• Provide fully stocked, up-to-date first aid provisions for minor injuries.
• Ensure procedures are in place to follow in the event of a medical incident or illness.
• Record all accidental injuries and illnesses during karate lessons.

LKA will ensure that:

• Protective equipment is available and used when required by the risk assessment.
• Operations are conducted to reduce, as far as possible, the risk of property damage, fire or theft, and to maintain a secure, minimum-hazard environment.
• All accidents are investigated, reported if serious, and preventative action is taken to reduce the risk of repetition.

Schools / space providers will ensure that:

• Safe access to and from the hall is provided and maintained.
• Floors are kept clean (as training is barefoot) and free from hazards, including but not limited to electrical equipment.
• LKA is made aware (by the school, parent or centre) of any diagnosed disability, learning or behavioural condition which may affect a student’s ability to physically participate in the class.

4. Behaviour & Disciplinary Procedure

Karate is built on respect, self-control and discipline. If a student’s behaviour becomes disruptive to the point that it affects learning or wellbeing, we follow the steps below.

Step-by-step approach:

1. Time-out for informal warnings: the student is asked to sit down and remain quiet for around 5 minutes, then may re-join if they agree to behave appropriately. Further time-outs or exclusion from games/activities may be used if needed.
2. Formal warning: if behaviour does not improve, the instructor issues a formal warning and discusses it with the school or parent/guardian to seek support. This will usually be done at collection time and/or confirmed by email to the school if no appropriate staff member is available.

If there is no improvement following the steps above, the student may be permanently excluded from the club.

Immediate exclusion may result from:

• Swearing or derogatory remarks aimed at LKA staff.
• Leaving the room intentionally when told not to (noting that children may accidentally forget to inform the instructor when leaving for the toilet).
• Putting their own wellbeing or the safety of others at risk.
• Refusal to participate.