Blog: Academy Safe: Ensuring Safety in Martial Arts Across the Nation

At Academy Safe, our mission is clear and vital: to ensure that every martial arts student in the United States can train in a safe and supportive environment. As a dedicated non-profit organization, we are committed to protecting the well-being of martial artists by establishing a comprehensive national registry of martial arts academies. This registry will set a new standard of safety, requiring rigorous criteria to ensure the highest levels of protection for our community.

Our Key Safety Requirements To achieve our goal, we mandate that all participating academies adhere to the following safety standards:

  • Background Checks for All Staff and Coaches: Ensuring a safe environment starts with knowing who is in charge. Every staff member and coach will undergo thorough background checks to identify and prevent potential risks.
  • CPR and First Aid Certification: All staff and coaches are required to hold current CPR and First Aid certifications, equipping them with the skills to respond effectively in emergencies.
  • Defibrillators on Premises: We require academies to have defibrillators readily available on-site to address any potential emergencies swiftly and effectively.
  • U.S. Center for SafeSport Certification: All staff and coaches must be certified by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, ensuring a commitment to a safe and respectful training environment free from abuse and misconduct.
  • Security Cameras: Safety is enhanced through transparency. Participating academies must have cameras installed to monitor activities and ensure the security of all students.
  • Verification of Owner’s Belt Rank and/or Lineage: We will verify the owner’s belt rank and/or lineage to ensure it meets the required standards and qualifications, ensuring that students are learning from experienced and trustworthy instructors.

Our goal is simple but crucial: to foster a culture of safety and respect in martial arts, where students of all ages can develop their skills without fear or risk. By safeguarding our training spaces, we help martial artists focus on what truly matters—personal growth, discipline, and the love of the art.

How Your Support Will Help

Your contribution will assist us in building this foundational Safety Registry Website, allowing us to:

  • Implement and Maintain Safety Standards: Ensure that all participating academies meet our stringent safety requirements, creating a safer environment for students nationwide.
  • Promote Safe Practices Nationwide: Spread the adoption of these essential safety standards across martial arts academies, leading to a more secure and respectful community.
  • Support Community Education: Provide training and resources to academies, helping them adhere to these safety protocols and educating them on best practices.

Join Us in Our Mission By supporting Academy Safe, you are contributing to a future where every dojo, gym, and academy is a safe haven for learning and growth. Your donation will directly impact our ability to create and maintain this national safety registry, ensuring a secure and enriching experience for all martial artists.

Together, we can protect the future of martial arts and make a lasting difference in the lives of students across the nation. Thank you for your support and for joining us in this important mission.

Meet the Leaders of Academy Safe Our team is led by passionate individuals who are committed to making martial arts safer for everyone:

  • Milton Campis: As the Executive Director of Academy Safe, Milton, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to our cause. He is also the host of the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast and the owner of Black Belt Digital Marketing, leveraging his platforms to advocate for safety in martial arts.
  • Robert Ingram: Serving as the Executive Vice President, Robert is the founder of McDojoLife, a platform dedicated to exposing fraud and misconduct in martial arts. His work aligns perfectly with our mission to ensure integrity and safety within the community. Rob holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Karate, a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Lissajous-Do, and a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
  • Joe Scargill: Joe brings over 24 years of distinguished experience in federal law enforcement to his role as a Board Member and Advisor at Academy Safe. A Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Mauricio Carra of Checkmat, Joe combines his law enforcement expertise and passion for martial arts to contribute to the safety of martial arts students. His background ensures that our safety protocols are comprehensive and effective.
  • Roberto Santiago: As the Communications Director, Roberto brings his extensive experience as an author and former newspaper journalist. Now a public and media relations professional, he specializes in the performing arts, higher education, politics, and sports. Roberto trains in Wing Chun, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, adding his martial arts knowledge to his communications role.

Our Partners and Supporters

Academy Safe is proud to collaborate with esteemed partners who share our commitment to safety in martial arts:

These organizations and individuals play an essential role in supporting our mission and helping us create a safer martial arts community across the nation.

By coming together, we can ensure that martial arts remain a positive and empowering experience for everyone involved. Join us at Academy Safe in our mission to keep the martial arts safe for all.

Donate to Academy Safe to help us protect martial artists across the nation.

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