| Instructor Qualities - The MASA 5. Before joining a martial arts club of any style, Karate, Judo, Ju-Jitsu, Tae Kwon Do and so on, you should ask to see the basic 5 documents that any martial arts instructor should be able to produce if asked, this will help you decide if the class you are joining will be a safe training environment. Check that the minimum age the club accepts children from is approved by the insurance company providing cover to the group/club. The reason for this is due to the fact that the most Instructor's insurance only covers him/her to teach children above a certain age. Ask for verification of insurance cover, you should be able to check this on line with the National Martial Arts Group they are registered with, failing that ask for the telephone number of the insurance company providing the cover. It is important that everyone is aware of the qualities that ALL Martial Arts Instructors should have. This is dealt with by way of what are known as "The MASA 5". (As defined by the Martial Arts Standards Agency) If an Instructor cannot produce ALL of these when asked then you should reconsider your options. Some may not carry these all of the time, but should be able to produce them by the next lesson if requested to do so. DON'T TAKE THEIR WORD FOR IT. If they cannot produce the documents at all, then chances are they haven't got them. The MASA 5 consist of:- 1. A Black Belt (also know as 'Dan or Degree') in grade and no less. This belt will be solid in colour throughout (this may vary for higher graded black belts so always ask if unsure) and will have been awarded by a known and traceable source. They will also usually be registered with a National Martial Arts Group and be listed on a data base. Always ask for the contact details to allow you to check. An example would be www.blackbeltregister.co.uk Any person wearing anything other than a black belt and referring to themselves as an 'Instructor' or running a class alone should be checked. Andrew Morrell, President of the C.M.A.A. says: "The C.M.A.A. fully supports the MASA 5 in that we believe for an Instructor to run a club alone he / she must hold no less than 1st Dan or equivalent showing at least 3 to 4 years experience. Students have the right to be taught by genuine black belts who have served their time and not by a person wearing a 'special instructor belt' who has only themselves been training for a short period. In comparison a person cannot become a driving instructor unless they themselves have at least 3 and half years experience. In the end the student will make their own informed decision which is why the MASA 5 was created". 2. Evidence of training as an Instructor due to the fact that a black belt, although an excellent achievement, does not in any way constitute a qualification to teach. This training should be with a National Martial Arts Group and include Health & Safety, First Aid, Risk Assessments and Child Protection. An example would be www.martialartsinstructor.co.uk 3. Indemnity Insurance. The certificate should be the original from the Broker NOT one printed on a Martial Arts Group letter head, unless that Group is a registered Broker themselves. It is important to note here that most UK Insurance Companies don't offer cover to persons below the rank of black belt. With that in mind any person below black belt claiming to be insured should be checked out direct with the Insurance Company (not the Martial Arts Group) to verify under what criteria, if any, the cover has been issued. Ask them for the phone number to allow you to check direct. 4. Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Enhanced Disclosure checked every 2 years to ensure suitability to teach children and vulnerable adults. Visit www.disclosure.me.uk for more information on the CRB, Disclosure Scotland and *Independent Safeguarding Authority (I.S.A.) registration. *This will actually become UK Law in 2010, for futher info on this click here. 5. A clear pricing policy with no hidden charges. This is normaly given as part of a welcome or information sheet handed to you when you first visit the club and should include lesson fees, membership and licencing, gradings and equipment. In addition to the MASA 5:- Does the club belong to a reputable United Kingdom based National Association?, and more inportantly are the grades you will receive registered with them and will the club allow you to check this? Members of smaller less known or even idependent groups often find problems when they move to another group / club, so make sure you ask the question "who is my grade registered with?". We have a flyer that you can download if you wish to, simply click here now. CLICK BACK ON YOUR BROWSER TO RETURN TO THE PREVIOUS PAGE. |
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