What is Jiu Jitsu Instructor Liability Coverage?
Typically, when individuals intend to instruct martial arts such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, or Muay Thai, or engage in any combat sport, obtaining specific insurance coverage becomes crucial. This isn't solely a recommended practice for safeguarding the coach personally; it often stands as a prerequisite from landlords, gym owners, schools, or other venues collaborating with coaches to host martial arts classes. Beyond securing general liability insurance, there are instances where these entities stipulate minimum coverage requirements for coaches conducting sessions on their premises.
How to Purchase Insurance for Your BJJ Coaching:
At JiuJitsuInsurance.com, we offer BJJ coaches comprehensive liability insurance that covers their coaching activities. Our insurance packages provide year-round protection for independent contractors, backed by an A-rated insurance company, as rated "Excellent" by A.M. Best Company. With a single annual payment, coaches can secure this coverage.
Our Jiu Jitsu coach liability insurance not only ensures year-round protection but also allows coaches to include the venues and schools where they teach as additional insured parties. This is typically a requirement when teaching at such locations.
If you don't own a martial arts gym with insurance coverage for coaching staff but teach BJJ independently, an individual insurance policy tailored to a Jiu Jitsu school is the ideal solution.
What Types of Coaches Can Obtain This Insurance?
This insurance program is tailored for martial arts coaches who operate as independent contractors within the United States. It extends coverage to a broad range of martial arts disciplines, including:
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
Judo
Krav Maga
MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) or Ultimate Fighting
Muay Thai
Thai Boxing
Other martial arts such as Kung Fu, Savate, Taekwondo, Tai Chi, Tang Soo Do, Jeet Kune Do, Hapkido, Aikido, Capoeira, Chi Kung, Escrima, and more.
Furthermore, this program can also provide coverage for coaches instructing law enforcement officers (LEOs), security personnel.
Insurance Policies for Independent BJJ Coaches.
BJJ coaches are responsible for purchasing their own liability insurance program. However, it's essential for BJJ coaches to exercise caution, as not all liability insurance programs available to them cover all the risks they might encounter.
Typically, there are at least three essential programs that every BJJ coach should consider, especially if they teach jiu-jitsu as an independent contractor (typically receiving a 1099):
General Liability Insurance: Covers various liability claims, including bodily injury and property damage arising from your coaching activities.
Professional Liability Insurance: Protects you from claims related to your professional services, such as allegations of negligence or misconduct during instruction.
Participants Liability Coverage: Provides coverage for bodily injury liability claims brought by individuals participating in your jiu-jitsu classes or activities.
Will the martial arts instructor insurance policy also cover me for other activities like personal training, yoga, or bootcamp-type fitness?
No. This martial arts insurance policy for coaches was designed for U.S.-based martial arts and/or self-defense instructors who work on an independent contractor basis, training individuals in martial arts and/or self-defense. Activities such as yoga, personal training, fitness classes, bootcamps, strength training, and other similar activities will require a separate insurance policy called personal trainer insurance, which you can obtain here:
What types of activities are not covered under the martial arts instruction insurance program?
Activities that won’t be covered under this insurance program include the sport of boxing (contact/sparring), certified athletic training, coaching of organized competitive athletic teams, firearms training, instructors who are under the age of 18, military or paramilitary combat training, tournaments or competitions, 100% virtual training, and your employment as an exempt or non-exempt employee of a school, college, or university.
Will can I expect to pay for a martial arts instructor insurance policy in 2024?
While the cost of a martial arts instructor insurance policy may fluctuate based on factors such as the insurance provider, coverage limits, deductible amounts, the type of martial arts taught, and the instructor's experience level, on average, you might expect to pay between $370 - $1608 per year for this type of coverage. Below, we provide a sample of rates from one of our recommended insurance companies for the individual martial arts coaches policy.
