The National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools (NAKMAS) has claimed that many martial arts clubs are not properly insured, leaving them exposed in the event of an accident or allegation of abuse.

The UK governing body has urged club members and parents of junior members to ask questions of operators, and to check whether the instructor is suitable qualified and has the relevance insurance cover.

According to a spokesperson for NAKMAS, the association was “shocked” to find that many clubs use substandard martial arts insurance, with policies sports insurers apparently giving insufficient cover or failing to include vital areas of cover, such as child abuse and instructor indemnity.

Joe Ellis, NAKMAS, chair, said: “Clubs and coaches need to be asking themselves the question - does my policy really offer protection in an era of high litigation?

"In a sport with so much focus on coaching children and self defence, it’s ludicrous that clubs are letting their guard down when it comes to insurance.”"