Martial Arts

What is it?
Martial Arts is a term describing a range of combat sports each of which is characterised by particular modes of physical combat which include elements of attack and defence. Some martial arts are non-contact activities, whilst others will involve full bodily contact  – this will involve strikes and kicks, some will use weapons including stick, sword or whatever. Some activities will require complex equipment including mask, armour and padding.

Safety message  
The hazardous nature of these activities makes it essential that they are delivered in the context of specific codes which are laid down by the respective governing bodies and are taught by instructors who hold current recognised teaching or coaching awards issued by those bodies. The Martial Art undertaken by Award participants within the context of this section :

• Must be acceptable to the Operating Authority
• Must not involve physical contact to the head or body
• Must be through a properly constituted club and governing body

Must not involve combative competition for those below the age of 18.

Ideas/Aims

• Receive adequate training in the safe conduct of the activity (sport) and in the safe use of equipment

• Develop a sound knowledge of the rules of the martial art, and its code of conduct

• Learn how to prepare for the activity using appropriate, activity-related training practices

• Attain a reasonable proficiency in the basic skills of the sport.

• Know and understand the physical, mental, social and safe practice aspects of the sport and the club training programme

• Develop an appreciation of the tactics and the judging criteria of the sport

• Participate in appropriate club activity – events, attainment gradings, competition, display

• Show skills and an improvement in standard in the activity

Review/Assessment
Participants should demonstrate to the approved assessor their knowledge and rules of the activity and their skills in it. If they have entered competitions or attainment gradings, the outcomes of these should be discussed.

Governing Body/Organisation
The National Association of Karate Martial Art Schools, Rosecraig, Bullockstone Road, Herne Bay, Kent. CT6 7NL
Telephone : 01227 370055    Fax : 01227 370056   Email : nakmas@aol.com

Note – there are some 25 or so different martial arts disciplines within the NAKMAS ‘umbrella’. Alternative contacts may be The British Traditional Karate Federation and the Martial Arts Network.