The mistaken release of information by NSW Police Media in regards to a suppressed court case has resulted in local martial arts instructor David Simpson reassuring Cowra parents there are strict guidelines in place within the industry regarding accreditation and best practice.
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Information was initially released to the public late last month regarding an arrest in a current court case.
Several media outlets published and broadcast the information before checking the case was suppressed by the presiding magistrate.
Non publication or suppression orders are generally made to protect the identity of a victim.
NSW police subsequently retracted its statement; however, the initial mistake has raised questions from the community regarding local martial arts instructors, said Shidoin David, who is a third degree black belt and National Coaching Accreditation Scheme Accredited instructor.
Shidoin David was able to state categorically that no instructor at either the Cowra or Bathurst Kumiai Ryu Dojo's was involved in this matter.
"We take our duty to educate, and protect, our students most seriously and to have someone allegedly abuse this trust is distressing to put it mildly," said Shidoin David.
He went on to suggest to parents how they can check the accreditation of any martial arts instructors.
"Unfortunately not all Martial arts groups or instructors/coaches are accredited under the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme through the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and the Martial Arts Industry Association (MAIA).
"This accreditation not only includes "Working with Children" checks before instructors can be accredited but also assesses their competency and professionalism in their field of Martial Arts.
"Importantly all who complete this six month course are signatories to the MAIA Code of Practice and are fully and comprehensively insured as are all their students.
"More information can be found here www.maia.com.au
"Martial Arts Groups like Kumiai Ryu, besides requiring all their instructors to be accredited, also ensure that procedures are in place for the protection of students, and instructors, such as ensuring that where students under the age of 16 are involved there are multiple accredited instructors or other adult supervisors available.
"If you are unsure about your Instructor/Coaches legitimacy, accreditation status or qualifications simply ask then to produce their photo identification card.
"If they cannot produce an accreditation card from the MAIA some very serious questions need to be asked."
Shidoin David strongly urged all students, and parents of students, of any Martial Arts group or academy to check the accreditation of their intended instructors.
