Martial arts training is in high demand in Australia, where students come to learn as a sport, for self defence, and even for fitness. In big cities, there will be many dojos catering to nearly every form of fighting style. Opening a dojo in Australia is not as simple as starting a new business. There are strict standards dojo owners must meet regardless of whether the training centre is for income, sport, or recreational purposes. Here is a very brief guide on what you need to keep in mind when opening a dojo anywhere in Australia:
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Check the Necessary Qualifications
If you are opening your own dojo, then you already know your martial art. However, Australian states have various qualification requirements that dojo masters must meet. For example, in Queensland, dojo masters are required to have at least 4 years of experience in their respective form of martial art, have a teaching degree, experience working with schools or corporations, and have trainer certificates. Dojos that cater to children must have sensei with Blue Cards for working with children. Qualifications may vary from state to state. Therefore, it’s important to check what you need to have in advance. You may not qualify for insurance policies if you lack the necessary qualifications.
Invest in a Proper Training Area
Keep in mind that you will need more than a small studio with enough floor space for training. You will have to rent or buy a space with training as well as athlete facilities. Equip your dojo with amenities like gym lockers Brisbane, water fountains, and possible tiny cafeterias for trainees. You may also need to meet local standards for sports training centres depending on where the dojo would be located. You may want to look at others dojos in the area to avoid directly competing with a more established school.
Get Your Weapons License
If your form of martial art requires using any type of weapon, no matter how blunt, the state would require a compulsory weapons license for it. A professional membership in an industrial body may need to accompany the weapons license. It’s recommended to get in touch with local martial arts organization to learn about how to get a weapons license.
Get Insured
This is possibly the most arduous part of the process. You cannot, and shouldn’t, open your dojo without the right health and training insurance coverage. You will need to be insured for both liability and professional indemnity. It’s best to look for a 2-in-1 policy for both. The insurance policy should cover you as well as your students. In addition to training-related insurance, you will require coverage for the dojo property, especially if you own in. The dojo itself will have to be protected against fires, theft, and other similar hazards properties are usually covered for. Spend some time shopping for the right insurance coverage before you proceed to officially announce the dojo opening.
Develop a Curriculum
You may know your art well, but what are you planning to teach the students? Before you open the dojo, you will need to develop a curriculum for the lessons. It’s just like school. Scrutinizing students would look at this lesson plan before deciding to join your dojo.
Finally, you will need to develop a dojo policy specifying terms and conditions for behaviour, fighting rules, employee-employer interactions, interactions with students, and so on. When all of this is checked, you can proceed to advertising your dojo.
