Martial arts academies play a significant role in promoting physical fitness, discipline, and personal development. However, the absence of standardized regulations governing these institutions can lead to serious safety and ethical concerns. Academy Safe is dedicated to addressing these issues by advocating for comprehensive safety standards within martial arts academies.
The Regulatory Gap
In many regions, martial arts schools lack the oversight that is standard in other youth activities. For example, in the United States, there are no specific federal or state laws governing the operation of martial arts schools or the qualifications of their instructors. This absence of regulation leaves the door open to a variety of risks, particularly when it comes to the safety of students.
Consequences of Minimal Oversight
The lack of regulation can lead to several issues:
- Inadequate Instructor Qualifications: Without standardized requirements, individuals without proper training or credentials can operate schools, potentially compromising student safety and learning quality.
- Safety Protocols: The absence of mandated safety standards can result in inconsistent practices, increasing the risk of injuries during training sessions.
- Background Checks: Unlike other child-centric activities, martial arts schools may not be required to conduct background checks on instructors, posing potential risks to student safety.
Academy Safe’s Mission
At Academy Safe, our mission is to promote and enhance the safety and well-being of martial arts students across the United States and Canada. As a dedicated non-profit organization, we strive to create a secure environment where martial arts practitioners can thrive.
Our Mission Includes:
- Advocacy: Promoting the implementation of standardized safety protocols across all martial arts schools.
- Education: Providing resources and training to academies to enhance their safety measures.
- Community Engagement: Collaborating with martial arts organizations, schools, and communities to foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement in martial arts practices.
Academy Safe’s 8 Standards
To fulfill our mission of promoting and enhancing the safety and well-being of martial arts students, Academy Safe upholds the following eight standards:
- Background Checks for All Staff and Coaches: Ensuring that every staff member and coach undergoes thorough background checks to maintain a safe environment.
- U.S. Center for SafeSport Certification: Requiring all staff and coaches to obtain certification from the U.S. Center for SafeSport, demonstrating a commitment to a safe and respectful training environment.
- Concussion Training: Mandating that all registered academies complete concussion training available on our site for staff and coaches, equipping them with essential knowledge to recognize, manage, and prevent concussions.
- Defibrillators on Premises: Requiring academies to have defibrillators readily available on-site to address potential emergencies swiftly.
- CPR, First Aid, and Defibrillator Certification: Ensuring that all staff and coaches hold current certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Defibrillator use, preparing them to respond effectively in emergencies.
- Security Cameras: Mandating the installation of security cameras in all participating academies to enhance safety and security within the facility.
- Verification of Owner’s Belt Rank and/or Lineage: Verifying the belt ranks and/or lineage of owners, coaches, and staff to ensure they meet required standards and qualifications, ensuring students learn from experienced and trustworthy instructors.
- Academy/Business Insurance: Requiring each academy to maintain comprehensive business insurance coverage, protecting both the academy and its students from potential liabilities.
By adhering to these standards, Academy Safe aims to foster a culture of safety and respect in martial arts, ensuring that students of all ages can develop their skills in a secure environment.
The Necessity of Background Checks
The implementation of thorough background checks for all instructors is a critical component of ensuring student safety. Recent incidents have highlighted the potential risks associated with inadequate screening:
- Case of Tyler Leclerc (New York, USA): In February 2025, Tyler Leclerc, an instructor at Leclerc’s Martial Arts, was arrested on charges of child sexual abuse. This incident exposed a gap in state laws that previously allowed martial arts schools to operate without mandatory staff background checks. The arrest has since spurred legislative efforts to amend state laws to require such screenings, aiming to prevent individuals with criminal backgrounds from working with minors.
timesunion.com - Case of Stephen Zarruk (Texas, USA): In February 2025, karate instructor and substitute teacher Stephen Zarruk was arrested on charges of sexual abuse after allegedly assaulting a juvenile student during individual training sessions at The Woodlands Karate & MMA. Zarruk’s dual roles as a martial arts instructor and a school substitute teacher underscored the potential risks when comprehensive background checks are not uniformly applied across all positions involving minors.
houstonchronicle.com - Case of Bach Quang Truong (Texas, USA): Also in February 2025, former Taekwondo instructor Bach Quang Truong was arrested and charged with indecency with a child and injury to a child for allegedly sexually abusing an 11-year-old boy. Truong’s position as a trusted instructor was exploited to perpetrate the abuse, highlighting the necessity for rigorous background checks to prevent such individuals from gaining access to vulnerable students.
expressnews.com
Conclusion
The safety and well-being of students in martial arts academies are of utmost importance. Academy Safe’s mission to implement standardized safety protocols, including comprehensive instructor background checks, is essential in preventing misconduct and ensuring a secure environment for all students. By adhering to these standards, academies can foster trust and provide a positive experience for all participants. If you’re a coach or academy owner, register your academy today!
