Martial Arts Industry Association

I thought I would start with question to provoke some thought on this issue.

Many Schools have certified trainers, but the school is not accredited by any certain organizations.

How do you feel this affects the martial arts industry today?


Sifu White

Thank for the post Tim.

I feel that the accreditation process is important for martial arts instructors nowadays. Instructors may be recognised within the framework of their own individual styles but do they have all the tools needed to offer a minimum standard of instruction to others?

This is where accreditation comes in. Lets examine what accreditation is within the MAIA:

Accreditation is a nationally recognised process that establishes a martial arts instructor is able to provide instruction in a manner that is safe, responsible, and accountable with appropriate levels of understanding as to their legal and community obligations.

Specifically, accreditation:

* Verifies the martial arts bona fides of an instructor

* Ensures the instructor has a minimum first aid qualification

* Ensures the instructor has a minimum training standard in Instructing Principles, Sports Psychology, Training Methods, Communication, and Legal Responsibilities.

* Ensures an instructor has a minimum training standard in what constitutes safe practice in exercise

* Ensures an instructor has a minimum training standard in what the instructor’s responsibilities are under Occupational Health and Safety

* Ensures an instructor has a minimum training standard in what the instructor’s responsibilities are under the appropriate consumer protection legislation in the State in which they teach

* Ensures an instructor has a minimum training standard in what the instructor’s responsibilities are in dealing with complaints involving sexual harassment and discrimination in the martial arts industry

* Ensures that the consumer is dealing with an instructor who is bound by the National Code Of Practice For Martial Arts Centres and Instructors

Surely these are aspects of martial arts training and instruction of great benefit to not only the instructor but their organisation and its students.

That says a lot.

So, how many instructors really take the time to do this?

If they do, does the public really care?

Tim,

Thanks for you views. I can't talk about the USA but here in Oz Accreditation as offered via the MAIA offers the opportunity for the instructor to learn and provide a better level of instruction to that of his/her students and to bring their instruction skills up to a minimum standard of professionalism. These are I believe important considerations for any instructor.

Quite a few instructors have already availed themselves of the Accreditation program which is a sign that not only is it needed but that it is also a consideration of the general public.

As to who cares, well not only should the instructor's themselves care but also the general public who enters in to martial arts instruction.

The martial art industry in Australia is growing and their is a greater need for groups like the MAIA and that which it offers