What parents told us about martial arts and combat sports

In March 2026, we surveyed 213 parents and carers from across the UK whose children take part in martial arts and combat sports. The findings provide a snapshot of what helps parents feel confident, where concerns remain, and what clubs and organisations can do to help keep children safe.

The majority of parents represented just three disciplines in this sector (taekwondo, boxing and karate) and the remainder came from a variety of others. There was a balance across levels of participation from beginner to advanced as well as competition levels from club level to international level. 

Key findings on martial arts and combat sports

• 68% of parents said they were very confident in their club's ability to keep children safe.
• Parents' confidence was strongest when coaches were approachable, listened to children and put wellbeing before winning.
• The biggest concerns were injury, head injury and concussion, weight management, bullying and inappropriate adult behaviour.
• Parents wanted more information about concussion, supporting children during competitions, wellbeing and how to raise concerns.
• Open communication, clear boundaries and a strong safeguarding culture were among the most important factors for parents.

What does this mean?

The results show that many parents trust their child's club and coach. And in fact get the majority of information about welfare and safeguarding from their coach or instructor. But confidence and concern can exist at the same time. 

Parents said:

"The most important thing for me is that my child trusts her coach and feels confident to speak openly about any issues with me or her coach."

"They train full contact with those they don't know well and even those coming to the club for the first time (i.e. total strangers)."

"Coach behaviour seems to be quite aggressive and shouty."

Why we're sharing these findings

We want clubs, coaches, safeguarding leads and governing bodies to use these insights to strengthen safeguarding practice. The results include what parents are worried about, how they want to find information and what the most important thing is for them to feel their child is safe. 

The message from parents is clear:

• put children's wellbeing first
• have clear boundaries
• make safeguarding strong, visible and accessible
• encourage questions and open conversations
• help parents understand risks and know where to get support
• there should be no pressure to compete

What's next?

We've already shared the findings with Sport England, the Martial Arts Safeguarding Group and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Now we want them to be shared across the sport sector, from grassroots unaffiliated clubs to national governing bodies. The learnings are applicable to anyone across the UK.

Read the full survey summary to explore the results and consider what actions your organisation can take to help create safer experiences for children in sport.

Together, we can help make sport safer for every child.

Download the summary report (PDF)