What is Accreditation?
The NMAS (National Martial Arts Instructor Accreditation Scheme) is the key industry accreditation program for martial arts instructors in Australia .
Established in 1995 the NMAS caters to the Accreditation of all martial arts instructors (whether sportive, non sportive, self defence, cultural etc).
The NMAS is the only Accreditation Program that caters to all sectors of the martial arts industry.
The NMAS is certified by RABQSA (under International Standard ISO 17024) Joint Accreditation Scheme of Australia and New Zealand.
Apply For Accreditation Here
What Accreditations are recognised in Australia?
There are only two types of accreditation that are recognised:
- Industry Accreditation, under ISO 17024, is provided by the National Martial Arts Instructors Accreditation Scheme (administered by the Martial Arts Industry Association); this is provided by stand alone courses delivered by the MAIA and its agents or in conjunction with the Australian Qualifications Framework.
The MAIA provides Industry Accreditation in both sportive and non sportive martial arts and covers all disciplines, arts and styles as well as self defence and eclectic (combined) martial arts. - The National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (administered by the Australian Sports Commission recognised National Sporting Organisations NSO’s). The NCAS is only available to NSO members and is only for accreditation if your martial art is a sport.
What is Accreditation?
Martial Art Accreditation YouTube – https://youtu.be/SvSvdaG2jgk
Accreditation is a nationally recognised process that establishes a martial arts instructor is able to provide instruction in a manner that is safe, responsible, and accountable with appropriate levels of understanding as to their legal and community obligations.
Specifically, accreditation verifies:
- the martial arts grade/rank of an instructor
- the instructor is insured in accordance with the ‘Industry Insurance Standard’ – please palce a link here to our page on insurance https://maia.com.au/insurance/
- the instructor has been ‘Child Protection’ cleared
- the instructor has a minimum first aid qualification
- the instructor has a minimum training standard in Instructing Principles, Sports Psychology, Training Methods, Communication, and Legal Responsibilities.
- the instructor has a minimum training standard in what constitutes safe practice in exercise
- the instructor has a minimum training standard in what the instructor¹s responsibilities are under Occupational Health and Safety
- the instructor has a minimum training standard in what the instructor¹s responsibilities are under the appropriate consumer protection legislation in the State in which they teach
- the instructor has a minimum training standard in what the instructor¹s responsibilities are in dealing with complaints involving sexual harassment and discrimination in the martial arts industry
- that the consumer is dealing with an instructor who is bound by the National Code Of Practice For Martial Arts Centres and Instructors
Accreditation Levels
Recognised Accreditation is a progressive instructor education program with three levels.
The courses include the following components:
- Instructing Principles/Risk Management – Fundamentals of instructing, athletic performance and risk management
- Martial Art Specifics – Skills, techniques, strategies and scientific approaches specific to the particular sport
- Practical – Practical instructing and an application of instructing principles
Level One:
Is the base entry or minimum level of accreditation that can be obtained. Maximum time for completion of the course is four months
Level Two:
The Level 2 course is more demanding and acquaints the instructor with the instructing sciences and their application to instructing. Maximum time for completion of the course is 12 months
Level Three:
This is an advanced course designed to assist instructors develop competencies necessary to work with students and/or athletes at an elite level.
Advanced planning and training methods are covered and instructing sciences are applied specifically to martial arts training.
The course is completed over a two year period
Please note:
- that any qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework IS NOT of itself sufficient to be deemed an Accreditation the AQF does not accredit instructors.
- that the Coaching General Principles certificate that can be secured from TAFE colleges and other providers DOES NOT qualify an instructor as Accredited.
Accredited instructors are also bound by the National Code Of Practice For Martial Arts Centres and Instructors and must carry appropriate levels of public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
If you wish to check on the Accreditation status of an instructor, the Martial Arts Industry Association (MAIA) provides for free a National Accreditation Record Service that can be accessed by telephoning 02 8736 1229.
An accredited instructor will be able to show you his or her accreditation card.
Examples of these cards are shown here:
