CONCUSSION PROTOCOL
Recognise, Remove, Recover: Our Commitment to Safety
Just Karate has operated with a no-concussion safety record since we were founded in 2003. While head injuries are highly unlikely in our controlled environment, we believe in total transparency and preparedness.
We operate with safety-focussed training and grading protocols, mandatory safety gear, and "Recognise & Remove" training to ensure the dojo remains a safe space for every student.
EMERGENCY: CALL 999 IMMEDIATELY IF...
If a student shows any of the following symptoms after a head impact, seek emergency medical care at A&E:
- Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
- Seizures or fitting
- Repeated vomiting
- Severe or increasing headache
- Slurred speech or significant confusion
- Weakness or tingling in arms/legs
- Unusual agitation or combativeness
- Double vision or pupil changes
1. Instructor & Volunteer Protocol
Just Karate operates a zero-compromise "Recognise & Remove" policy. Instructors must follow these steps for any suspected head impact:
RECOGNISE
Identify signs: glazed eyes, slow to answer, stumbling, or "getting their bells rung." If you suspect it, it happened.
REMOVE
Immediate removal from the mat. The student cannot return to training today, regardless of how much they protest.
REPORT
Log the incident in the Student Portal within 2 hours and ensure the parent receives a link to this page.
2. Information for Parents & Guardians
If your child has sustained a head impact during class, their brain needs time to heal. Please follow this guidance for the next 48 hours and beyond.
The First 24–48 Hours
- Supervision: Do not leave the child alone. Check on them every 2 hours (including overnight).
- Cognitive Rest: Strictly limit "screen time" (phones, tablets, gaming) as this strains the brain.
- Pain Relief: Use Paracetamol for headaches. Avoid Ibuprofen or Aspirin for 48 hours unless advised by a doctor.
When to See a GP
We recommend a medical review for any head injury. See your GP if your child remains "foggy," has persistent low-level headaches, or shows changes in mood or sleep patterns over the coming week.
Graduated Return to Training (GRTT)
Students must follow this 14-day minimum recovery pathway before returning to full karate activity:
Note on Second-Impact Syndrome: Returning to training before the brain has fully healed from a first concussion increases the risk of a second injury, which can be catastrophic. Our 14-day rule is in place to protect our students' long-term health.