Many martial arts schools hold insurance and assume that coverage automatically applies to all aspects of their training and operations. In practice, insurance gaps often arise not because a policy is missing, but because there is a difference between how a school operates and how activities are defined within the policy wording.



These gaps are rarely intentional. They typically develop over time as training programs evolve, class formats expand, or business structures change.

This article provides general insurance information to highlight seven common areas where insurance gaps may occur in martial arts schools. It is intended for educational purposes only and does not provide personal advice.

What Is an Insurance Gap?

An insurance gap generally refers to a situation where:

• A business believes an activity is covered, but
• The policy wording does not respond in that way

Insurance coverage is determined by policy terms, conditions, definitions, and exclusions — not by assumptions, intent, or past experience.

Understanding where gaps commonly occur supports better insurance awareness and more realistic expectations if a claim is assessed.

1. Activities That Have Expanded Over Time

One of the most common insurance gaps occurs when a school’s training activities expand beyond what was originally declared.

Examples include:

• Adding new martial arts styles
• Introducing cross-training or fitness-based classes
• Expanding sparring formats
• Including competition preparation sessions

Insurance policies do not automatically update when activities change. Coverage remains based on the activity descriptions recorded when the policy was arranged or last reviewed.

2. Sparring and Partner Drills Not Clearly Defined

Sparring and partner drills are central to many martial arts systems, yet they are also among the most commonly misunderstood areas of insurance.

Gaps may arise when:

• Policies reference “martial arts” without defining contact activities
• Non-contact and contact training are not clearly distinguished
• Sparring is assumed to be included without being specifically described

Coverage is assessed based on definitions, not training norms. If sparring is not clearly included in the policy wording, a gap may exist.

3. Group Classes Treated the Same as One-on-One Instruction

Many martial arts schools begin with small classes and later expand to larger group sessions. From an insurance perspective, this shift can introduce different exposure considerations.

Potential gaps may occur if:

• Group class formats were not declared
• Class sizes increased significantly
• Mixed-level training became standard

Insurance policies may treat group instruction differently from individual coaching, depending on how activities are defined.

4. Events, Gradings, and Special Activities

Schools often host activities beyond regular weekly classes, such as:

• Belt gradings
• Seminars or workshops
• Demonstrations
• Tournaments or competitions

A common assumption is that these activities are automatically covered under a standard training policy. In reality, events may be:

• Treated separately from regular classes
• Subject to different definitions
• Excluded unless declared

If these activities are not reflected in the policy wording, an insurance gap may arise.

5. Changes in Instructors, Assistants, or Volunteers

As schools grow, additional people often become involved in instruction or support roles, including:

• Assistant instructors
• Junior coaches
• Volunteers

Insurance policies may distinguish between:

• Employees
• Contractors
• Volunteers

A gap may occur if new roles are introduced without being reflected in the policy or if individuals are assumed to be covered based on involvement rather than definition.

6. Training Locations Not Fully Declared

Martial arts training does not always take place in a single permanent venue. Schools may operate in:

• Dedicated studios
• Shared gyms
• Community halls
• Temporary or hired venues

If training locations change or expand and are not reflected in the policy documentation, coverage may be limited to declared locations only. This is a common gap for schools that relocate or add additional sites.

7. Online or Hybrid Training Introduced Without Review

Some martial arts schools now offer:

• Online classes
• Recorded instructional content
• Hybrid models combining in-person and online delivery

Insurance policies arranged for in-person instruction may not automatically apply to digital or remote formats. A gap may arise if:

• Online training is not declared
• Policy wording focuses on physical premises only
• Instructional content delivery is not addressed

Coverage depends on how services are defined within the policy.

Why These Gaps Often Go Unnoticed

Insurance gaps are not always obvious because:

• Policies renew automatically
• No claims have occurred
• Coverage appears adequate on the surface
• Certificates of currency provide reassurance

Gaps typically only become visible when an incident is reviewed against the policy wording.

Why Assumptions Create Risk

Assumptions are one of the most common causes of insurance gaps, such as:

• Assuming “martial arts insurance” covers all martial arts activities
• Believing coverage adapts automatically as training evolves
• Relying on business labels rather than activity definitions
• Confusing holding a policy with guaranteed coverage

Insurance outcomes are determined by documentation, definitions, and circumstances — not intent.

Documentation and Insurance Awareness

From an insurance perspective, documentation may be relevant during claim assessment, including:

• Class schedules
• Activity descriptions
• Instructor roles
• Event details

Documentation does not determine coverage, but discrepancies between records and policy wording can complicate assessments.

Why Industry-Specific Insurance Knowledge Is Often Referenced

Martial arts schools operate differently from many other fitness businesses, particularly in relation to participant interaction, contact training, and skill progression.

Some brokers specialise in this area. For example, Martial Arts Australia Insurance Services works with martial arts schools, instructors, gyms, and fitness organisations across Australia, arranging insurance based on declared activities and operating models.

This reference is provided for general awareness only and does not constitute personal advice or a recommendation.

Claims Are Assessed Individually

It is important to reiterate that:

• Insurance gaps do not guarantee claims will be denied
• Claims are assessed individually
• Coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, and exclusions

Identifying potential gaps supports awareness but does not determine outcomes.

Closing Thoughts

Insurance gaps in martial arts schools often develop gradually as training programs, class formats, and business structures change. These gaps are rarely intentional and are usually the result of assumptions rather than confirmed policy details.

Insurance provides financial protection for certain insured events, subject to policy terms and conditions. Understanding where gaps commonly occur supports informed awareness and realistic expectations when considering insurance arrangements.