Physical Contact in Instruction

Martial arts instruction sometimes requires brief, appropriate physical contact, such as spotting a movement or correcting a stance. This policy sets the boundaries for when and how that happens.

What is appropriate

• Brief contact to correct a stance, posture, or hand position, always in view of other students, instructors, and, where present, parents.
• Spotting a movement for safety, such as during a fall or a balance exercise.

What is never appropriate

• Any contact that is not clearly tied to teaching a specific technique.
• Contact outside sessions or outside an observable, open training space.
• Contact a child asks to stop, or that a parent has asked us not to use with their child.

Observable environments

Sessions take place in open training spaces where other students, instructors, and staff can see what is happening at all times. Instructors do not work alone with a single child out of view of others.

A child's voice matters

Every child is taught, from the first session, that they can say no to physical contact at any time, and that instructors will listen when they do.

Reporting a concern

Any concern about physical contact should be reported immediately using our Complaints and Concerns process, or directly to [email protected].

Status

This policy reflects TRUETH's current instructional practice. Formal board adoption is in progress.