Safeguarding at Kawauso Karate
At Kawauso Karate, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to providing a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where every child and vulnerable adult can enjoy karate, build confidence and develop both physically and personally.
The safety and wellbeing of our members will always come before everything else. We believe that every individual has the right to train in an environment where they feel safe, respected and valued.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
Our commitment to safeguarding is demonstrated through our experience, qualifications and recognised standards:
Kawauso Karate has proudly held the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts award continuously for the past seven years, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to meeting nationally recognised safeguarding standards.
All three of our senior instructors are qualified school teachers, bringing extensive professional safeguarding knowledge and experience gained through working with children in educational settings.
We maintain robust safeguarding policies and procedures that reflect current best practice.
We promote a culture of respect, inclusion and positive behaviour throughout our club.
All safeguarding concerns are taken seriously and dealt with promptly, professionally and confidentially.
We recognise that safeguarding is a shared responsibility between instructors, parents, carers and members. We encourage open communication and are always happy to discuss any concerns or questions relating to the welfare of our members.
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Sensei Mark Holt serves as Kawauso Karate's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
As Chief Instructor and a 5th Dan Black Belt, Sensei Mark Holt is responsible for leading and overseeing all safeguarding matters within the club. His role includes ensuring safeguarding policies are followed, providing a safe environment for all members, responding appropriately to any concerns, and promoting a culture where the welfare of children and vulnerable adults is always the highest priority.
With a background as a qualified school teacher and extensive experience working with children and young people, Sensei Mark brings a high level of safeguarding knowledge and professional expertise to the club.
If you have any safeguarding concerns, no matter how small they may seem, or would like to discuss any aspect of our safeguarding arrangements, please speak to Sensei Mark in confidence. All concerns will be handled sensitively, professionally and in accordance with our safeguarding procedures.
Our Promise
When families choose Kawauso Karate, they can be confident that they are joining a club where safeguarding is far more than a policy—it is a fundamental value that underpins everything we do. We are committed to creating an environment where every member feels safe, supported, respected and able to achieve their full potential.