Choosing Your Discipline and Governing Body

The martial arts landscape in the UK is fragmented across dozens of disciplines and governing bodies. Your first decision is which discipline or disciplines to teach, and your second is which governing body to affiliate with.

Major Disciplines and Their UK Governing Bodies

Karate: English Karate Federation (EKF), recognised by Sport England. Multiple style-specific associations (Shotokan, Wado-Ryu, Goju-Ryu, etc.)
Judo: British Judo, the sole recognised governing body. Judo is an Olympic sport with a clear, internationally standardised grading system.
Taekwondo: British Taekwondo (WT style, Olympic), UKTA and TAGB (ITF style). Two distinct branches with different competition rules and forms.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): No single UK governing body, but affiliations with international teams and associations (IBJJF, Gracie networks) are common.
Kickboxing: Various governing bodies including ISKA, WKA, and WAKO GB.

For children's classes, karate, judo, and taekwondo are the most established and parent-friendly. They have clear belt systems, structured syllabi, and a strong emphasis on discipline and respect that parents value.

The British Martial Arts and Boxing Association (BMABA) is an umbrella body that provides insurance, DBS services, and affiliation for instructors across multiple disciplines. It is a practical choice if your discipline's specific governing body is small or fragmented.

Traditional martial arts dojo with training mats and equipment — A dedicated training space with proper matting is fundamental for a martial arts school

Qualifications and Instructor Standards

Unlike swimming or gymnastics, martial arts instructor qualifications vary significantly by discipline and governing body. However, the general expectations are:

Minimum grade: Most governing bodies require instructors to hold at least a 1st Dan (black belt) or equivalent. Some allow lower grades to assist but not lead sessions.
Coaching qualification: A recognised coaching award, such as the CIMSPA-endorsed Level 2 or Level 3 coaching qualifications in martial arts, or your governing body's own instructor certification.
First aid: Current first aid certificate, renewed every three years.
Enhanced DBS check: Required for anyone working with children.
Safeguarding training: Mandatory. Your governing body or BMABA will offer this.

A black belt makes you a skilled practitioner. It does not automatically make you a good teacher. If you have not already, invest in formal coaching education. The difference between a martial artist who teaches and a martial arts teacher is enormous.

Setting Up Your Training Space

The traditional martial arts training hall (dojo, dojang, or kwoon depending on your discipline) does not need to be elaborate, but it does need to be safe and appropriate.

Venue Requirements

Flooring: Jigsaw mats (EVA foam) are the standard for most martial arts. They provide impact protection, are portable, and can be laid and stored easily. Budget £500-£2,000 for a full set depending on your training area size.
Space: Minimum 80-100 square metres for a class of 15-20 students.
Ceiling height: At least 3 metres, ideally more. Kicks and throws require overhead clearance.
Wall space: Clear walls for bag work and shield drills.
Storage: For mats, pads, shields, and equipment if you are not in a dedicated space.

Equipment

Jigsaw mats: Essential for any grappling art, highly recommended for all
Focus pads and kick shields: £10-£30 each, you need enough for paired work
Body protectors: For sparring, especially in taekwondo and kickboxing
Rebreakable boards: For demonstrations and gradings in striking arts

The Belt and Grading System

The belt system is central to martial arts culture and is one of your strongest tools for student motivation and retention:

Children in martial arts uniforms practising techniques with their instructor — Martial arts classes teach children discipline, respect and physical fitness

Structured progression: Coloured belts from white through to black give students clear, visible goals
Regular gradings: Most schools hold gradings every 3-4 months. This creates a natural revenue stream (grading fees of £15-£30 per student) and keeps students engaged.
Syllabus clarity: Every student should know exactly what they need to learn for their next grade.
Ceremony and recognition: Make gradings and belt presentations a meaningful event. Invite parents to watch.

Track each student's grading history, attendance, and syllabus progress in your management system. AMES includes skill tracking features that work well for martial arts belt progressions, giving both instructors and parents clear visibility of each student's journey.

Building a Martial Arts Culture

Martial arts schools that thrive long-term build a culture that extends beyond physical training:

Etiquette and respect: Bowing, addressing instructors correctly, lining up by grade. These rituals matter.
Character development: Many martial arts schools teach tenets or values. Weave these into your teaching.
Community events: Inter-club competitions, demonstrations, charity sessions.
Family classes: Parent-and-child sessions are popular and create deep loyalty.

Actionable Takeaways

Choose and register with your governing body. Select the one with the strongest insurance provision and the most recognised grading system.
Invest in quality matting. This is your most important safety equipment.
Plan your grading syllabus before you start. Students and parents need to see a clear pathway from day one.
Build community from the start. Martial arts schools with strong cultures retain students for years, not months.