Martial arts
What to expect
There are loads of different martial arts to choose from. It’s up to you whether you want to focus on combat and being physical and active or whether personal (or spiritual) development is more your thing. It’s a good idea to do some research before you make a choice to make sure you’ve chosen the right option for you.
What you’ll learn
Most martial arts have a focus on discipline and sticking at it. They’re a great way to get moving and develop your fitness, but you’ll also learn loads about your mental attitude too. Different martial arts mean different things to different people, so you’ll need to give it a go to find out where your martial arts journey will take you.
Fun facts
- The term ‘martial arts’ comes from the Latin for ‘arts of Mars’, the Roman god of war.
- The actor who played the original green Power Ranger is a seventh-degree black belt and experienced in at least seven different martial arts.
Handy hints
- Do your research. There are so many martial arts to choose from: make sure you know what you want to get out of the experience before you decide what’s right for you (and your group).
- Stay hydrated. Even a quick taster session can work up a sweat. Don’t forget your water bottle.
Safety
You must always:
- Complete a risk assessment
- Have the right ratios of number of adults to provide suitable supervision
- Set up an InTouch process
- Know what to do in an emergency
- Share information with parents and carers with an activity information form
- Get approval from your commissioner
Joint activities with other organisations:
- This activity can be run jointly with Girlguiding.
- This activity can be run with other organisations.
This activity can be led by you or someone else in Scouts:
- Acceptable instructor qualifications
- Martial arts - standards and controls laid down by the British Aikido Board
- Martial arts - standards and controls laid down by the British Council for Chinese Martial Arts
- Martial arts - standards and controls laid down by British Judo
- Martial arts - standards and controls laid down by the British Ju-Jitsu Association
- Martial arts - standards and controls laid down by the British Karate Federation
- Martial arts - standards and controls laid down by the British Kendo Association
- Martial arts - standards and controls laid down by the British Sombo Federation
- Martial arts - standards and controls laid down by British Taekwondo
- Martial arts - standards and controls laid down by the British Tang Soo Do Federation
You can go to a centre or use an activity leader who is not part of Scouting:
You must find a suitable provider who meets the following requirements:- The centre/instructor should hold one of these:
- Martial arts - standards and controls laid down by the British Aikido Board
- Martial arts - standards and controls laid down by the British Council for Chinese Martial Arts
- Martial arts - standards and controls laid down by British Judo
- Martial arts - standards and controls laid down by the British Ju-Jitsu Association
- Martial arts - standards and controls laid down by the British Karate Federation
- Martial arts - standards and controls laid down by the British Kendo Association
- Martial arts - standards and controls laid down by the British Sombo Federation
- Martial arts - standards and controls laid down by British Taekwondo
- Martial arts - standards and controls laid down by the British Tang Soo Do Federation
The provider must have public liability insurance.
Guidance
Reflection
For most people, martial arts are a great chance to try new things. Everyone’s journey will be different as they have different reasons for choosing different martial arts and different goals. Some people may be fascinated by the history and culture, while others may be driven to perfect their skills or enter competitions. What helped people to decide what they’d like to try? Did they have any goals in mind? Would people like to try another martial art, or would they prefer to stick at the one they’ve tried already?
Martial arts are also a great chance to be active. How did people feel after their first session? People may have felt exhausted or sore, but perhaps they also felt a buzz too. Had anyone tried anything similar to martial arts before? What else did people gain from giving martial arts a go?
Martial arts get more challenging as you learn more. Set your own goals and targets with your instructor and decide what you’ll practise at home.
Martial arts can often be adapted so more people can give it a go. Many sports centres have facilities that cater for people with additional needs and experienced instructors to help everyone achieve their goals. Get in touch with your local provider to chat through the needs of people in your group – make sure you give them plenty of notice.
All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.
If martial arts have captured your interest, see what else you can find out about their interesting history or get stuck into your Cubs or Scouts Martial Arts Activity Badge.
If you’re trying a taster as a group, make sure everyone gets their say in deciding what to try. Explain any limitations, for example, what’s available or in budget in your area, then let young people make their own decisions about their programme.