| As both a parent, an adult and as a consumer we | | | | one out on all techniques taught detailing how |
| are constantly looking to make the right decisions | | | | much of a risk factor each one poses to the |
| with regards to our children's welfare, or own | | | | student. If you do this and the insurance company |
| personal development, all the while getting value | | | | keeps a copy and gives you the green light then |
| for our hard earned money. | | | | you're ok. |
| When searching for a dojo (That's Japanese for | | | | All dojo's/classes should offer you insurance and |
| training hall) there are several things that you | | | | you should read the policy before signing up. It is |
| should take into consideration: First of all is the | | | | illegal to train without it! On a personal level I |
| Sensei (Teacher) a bonafide Sensei? By that I | | | | would always take out my own personal |
| mean is he who he really says he is? | | | | insurance to cover me for any sporting or martial |
| It is so easy to start up your own martial arts | | | | arts activity so that my work and bills are |
| give yourself a 9th Dan and call yourself Soke | | | | covered but then that's just me. |
| (Founder). Why would someone do this you ask? | | | | Something else to consider when starting up with |
| Well quite simply they do it for the money. There | | | | a new club is what are the facilities like? Do they |
| are a lot of people out there trying to cash in on | | | | have adequate safety mats and training |
| other people's hard work. If you join a dojo and | | | | equipment (I'm sorry to say this but it all comes |
| find yourself going once a week and taking a | | | | down to health and safety and 'Health & Safety' |
| grading (test) every couple of months then there | | | | is the law!) If the equipment looks old and worn |
| is something seriously wrong. At 30 a test and 40 | | | | to the point of being of no protection/safety |
| students in your class then well you do the maths! | | | | perhaps the Sensei & dojo aren't that safety |
| This brings us to value for money straight away. | | | | conscious so perhaps time to think again. |
| If you train once a week for a couple of years | | | | Are the changing facilities decent? Is my child |
| and then you're awarded a black belt, you might | | | | going to have the privacy and protection they |
| be forgiven for thinking that you're more than | | | | need when undressing? For women again is there |
| capable of looking after yourself. | | | | going to be privacy from men and spectators |
| However when the reality kicks in and someone | | | | while I change. (Usually guys aren't so bothered |
| attacks you, you may find out that you have | | | | about changing in front of well pretty much |
| been mislead but this would be learning the hard | | | | anybody but the option should still be there and if |
| way. So think first how genuine is the Sensei and | | | | there are children present then you should be |
| the club? A good Sensei does not fall far from | | | | decent!) |
| the tree. You should be able to trace his roots | | | | Now we've broached the subject of children: "Is |
| back all the way to the founder (Soke). | | | | the Sensei covered on the child protection |
| While were on the subject of authenticity you | | | | programme? Has he been through and passed the |
| need to know that the certificates you are | | | | appropriate checks?" Do not take no for an |
| receiving are the real deal as well. You want to be | | | | answer when it comes to this question. Any |
| sure that the Hombu (head dojo) are giving this | | | | senior students taking class in charge of other |
| guy the rubber stamp so to speak. The internet | | | | students and kids should also have been through |
| and websites and e-mails are a good way to find | | | | such checks.DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK, this is |
| these things out. | | | | your kids that we're talking about after all! |
| Next is insurance. Am I covered to train and if so | | | | What other things should you take into |
| to what degree? Many martial arts clubs have | | | | consideration when looking for a dojo? Do the |
| insurance but very few realise themselves that | | | | students wear shoes or go barefoot? If the |
| unless their insurance specifically covers them for | | | | students are barefoot and there are people in the |
| sporting injuries then you won't be able to claim if | | | | class whom have poor hygiene then why is the |
| something goes wrong anyway! (A word to the | | | | Sensei not telling them and getting them to sort it |
| wise if you're not sure then go and read the small | | | | out? Surely they're not afraid are they? And who |
| print.) | | | | wants to train with a Sensei who is afraid of a |
| Any insurance you have should be subject to a | | | | little personal hygiene? Not me because that quite |
| risk assessment. The Sensei/dojo should carry | | | | frankly stinks! |