The BAB Insurance Officer told his Executive that Insurance Cover for the use of LIVE BLADES during practice has changed as follows:

For some year's now that BAB's Public Liability insurance has allowed members and associations to use LIVE BLADED weapons during practice, demonstrations and practice cutting(tameshirigi)

Unfortunately however, due to rising costs and the loss of appetite by an already small pool of insurers, the use of live blades will no longer be included as part of our policy conditions.

It is fully appreciated that this will be disappointing news for genuine martial arts practitioners and we are currently working to resolve this issue where possible. Interim use of live blades will be at Associations own discretion and they will NOT be indemnified against any legal liabilities.

The use of wooden bokken, tanto, iaito and/or mogito (i.e. dulled blades) is still permissible and forms part of the BAB Public Liability insurance.

BAB Webmaster reported that the weapons protocol on the BAB system has been removed from the BAB website.

If Associations have questions or comments, then please contact the BAB Insurance Liaison officer (Daniel Easton on 07812 114947)