Insurance for martial arts schools, dojos and self defence classes in Germany
In a martial arts school, physical contact is part of the lesson. Throws, kicks and locks are intended, yet not every injury on the mat is simply bad luck. If a child falls during an unsupervised moment in a kids' class, or a coach goes too hard in sparring, the question of liability comes up quickly. Whether you run a dojo, a boxing gym or self defence classes in a rented sports hall in Germany, this page explains what you need and what it costs.
Is my martial arts school liable if a member gets injured in training?
Not automatically. People who train in martial arts accept the usual risks. Liability arises if you are accused of a mistake: a poor sparring match up, missing supervision in a kids' class, worn mats. Your business liability insurance then examines the claim, pays justified claims and defends unjustified ones. For injuries without fault, only accident insurance helps.
What goes wrong in this trade
01
Sparring injury
A beginner is paired with a much heavier partner and suffers a broken jaw. The accusation: a wrong match up.
02
Kids' class
While the coach takes a phone call, a child jumps off the wall bars and gets hurt. The parents claim there was no supervision.
03
Mats and equipment
A shifted mat edge or a broken heavy bag hook leads to a fall.
04
Your own body
Cruciate ligament, shoulder, nose: coaches get injured themselves and are out for weeks.
05
Damage to rented halls
During a seminar in a rented sports hall the floor is damaged.
06
Disputes over fees
Members cancel after an injury and demand their fees back; the school has to defend itself.
Covers claims from injured participants and third parties, supervision of children and damage to rented halls. Martial arts must be named explicitly as the insured activity.
Six things that really happen to martial arts schools, all on one Saturday with a kids' class and a seminar. Tap through and see who pays.
Damage so far€43,700
In the kids' class a boy jumps off the wall bars and breaks his arm. The parents claim there was no supervision.
€5,000 · Paid by: Business liability
A participant twists his knee on his own: torn ligament.
€4,000 · Paid by: Group accident insurance
In sparring a beginner paired with a much heavier partner suffers a broken jaw.
€12,000 · Paid by: Business liability
You demonstrate a throw and tear your shoulder.
€15,000 · Paid by: Accident insurance
A member cancels after the injury and sues for a refund of the annual fee.
€1,200 · Paid by: Business legal expenses
A water pipe above the training room bursts and the mats are soaked.
€6,500 · Paid by: Business contents
Which package would you have had?
Paid by insurance: €0
Out of your own pocket: €43,700
Illustrative amounts before any excess.
What is paid depends on the policy terms.
Practical tips from your broker
Have your martial arts, full contact, competitions and kids' classes named explicitly in the liability policy.
Pair sparring partners by weight and experience and write down your rules.
Check mats and equipment regularly and keep a written record.
Take out group accident cover for members; it defuses disputes after injuries nobody caused.
For seminars in other halls, check whether damage to rented property is included in your liability cover.
If you teach yourself, cover your own accident risk; as a business owner you are not automatically covered by statutory accident insurance.
Why NAMMERT for your business
Martial arts properly in the policy
Not every insurer accepts full contact or competitions. As an insurance broker we compare several offers and check that your teaching is really covered.
Liability and accident cover together
Liability and group accident cover complement each other. We align both so members are not left with a lawsuit as their only option.
Business and private in one place
Norman Nammert, your insurance broker, looks after your school and your own accident and income protection together.
Family business, placing cover since 1989
Our work is free for you; the insurer pays our commission. We advise in English or German.
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers
Is insurance compulsory for martial arts schools in Germany?
There is no statutory insurance duty.
Hall landlords and partners often require liability cover,
and without it you bear every claim yourself.
Do I have to pay if a member gets injured in training?
Only if you or your coaches made a mistake.
Athletes bear the usual risk of injury themselves.
Your liability insurer examines whether there was a mistake.
How am I liable in kids' classes?
Under section 832 of the German Civil Code,
anyone who takes on supervision of minors is liable for damage the children cause to others if
supervision was not properly carried out.
If a child hurts itself, your duty of care is what counts.
What does liability insurance for a martial arts school cost?
About €150 to €350 a year for a self employed coach and about €500 to €1,400 for a school with
around 200 members.
These are guide values from our quoting work.
Are my employees covered for accidents?
Yes, employees are covered by statutory accident insurance by law.
Members and course participants are not covered through your school.
Does my liability cover competitions?
Only if competitions are included.
Ask explicitly, especially for full contact and events you organise yourself.
NAMMERT insurance broker
Request quotes for Martial arts school
The recommended covers are ticked.
Change what does not fit; we compare quotes, in English.
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We will be in touch within one working day. If it is urgent: +49 3375 29 12 77.
