General News

There as been a serious shortage of news reaching these desks recently and unlike many of the tabloids we are not in the position of allowing the truth to spoil a good story. We have mentioned many topical martial arts points like groups and associations making ridiculous claims of being NGB's etc. which we find hard to digest. Especially when they claim to be an NGB for several different arts or styles. We have reported bodies offering coaching qualifications when these are not really worth the paper that they are written on and also insurance scams which leave the person paying the premium without cover or redress.

Those of you reading this page will be very aware that we are very strong supporters of MASA a body that offers the martial artist, group or association every support in ensuring that the manner in which their body is run can be to the highest standards with every aspect open and transparent for the members or members parents to view.

Which brings us back to NGB's. With the recent events within Karate, which has been covered in nearly every magazine throughout the UK, why would anyone wish to be a member of an NGB? when the same, if not better facilities, insurance cover, coaching qualifications, support, CRB disclosures are available elsewhere at more reasonable cost and without the conditions. Competing for the country is one exception many of you will mention and we agree, Sport England decree that to compete officially for Great Britain you must be a NGB member. However we must ask how many of the total NGB members actually have the opportunity to compete for GB. We guess that it is a single figure percentage, we'll leave you all to come to your own conclusions in regard to the fairness of that. Why not write to us with your views.