Why Every Martial Arts Class Must Have a First Aid Kit - By Sensei Liam Musiak

This might sound obvious — but surprisingly, it still isn’t treated as standard everywhere.

Over the years, I’ve seen far too many martial arts classes run without a basic first aid kit present. Not forgotten. Not misplaced. Simply not there at all. And that is something that needs to change.

Martial arts is physical. That’s the reality.

Even in the safest, best-run classes, things happen:

• a nosebleed

• a split knuckle

• a twisted ankle

• a head clash

• a slip, fall, or accidental impact

None of this means a class is unsafe. It means it’s real.

A first aid kit isn’t about expecting injury — it’s about being prepared when something minor happens, so it doesn’t become something serious.

Duty of Care Comes First

As instructors, we hold responsibility for the people in front of us. That responsibility doesn’t end when the warm-up starts.

Having a first aid kit present shows:

• foresight

• professionalism

• care for students

• and basic safeguarding awareness

You are not expected to be a medic or a paramedic. But you are expected to act reasonably.

Under UK standards, reasonableness matters. Being able to clean a wound, apply a dressing, or manage a minor injury immediately is part of that.

This Is Not Optional

A first aid kit should not be:

• “nice to have”

• optional

• left in a car

• shared between buildings

• or assumed someone else will bring one

It should be in the room where training is happening.

Every class. Every session.

What a First Aid Kit Actually Needs

It doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. A basic kit is enough:

• plasters

• sterile wipes

• bandages

• gloves

• tape

• scissors

• instant ice packs

That alone covers the vast majority of situations you’ll ever encounter in a dojo.

Martial Arts Values Demand It

Martial arts is about discipline, responsibility, and protection — not just techniques.

If we teach people how to strike, throw, spar, or pressure-test, then we also have a responsibility to care for them when something goes wrong.

Ignoring first aid doesn’t make you tougher.

It makes you careless.

Final Thoughts

At Voracious Karate, having a first aid kit present is non-negotiable. It’s part of doing things properly.

Not because we expect injuries — but because we respect our students enough to be prepared.

If you’re running a martial arts class without one, this isn’t an attack — it’s a wake-up call.

Preparedness isn’t weakness.

It’s professionalism.