When you send your child to an after-school program, camp, or daycare, you expect that the staff has been thoroughly screened. In most states, it’s the law. But what many parents don’t realize is that martial arts academies are often not held to the same standard. In fact, in many states, martial arts instructors are not legally required to pass background checks to work with children.
That needs to change.
At Academy Safe, we believe background checks should be a baseline requirement for every martial arts school in the country. Here’s why they matter—and what we’re doing to help.
The Hidden Risk in Martial Arts Academies
Martial arts academies offer tremendous benefits—discipline, confidence, physical fitness, and community. But because the industry is largely unregulated, there’s no governing body ensuring that coaches and instructors are properly vetted. That opens the door to serious safety concerns.
Without mandatory background checks, individuals with a history of violence, abuse, or other criminal behavior can find their way into positions of trust and authority. In the worst cases, this has led to abuse and misconduct—issues that could have been prevented with proper screening.
What a Background Check Actually Reveals
A comprehensive background check goes far beyond a quick Google search or a social media scan. It includes:
- National criminal databases
- Sex offender registries
- County-level criminal records
- Federal offenses
- Alias and identity verification
These reports can uncover red flags that are not always visible on the surface, including past arrests, charges, or convictions involving violence, sexual misconduct, theft, or drug-related offenses.
For positions of authority—especially those working with minors—this level of scrutiny should be non-negotiable.
Academy Safe’s Background Check Standards
As part of our accreditation process, Academy Safe requires that all martial arts academies conduct background checks on every instructor, coach, and staff member who interacts with students.
This isn’t about punishing the past—it’s about protecting the future. Our goal is to create safe, supportive training environments where students can grow without fear.
Accreditation That Sets a Higher Standard
Background checks are just one part of the Academy Safe accreditation. We also require:
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Defibrillators on-site
- U.S. Center for SafeSport training
- Security cameras on premises
- Verification of belt rank and instructor credentials
When parents see the Academy Safe seal, they know the school has met rigorous safety standards—far beyond what the law requires.
The Path Forward
Until stronger laws are in place, it’s up to the martial arts community to raise the bar. School owners and instructors have a responsibility to protect their students by adopting safety-first policies—including thorough background checks for every team member.
Parents, too, can be part of the solution by asking schools about their screening processes—and choosing accredited academies committed to transparency and professionalism.
At Academy Safe, our mission is simple: To make martial arts safer for everyone.
Ready to Set a Higher Standard?
If you own or operate a martial arts academy, now is the time to demonstrate your commitment to safety and professionalism. Join a growing movement of schools that are putting student well-being first.
Get accredited with Academy Safe today and show parents you take their trust seriously.
Visit AcademySafe.org to begin the accreditation process and help us keep the martial arts safe for everyone.
