Safeguarding Policy | Imperium Martial Arts

Safeguarding Policy

Organisation: Imperium Martial Arts Ltd & Martial Arts Mind Matters CIC

1. Policy Statement

We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults involved in our programmes. Everyone has the right to participate in a safe and supportive environment free from abuse or harm.

2. Purpose

To protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults attending our sessions, and to provide staff and volunteers with a clear safeguarding framework.

3. Legal Framework

This policy aligns with UK law, including the Children Acts 1989 & 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018), and GDPR (UK) 2018.

4. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, instructors, and volunteers working under Imperium Martial Arts Ltd and Martial Arts Mind Matters CIC.

5. Definitions

  • Child: A person under 18 years of age.
  • Vulnerable Adult: An adult who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation.
  • Abuse: Physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect.

6. Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Claire Ryan Jen Folan

All team members must complete safeguarding training and report concerns appropriately.

7. Code of Conduct

  • Treat everyone with respect and dignity.
  • Avoid being alone with a child or vulnerable adult where possible.
  • Maintain clear professional boundaries.
  • Report concerns immediately to the safeguarding lead.

8. Reporting Concerns

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

All other concerns should be reported to the Safeguarding Lead, who may escalate to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

Liverpool Children’s Services Contact: 0151 459 2606

Sparring Policy | Imperium Martial Arts

Sparring Policy

Organisation: Imperium Martial Arts Ltd

1. Purpose

This policy outlines the expectations and safety measures for all sparring sessions to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of all participants.

2. Sparring Style: Points Fighting & Light Contact

All sparring at Imperium Martial Arts is conducted as light contact and in a points fighting format. Points fighting is a controlled, semi-contact style where bouts are paused after each successful, clean technique. The focus is on speed, control, accuracy, and timing—not power.

Full-contact sparring is not permitted at any time, regardless of age or experience.

3. Eligibility

Only students who have demonstrated appropriate skill, control, and understanding of sparring rules are permitted to participate. Instructors have the final say on a student’s readiness.

4. Adult vs Teen Sparring

Adults may spar with teens only under the direct supervision of an instructor. These rounds must be strictly controlled and light contact only. The adult is expected to adjust speed, power, and intensity to suit the teen’s size, experience, and confidence.

5. Equipment

6. Conduct

7. Safety

8. Disciplinary Action

Unsafe behaviour, lack of control, or disrespect will result in immediate removal from sparring and may lead to temporary or permanent suspension from sparring sessions.

9. Parental Consent

For students under 18, written parental or guardian consent is required before participating in sparring.

10. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or following any significant incident during a sparring session.

Personal Space Policy | Imperium Martial Arts

Personal Space & Physical Contact Policy

Organisations: Imperium Martial Arts Ltd & Martial Arts Mind Matters CIC

1. Purpose

This policy sets out our approach to personal space, physical contact, and appropriate boundaries during training. We are committed to ensuring all students feel safe, respected, and comfortable in every session delivered by either Imperium Martial Arts Ltd or Martial Arts Mind Matters CIC.

2. General Principles

  • Everyone has the right to personal space and to feel safe from unwanted or unnecessary physical contact.
  • Instructors and students must respect each other’s physical boundaries at all times.
  • All physical contact must be purposeful, appropriate, and explained clearly.

3. Physical Contact in Martial Arts

Martial arts training can involve necessary physical contact, including:

  • Demonstrating techniques
  • Correcting form or alignment (with explanation)
  • Sparring, grappling, or controlled pad work

Wherever possible, instructors will demonstrate on another adult or use verbal/visual cues before using contact with a student.

4. Consent & Communication

  • Students should be informed before any physical contact occurs.
  • Students (especially children and teens) have the right to decline or ask for alternatives without pressure or judgement.
  • Instructors will use open communication and ensure students understand why contact is being made.

5. Children & Vulnerable Adults

  • Contact with children or vulnerable adults will be limited, appropriate, and respectful at all times.
  • Where possible, instructors will ask for consent and use the “ask, explain, then assist” approach.
  • Parents/guardians are welcome to observe sessions and should report any concerns immediately.

6. Inappropriate Contact

Any physical contact that is aggressive, unnecessary, or makes someone uncomfortable is not permitted. This includes:

  • Touching without explanation or consent
  • Any contact perceived as invasive, disrespectful, or inappropriate
  • Deliberate violation of personal space boundaries

7. Reporting Concerns

Concerns about physical contact or personal space can be reported to the class instructor, Designated Safeguarding Lead, or a member of the management team. All reports will be handled sensitively and confidentially.

8. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or following any incident or concern involving physical contact or safeguarding boundaries.