Introduction & Statement of Intent
At KATO Martial Arts, we believe martial arts training offers a powerful platform for individuals of all backgrounds to learn self-defence, build confidence, and grow personally. Every participant deserves a safe, respectful, and well-managed environment guided by instructors who are qualified, responsible, and dedicated to the wellbeing of all.
KATO holds a moral and legal responsibility to uphold the highest standards of care—especially when instructing children or adults at risk. This commitment also extends to all members of the club, regardless of age or vulnerability status.
This policy is aligned with the following national legislation and guidance:
– Children Act 1989 & 2004
– Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018, updated 2023)
– The Care Act 2014
– The Equality Act 2010
– Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
– Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
– Data Protection Act 2018 (UK GDPR)
Our Commitment
KATO Martial Arts is committed to implementing safeguarding policies that ensure every instructor, coach, volunteer, or assistant understands and accepts their responsibilities to safeguard vulnerable individuals from harm, abuse, and exploitation.
Our aim is to:
– Promote best practice and ensure safety during training.
– Support instructors with the knowledge and confidence to meet safeguarding standards.
– Require all clubs under the KATO umbrella to meet both national standards and local obligations in safeguarding.
Responsibility of Clubs
Although KATO Martial Arts provides national-level policy and support, safeguarding remains the local responsibility of each affiliated club and its Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
Each KATO-affiliated club must:
– Have a designated, qualified safeguarding lead.
– Implement and review a local safeguarding policy every 2 years (minimum), in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018).
– Complete and document Enhanced DBS checks and safeguarding training for all staff, in accordance with the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006.
– Report concerns to the appropriate authority without delay, as per statutory duty under The Children Act 2004 (Section 11).
Failure to comply will result in suspension or expulsion from KATO Martial Arts.
Policy Principles
– Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility—not just the DSL or instructors.
– Children and adults at risk have the right to a safe, inclusive martial arts environment.
– Concerns must be reported without delay and taken seriously at all times.
– If there is immediate danger, dial 999. Do not wait.
Best Practice at KATO
All KATO instructors and volunteers must:
– Treat all members with respect, fairness, and dignity, in line with the Equality Act 2010.
– Avoid unsupervised one-to-one situations with vulnerable persons.
– Keep physical contact to a minimum and always with consent.
– Involve parents/guardians whenever possible.
– Maintain professional boundaries, including on social media.
– Record and report any injuries, concerns, or disclosures appropriately, following Data Protection Act 2018 guidelines.
– Secure written parental consent for medical treatment and media use.
Unacceptable (Poor) Practices
The following are strictly prohibited:
– Unnecessary or prolonged one-on-one interactions.
– Transporting children alone without permission.
– Rough play or sexually suggestive behaviour.
– Failure to report concerns or disclosures.
– Using inappropriate language or making inappropriate comments.
– Ignoring signs of abuse or distress.
Instructor Suitability
To be eligible to teach within a KATO club, instructors and volunteers must:
– Hold an Enhanced DBS check with barred list checks, in line with Safer Recruitment practices under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006.
– Complete recognised safeguarding training relevant to their role.
– Provide professional references where relevant.
– Register with a national martial arts association.
– Undergo internal vetting and induction processes.
Recognising Abuse
Forms of abuse (as defined by Working Together to Safeguard Children, 2018 and The Care Act 2014) include:
– Physical – Hitting, excessive force, inappropriate contact.
– Emotional – Shouting, humiliation, unreasonable pressure.
– Sexual – Inappropriate touching, comments, or coercion.
– Neglect – Failing to supervise or care for basic needs.
– Bullying/Harassment – Repeated, intentional harm or exclusion.
All suspicions must be acted upon, not ignored. You are not required to investigate—only to report.
Responding to Concerns
If someone discloses abuse:
- Stay calm and listen.
- Reassure them it’s right to speak up.
- Do not promise secrecy.
- Ask only essential questions.
- Record what was said—factually and clearly.
- Report to the club’s DSL or directly to statutory authorities.
In emergencies, contact police or children’s/adult social services.
KATO policy aligns with Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023) for disclosure response.
Media & Photography Policy
Following NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) guidance:
No photography or videoing of children or adults at risk is allowed without:
– Written parental/guardian consent.
– Prior notification of when/why recording is happening.
– Consent being stored securely and reviewable.
Monitoring & Review
KATO-affiliated clubs must regularly monitor:
– Safeguarding incidents or near misses.
– Policy compliance by staff and volunteers.
– Safeguarding training refreshers.
– Updates in law or regulation (e.g., biannual review as per statutory guidance).
KATO Martial Arts will support clubs with national updates, guidance, and checklists but cannot assume responsibility for local club compliance.
Reporting
– Immediate risk: Call 999
– Non-urgent concerns: Report to the club’s DSL
– DSL unavailable or implicated: Contact KATO’s Safeguarding Officer
– External guidance: NSPCC 0808 800 5000 or your local LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer)
Final Summary
KATO Martial Arts is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and professionally accountable environment for all students, especially those most vulnerable. Our policy is grounded in current UK legislation and best practice frameworks, and applies without exception to all affiliated clubs and instructors.
If in doubt, report it. Better a thousand false alarms than one missed child in need.
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Mark Beaufond, and he is your primary point of contact for any safeguarding concerns. You can reach Mark directly at safeguarding@katomartialarts.com. We have a dedicated team page on our website that includes a photo of Mark and contact details for all key staff, ensuring you always know who to speak to. For independent professional safeguarding concerns, KATO Martial Arts is registered with the British Martial Arts & Boxing Association (BMABA), which serves as our Safeguarding Governing Body. You can contact them directly at safeguarding@bmaba.org.uk or by phone at 01798 306546.
