Training and Covid-19 Protocol

We are returning to class training as part of phase 3 of the government’s roadmap.

Current guidance for martial art training for phase 3 is as follows. The guidance is constantly changing, it is recommended to check the government’s website for the up to date data.  

Check for COVID-19 symptoms and health conditions

Before attending any classes, all participants must self-assess for COVID-19 symptoms:

• Any cold-like symptoms
• Sneezing or running nose
• A high temperature
• A new, continuous cough
• A loss of, or change to, their sense of smell or taste

If you have one or more of these symptoms, you should not attend class and follow NHS and PHE guidance on self-isolation.

Safety Steps During Class

• Personal Covid19 symptoms check on entrance
• Windows open for circulation of fresh air
• Hand sanitising upon entry to class
• Hand sanitise when removing focus pads
• Hand sanitise upon leaving class

Government Phased Introduction of Martial Arts and Contact Combat Sport

This framework sets out a phased return to Martial Arts utilising population control as the key mitigating factor to reduce the risk of transmission. In all phases, student’s must follow the key principles outlined in this guidance. Martial Arts should only be allowed within the relevant phase to take place.

Approved Martial Arts can resume the following activity at these stages of the roadmap:

• Step 1A (8 March): organised Martial Arts activities can resume at phase 2 of the framework, where the art is for educational purposes or as part of wrap-around care for eligible children.
• Step 1B (29 March): organised Martial Arts activities can resume outdoors at phase 2 for children and phase 1 for adults.
• Step 2 (12 April): Outdoors, organised Martial Arts activities can resume phase 2 for children and phase 1 for adults. Indoors, organised Martial Arts activities can resume at phase 2 for children. Adults can resume indoors at phase 1, but any activity that does not meet social distancing guidance (such as contact or pad work) can only occur between people from the same household or support bubble.
• Step 3 (17th May): Continue as step 2 until clearer guidance from the Government and Sports England: Outdoors, organised Martial Arts activities can resume phase 2 for children and phase 1 for adults. Indoors, organised Martial Arts activities can resume at phase 2 for children and Adults can resume indoors at phase 1,

Phase 0: non-contact socially distanced activity

At phase 0, Martial Arts may resume non-contact training. This means that they should only train individually, and there should be no activity with others, including with equipment (such as pad work). Clubs, providers and participants must adhere to legal gathering limits, social distancing guidelines and venue requirements, as set out in government guidelines.

Phase 1: return to equipment training

At phase 1, Martial Arts can resume contact training. They can train with others and do not have to maintain 2m social distance. This is solely for the use of training with handheld and wearable equipment (such as pad-work), and during this phase, there should be no direct personal contact or contact with clothing. Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for individuals holding or wearing contact equipment, unless in a household or training bubble.

Training that involves contact should occur within ‘training bubbles’, according to the relevant social contact rules at that step of the roadmap. Individuals may only be part of a single bubble at an individual class; Individuals may not be part of multiple bubbles at the same or at different venues (for example, an instructor may not train with a bubble of similarly experienced participants and then become an instructor for a less experienced group; a children’s instructor may not coach more than one group of children, even on separate days). Coaches or participants holding or wearing the equipment are considered to be part of the bubble.

Instructors who operate socially distanced from bubbles and are not holding or wearing equipment can operate across bubbles or multiple classes. However, even when socially distanced, instructors may wish to limit the number of bubbles or facilities they work with to limit exposure and should make clear to facility operators if they work across multiple venues. Where possible, all participants must remain socially distanced during training.

For under-18s and where the training is for educational purposes (e.g. students studying Martial Arts), the training bubble may be up to 15 participants. Participants in a training bubble should not mix with others in different bubbles before, during or after the training activity.

Phase 2: return to contact training

At phase 2, Martial Arts may resume contact training which includes direct physical contact between participants.

Training that involves contact should occur within ‘training bubbles’, according to the relevant social contact rules at that step of the roadmap.

Individuals may only be part of a single bubble in an individual class. Student’s may not be part of multiple bubbles at the same or different venues. For example, a coach may not train with a bubble of similarly experienced participants and then become a coach for a less experienced group. A children’s instructor may not coach more than one group of children, even on separate days. Coaches or participants holding or wearing the equipment are considered part of the bubble.

Coaches or officials who operate socially distanced from bubbles and are not holding or wearing equipment can operate across bubbles or multiple gyms. However, even when socially distanced, coaches or officials may wish to limit the number of bubbles or facilities they work with to limit exposure and should make clear to facility operators if they work across multiple venues. Where possible, all student’s should practice social distancing during training.

For under-18s and where the activity is for educational purposes (e.g. students studying sport at further or higher education), the training bubble may be up to 15 participants. Participants in a training bubble should not mix with others in different bubbles before, during or after the training activity.