What safety checks should we do before letting them spar in martial arts? 

Parenting Perspective 

Deciding to allow your child to spar in martial arts can be both exciting and nerve-wracking for a parent. When managed correctly, sparring can teach self-control, courage, and respect. However, without the right checks in place, it can easily lead to risk rather than growth. Your goal is to ensure that every aspect of the experience from the environment and instructor to the gear and your child’s mindset is aligned with safety and learning, not just competition or fear. 

Check the Instructor’s Approach 

The instructor is the one who sets the tone for the entire class. 

• Do they emphasise control, technique, and respect over simply winning? 

• Do they calmly stop a sparring session the moment it becomes too aggressive? 

• Do they model humility and kindness in their corrections? 

A good teacher will never allow a child’s pride to override their safety. 

Inspect the Gear Thoroughly 

Proper protective gear should be non-negotiable for every session. 

• Ensure your child has a fitted mouthguard, padded headgear, gloves, and shin guards. 

• Make sure that all gear fits snugly; if it is too loose it may slip, and if it is too tight it will be restrictive. 

• Check that all equipment is kept clean to prevent skin infections. 

Teach your child that preparing their gear properly is part of showing respect for themselves and their training partners. 

Assess Their Readiness, Not Just Their Skill 

Before they begin sparring, your child should be able to demonstrate the following. 

• Good control over their strength and distance. 

• The ability to stop instantly when instructed to do so. 

• Emotional regulation after receiving a hard hit or making a mistake. 

If they still react with frustration or tears under pressure, they may need more time practising drills. 

Observe the Culture of the Class 

It is a good idea to attend at least one sparring session before allowing your child to participate. Watch how the students treat one another. Do they bow, thank their partners, and smile after each round? Is there clear supervision at all times? 

Clarify the Safety Protocols 

Ask the coach specific questions about their procedures. 

• What is the signal to stop immediately? 

• How do they handle injuries or emotional distress? 

• Are the sparring rounds time-limited and evenly matched? 

Clear and transparent systems help to protect children from unnecessary risk. 

Debrief After Each Session 

When the class has finished, ask your child some open-ended questions: ‘Did you feel safe today? Did anyone go too hard? How did you handle it?’ This helps your child to process their experiences and alerts you to any red flags. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam deeply values both physical strength and self-restraint. Martial arts can be a wonderful way to nurture these qualities, but only when the heart is guided by humility and a sense of responsibility. 

Striving with a Good Intention 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Ankaboot (29), Verse 69: 

‘And those people that endeavour (to please) Us (Allah Almighty); so, We (Allah Almighty) shall indeed, guide them (to those pathways) that lead to Us; and indeed, Allah (Almighty) is with those who are benevolent (in their actions).’ 

This verse reminds us that any effort that is made with a good intention will bring divine guidance. When your child enters a sparring session with a heart full of discipline and respect, their training becomes a spiritual journey, not just a physical one. 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, Hadith 646, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The strong man is the one who controls himself when he is angry.’ 

This teaches that true mastery lies in self-restraint. A child who can stop when instructed, accept being hit without a desire for retaliation, and thank their partner afterwards is already walking the path of strength that is beloved by Allah Almighty. 

Before each class, you can make a brief dua together: ‘O Allah, please help me to stay calm, kind, and strong for Your sake.’ Explain to your child that every bow, every pause, and every moment of restraint is a reflection of good Islamic character.