Safe Practice Policy

Taekwondo is a contact sport that requires a standard process to minimise the risk of injury.

Children are particularly vulnerable as they are still developing mentally and physically.

Pre-class warm-up
Prior to the main class training session all students begin with a series of drills, light stretches in order to prepare and warm the body and focus the mind. This allows full movement to be obtained improves concentration and reduces the likelihood of injury.

Primary risks
Taekwondo is a contact sport which involves light sparring with strikes, punches, kicks with grappling and self defence techniques. The primary risks and safeguards.

• Head injury, from loss of balance, or other heavy blows/strikes to the head. This can be mitigated to some extent with the use of approved head protection and gloves, and by light contact during sparring. No sparring contact if the student does not have the required sparring equipment. As its a contact sport a risk will always be present despite any safety measures in place.
• Damage to joints such as hyper joint extension. This can happen by failing to perform techniques correctly. Student's to be given instruction on how a technique is to be performed correctly prior to increasing power.
• Any conditioning such as press-ups on knuckles is to be avoided until adulthood.
• Self-control. Students are given clear instruction on techniques, how they should be performed and how to avoid causing injury while training with a partner. Takedowns should only be practiced on a matted area and with consent of your partner.
• All new students to sign a declaration of health on joining the club each 12-month period thereafter.
• Instructors will have a valid enhanced DBS

Use of weapons during training

• No live blades (sharp or otherwise) in the training hall when children are present.
• Safe protocols for the use of training weapons by children.

Welfare/Safeguarding Officer
John Garcia - 07971847716