Public liability is usually the first policy a martial arts school purchases.

It satisfies lease requirements.
It feels substantial.
It provides confidence.

But here’s the reality:

Public liability is only one layer of protection.

A dojo is not just a training floor. It is a business.
And businesses face multiple forms of exposure — many of which have nothing to do with someone being injured during class.

So let’s address the real question:

What insurance does a martial arts school actually need beyond public liability?

1. Professional Indemnity: When Instruction Is Questioned

Public liability typically responds to bodily injury or property damage arising from negligence.

Professional indemnity responds to claims arising from advice, instruction, or professional services.

Martial arts teaching is professional instruction.

If a student alleges that:

• They were advanced too quickly
• They were incorrectly assessed for grading
• A technique was taught improperly
• Injury occurred due to poor coaching judgment

That allegation may sit within professional indemnity territory.

Not all policies automatically include this.

For dojos offering structured progression, youth programs, instructor development, or performance coaching, professional indemnity is essential.

2. Property and Equipment Cover: Protecting Your Physical Assets

Your mats, mirrors, flooring, weapons storage (where applicable), pads, sound systems, reception equipment — these represent capital investment.

Public liability does not cover damage to your own property.

Property or contents insurance may cover events such as:

• Fire
• Storm damage
• Malicious damage
• Theft

However, policy details matter.

Are assets covered at replacement value or depreciated value?
Is stock (uniforms, merchandise) included?
Are off-site items covered during tournaments?

Many schools underestimate their asset value until a loss occurs.

Rebuilding a dojo environment is not inexpensive.

3. Business Interruption: The Hidden Financial Risk

If your dojo is forced to close due to an insured event — such as fire or severe storm damage — income may stop immediately.

But expenses often continue.

Rent.
Utilities.
Loan repayments.
Software subscriptions.
Staff wages (where applicable).

Business interruption insurance can respond to loss of income resulting from property damage.

Without it, the financial pressure can be severe.

Many schools assume, “If the building is repaired, we’ll just reopen.”

But cash flow disruption can create long-term strain.

Protection should include operational continuity, not just asset repair.

4. Management Liability: Protecting Decision Makers

As schools grow, administrative exposure increases.

Management liability can respond to claims involving:

• Employment disputes
• Allegations of discrimination
• Regulatory investigations
• Governance-related claims

If your dojo employs staff or has a structured management hierarchy, exposure extends beyond the mat.

Decisions made in administration can carry legal consequence.

This cover is rarely discussed in martial arts circles — but increasingly relevant for larger schools.

5. Cyber Insurance: The Modern Dojo Exposure

Today’s martial arts schools store:

• Member contact details
• Payment information
• Direct debit data
• Health disclosures
• Access logs

A data breach or cyber incident can create:

• Regulatory reporting obligations
• Forensic investigation costs
• Member notification expenses
• Reputation management requirements

Public liability does not respond to cyber breaches.

Cyber insurance is separate.

Even smaller schools using online membership platforms carry digital exposure.

The assumption that “we’re too small to be targeted” is increasingly outdated.

6. Personal Accident Cover for Instructors

While public liability protects against third-party injury claims, it does not compensate instructors for their own injuries.

If a head instructor sustains an injury and cannot teach, income may stop.

Personal accident or income protection cover can provide financial stability during recovery.

This is particularly relevant in owner-operated dojos where the instructor is central to revenue generation.

7. Equipment Breakdown and Specialty Risks

Some schools utilise:

• Electronic scoring systems
• Climate control systems
• Security systems
• Electronic access control

If critical equipment fails outside of insured events like fire or storm, repair costs may fall outside standard property cover.

Specialist extensions may be appropriate depending on complexity.

The Layered Protection Model

Insurance for a martial arts school should operate in layers:

Layer 1: Public Liability
Layer 2: Professional Indemnity
Layer 3: Property & Equipment
Layer 4: Business Interruption
Layer 5: Management & Cyber (where applicable)
Layer 6: Personal Accident (owner protection)

Not every dojo requires identical structure.

But relying solely on public liability creates gaps.

The Common Misconception

Many school owners believe:

“We’ve never had a claim, so we’re fine.”

Insurance is not about past experience.

It is about future resilience.

Strong schools plan beyond immediate compliance.

Aligning Cover With Growth

As your school evolves — adding instructors, hosting events, increasing membership — exposure changes.

Insurance should evolve accordingly.

Annual review is not administrative routine.

It is strategic maintenance.

The Right Question to Ask

Instead of asking, “What is the cheapest way to meet lease requirements?”

A stronger question is:

“If something disrupted my dojo tomorrow, would my business survive financially?”

Insurance is a stabiliser.

It protects the longevity of what you’ve built.

Final Perspective

Public liability is foundational.

But a dojo is more than a training floor.

It is:

• A professional service provider
• A community hub
• A commercial tenant
• A data holder
• An employer
• A leadership structure

Each role carries risk.

Specialist insurance aligned with martial arts operations ensures your protection matches your responsibility.

Strong martial arts schools operate with discipline and foresight.

Protection should reflect the same mindset.