1. Policy Statement
Jujitsu, like any grappling-based martial art, cannot be taught or practised without physical contact -
it's fundamental to how techniques work and how students learn to apply them safely. This policy sets
out when and how contact is used, and the boundaries instructors and students must keep to.
2. When Physical Contact Happens
- Between students, during paired drills, throws, holds, locks and controlled sparring, always under instructor supervision
- Between an instructor and a student, to demonstrate or correct a technique, guide body positioning, or spot for safety
- During first aid, if a student is injured
3. Principles
- Contact is always for a clear training or safety purpose - never incidental, prolonged beyond what's needed, or in a way that could be seen as inappropriate
- Instructors explain what they're doing and why, especially with junior or new students, so contact is expected rather than a surprise
- Contact with a student's chest, groin, or buttocks is avoided except where unavoidable for a specific, named technique, and is done briefly and professionally
- Instructors are mindful of cultural, religious or personal reasons a student might prefer reduced contact, and will adapt their teaching approach where reasonably possible
- A student (or parent, for a junior member) can ask for a technique to be demonstrated on someone else, or explained without contact, at any time
- Students should never be forced to continue a contact drill or spar if they're uncomfortable, injured, or ask to stop
4. Junior Students
Extra care is taken with contact involving junior members. Instructors will not train alone with a
single child in a way that isn't clearly visible to others, and pairing of junior students for contact
drills takes account of size, age and experience to keep things safe and comfortable. See also our
Safeguarding Policy.
5. If Something Doesn't Feel Right
If a student or parent ever feels contact during training was inappropriate, excessive, or crossed a
line, please tell us. This isn't something to feel awkward raising - see our
Safeguarding Policy
for how to report a concern, including independently to BMABA. Any blow to the head is treated
separately and carefully - see our
Concussion & Return to Training Policy.
6. Review of Policy
This policy is reviewed annually or when BMABA guidance changes.