Searching for a “martial arts academy near me” is often the first step toward finding a place to train, build confidence, and grow stronger—physically and mentally. But before you enroll yourself or your child, it’s important to ask: Is this academy safe, reputable, and held to a high standard?
At Academy Safe, we believe every student deserves to train in an environment that is safe, supportive, and transparent. Unfortunately, not all martial arts schools follow the same rules—or any rules at all.
Here’s what to look for when choosing a martial arts academy near you—and how Academy Safe is helping students across the country find the right fit.
Not All Martial Arts Academies Are Created Equal
While martial arts promote discipline, respect, and resilience, some schools fall short in creating a safe and professional environment. There’s currently no consistent national oversight, which means anyone can open an academy—regardless of their background, safety training, or even martial arts rank.
This creates a major gap in accountability, especially when minors are involved.
What to Look for in a Safe Martial Arts Academy
When searching for a martial arts school near you, these are the critical safety standards we believe every academy should meet. These are the same requirements for schools seeking Academy Safe Accreditation:
Background Checks for All Staff and Coaches
Every staff member and coach must undergo thorough background checks to ensure a safe environment for all students.
U.S. Center for SafeSport Certification
All staff and coaches must be certified by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, ensuring they understand how to foster a respectful, abuse-free training environment.
Concussion Course
All registered academies must complete our concussion training course, which helps staff recognize, manage, and prevent concussions—critical for student safety in contact sports.
Defibrillators on Premises
Each accredited academy must have a defibrillator readily accessible in case of a medical emergency.
CPR, First Aid, and Defibrillator Certification
All coaches and staff must hold current CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications to ensure they can respond effectively when emergencies arise.
Security Cameras
Participating academies must have security cameras installed throughout the facility to protect both students and staff, and to promote transparency.
Verification of Owner, Coaches, and Staff Belt Ranks and/or Lineage
Academy Safe verifies the legitimacy of belt ranks and martial arts lineages of all instructors and owners, ensuring they meet proper standards and qualifications.
Academy/Business Insurance
All accredited academies are required to maintain comprehensive business insurance, which helps protect students and instructors in the event of an incident.
How Academy Safe Is Raising the Bar
Academy Safe is establishing the first nationwide registry of martial arts academies that meet rigorous safety and ethical standards. We don’t offer generic certifications—we offer true accreditation based on clear, enforceable requirements.
This means families can search our directory knowing the listed schools have been vetted for both skill and safety. We work with trusted partners like McDojoLife, Black Belt Digital Marketing, and Jiu Jitsu Dummies to push the industry forward and hold martial arts schools accountable.
Why It Matters
Whether you’re training to compete, improve fitness, or develop confidence, safety should never be an afterthought. For parents, it’s especially important to know that your child’s instructors are not only qualified—but verified, prepared, and accountable.
When you search “martial arts academy near me,” go beyond location. Look for the Academy Safe Accreditation as a sign that a school values safety, respect, and professionalism just as much as technique.
Let’s Keep the Martial Arts Safe for Everyone
At Academy Safe, our mission is simple: ensure that every martial arts student in the U.S. can train in a safe, ethical, and well-run environment. Through accreditation, transparency, and education, we’re working to build a better future for the martial arts community.
Visit academysafe.org to learn more or search for an accredited academy near you.
Let’s keep the martial arts safe for everyone.
