Martial Arts Instructor Accreditation
What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is a nationally recognised process that establishes a martial arts instructor is able to provide instruction in a manner that is safe, responsible, and accountable with appropriate levels of understanding as to their legal and community obligations.
Specifically, accreditation:
- Verifies the martial arts bona fides of an instructor
- Ensures the instructor has a minimum first aid qualification
- Ensures the instructor has a minimum training standard in Instructing Principles, Sports Psychology, Training Methods, Communication, and Legal Responsibilities.
- Ensures an instructor has a minimum training standard in what constitutes safe practice in exercise
- Ensures an instructor has a minimum training standard in what the instructor’s responsibilities are under Occupational Health and Safety
- Ensures an instructor has a minimum training standard in what the instructor’s responsibilities are under the appropriate consumer protection legislation in the State in which they teach
- Ensures an instructor has a minimum training standard in what the instructor’s responsibilities are in dealing with complaints involving sexual harassment and discrimination in the martial arts industry
- Ensures that the consumer is dealing with an instructor who is bound by the National Code Of Practice For Martial Arts Centres and Instructors
What Accreditations are recognised in Australia?
There are only two types of accreditation that are recognised:
- the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS) administered by the Australian Sports Commission; or
- the National Martial Arts Instructors Accreditation Scheme (NMAS) administered by the Martial Arts Industry Association
Please note that the Coaching General Principles certificate that can be secured from TAFE colleges DOES NOT qualify an instructor as Accredited.
Accredited instructors are also bound by the National Code of Practice for Martial Arts Centres and Instructors and must carry appropriate levels of public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
If you wish to check on the Accreditation status of an instructor, the Martial Arts Industry Association (MAIA) provides for free a National Accreditation Record Service that can be accessed by telephoning 02 8736 1229.
All AJKDA member Instructors are required to be government accredited within the first year of their membership.
An accredited instructor will be able to show you his or her accreditation card.
Examples of these cards are shown here:
