Reduce Your Martial Arts Insurance by Avoiding Accidents
By John Graden-style Approach
Running a martial arts school comes with risks, but one of the most effective ways to reduce your insurance premiums is by avoiding accidents altogether. If no accidents occur, then you won't have claims to file.
The key to accident prevention in your school lies in addressing three critical areas:
- Safety of the training area
- Safety of the training equipment
- Safety of the training techniques
1. Safety of the Training Area
Start by evaluating your training space with a safety-first mindset. You can’t afford to overlook potential hazards. If there’s a tear in the mat, fix it or replace it. Is the floor uneven or slick? Correct it before it becomes a bigger problem.
The best approach is to view your dojo from the perspective of a safety inspector. Even something that seems “good enough” might not hold up in a court of law. Every corner of your school should be inspected—both the training area and the rest of the premises.
Common Training Area Hazards:
- Torn mats
- Uneven floors
- Protruding objects (nails, splinters, etc.)
- Equipment improperly stored (items that could fall or cause injury)
- Sticky or slick areas on hard floors
- Chemicals (especially in restrooms)
- Poor lighting
Every potential risk in your training area must be dealt with as soon as possible. It's not worth the gamble of waiting until after an accident to make changes.
2. Safety of the Training Equipment
The next step is evaluating the condition of your training equipment. From weapons to shields, everything should be checked regularly for wear and tear. For instance, if a weapon has splinters or cracks, it should be repaired or replaced immediately.
If the grip on a sai is coming loose, fix it. If nunchaku cords are frayed, discard them. It’s better to be without equipment for a while than to risk injury from faulty gear.
Common Equipment Dangers:
- Splintered or cracked weapons
- Old or worn kicking shields
- Stressed chains on heavy bags
- Frayed cords on speed bags
- Loose grips on weapons
- Worn mats
- Dangerous sharp weapons
- Equipment students might injure themselves with, like nunchaku or whips
If you notice a potential hazard, fix it right away. Even if you can’t fully solve the problem immediately, a temporary fix can prevent an accident until you can make a permanent change.
3. Safety of the Training Techniques
Martial arts training is inherently risky. Minor injuries like hyperextended joints or strained muscles are common, but more serious injuries, such as concussions or broken bones, can occur if safety isn’t prioritized.
The goal isn’t to make training risk-free—after all, martial arts is about learning combat—but to eliminate unnecessary risks. Ask yourself: Are there dangers in my training protocols that could be avoided?
Common Training Technique Hazards:
- Weapons practice near high-traffic areas where other students are moving
- Students wandering too close to others during practice
- Improper holding of kicking shields (e.g., in front of the face)
- Students holding shields for partners who kick too hard
- Sharp weapons being used by students without adequate experience
- Sparring with excessive contact, often due to speed beyond the student’s control level
- Sparring partners using techniques that are difficult to control in a match
- Practicing falling techniques on hard floors without proper mats
- Practicing wrist locks, throws, or self-defense moves too hard without knowing your partner’s injury thresholds
Addressing these risks early can prevent serious accidents, which in turn helps reduce your insurance liability.
Conclusion: Proactive Safety for Long-Term Savings
Being proactive about safety in your martial arts school isn’t just about protecting your students; it’s about protecting your business. Regularly inspect your training area, equipment, and techniques. Fix issues before they lead to accidents.
By creating a safe environment, you reduce the likelihood of accidents and claims, which ultimately lowers your insurance costs. It’s a simple equation: fewer accidents mean fewer claims, which means lower premiums.
Take the time now to make your dojo as safe as possible, so you can avoid costly accidents later.