Please note that BAB's insurance no longer covers using "Live Blades". BAB Executive Minutes 7th Oct 2023.

Read Pop-up with BAB announcement on Live Blades 7Oct23

So for the present "Live Blades" should not be use in LA Clubs until the situation changes.

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.

The BAB have revised advice in "BAB Weapons Protocol" 2024. Our guidance on this page requires updating as the BAB has revised its Protocol.

The BAB Guidance is in the form of a 'Weapons Protocol' forming part of their Risk Management documents, Guidance also given in the BAB Coaching & Club Handbook

It deals with storing weapons and carrying weapons to and from training sessions. Guidance is included for coaches regarding making a risk assessment and training with 'live blades'

The BAB publish "The BAB Insurance Scheme explained" and "Risk Management Guidelines" provide guidance generally. See their Insurance section for the latest information.

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All weaponry used in Aikido practice should be used and carried with the greatest of care and discretion. In addition, practitioners should be aware of, and implement, the legal requirements, the guidelines endorsed by the BAB and our Insurance broker.

• Weapons should only be carried when it is known that they are required at a particular training session. Coaches should therefore inform their students as to when weapons are actually required.
• Weapons should only be carried directly to and from a practice.
• Weapons should not be left in the car on a permanent basis.
• Aikidoka should carry their Association’s Membership book.
• The Aikidoka should ensure that their weapons are carried within a secure bag at all times and hence not directly visible, and should ensure that the bag is never left unattended at any time. Travelling on public transport with weapons should be avoided if possible.
• Aikidoka carrying weapons, who are stopped by the Police, should give every assistance to the officer(s), including an explanation given of why such weapons are being carried. No attempt should be made to conceal the fact that weapons are being carried.

 

Weapons Protocol
The guidelines above should be read in conjunction with the Weapons Protocol which sets out the FULL requirements for practice and compliance with the BAB insurance cover.

Read Pop-up with BAB announcement on Live Blades 7Oct23

Also view the following that the BAB have published:

• Aikido and the possession of Offensive Weapons (Wooden)
• Aikido and the possession of Bladed Weapons
• "BAB Weapons Protocol" 2024. is the current advice.

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Added 2023 from the LA Handbook

The Regulations and Acts use words as "reasonable excuse", "good reason" and also being able to prove you are a martial artist with public liability insurance. It is felt your demeanour and attitude is the most important factor when stopped; provided the advice is followed and a complete explanation is given when questioned, there should be no problems.

The 2019 Offensive Weapons Act added swords with a curved blade over 51cm to the list of banned weapons which it is an offence even to possess. However the exemptions above will still apply provided club membership is maintained.

 

Buying a sword

Regulations governing the ownership and sale of swords operate. It is suggested that careful thought be given to owning and / or using any bladed item including those that are blunt. Incidents with bladed items are occuring too frequently and its against that context we must consider use.

SI 2008 No. 973 CRIMINAL LAW, ENGLAND AND WALES CRIMINAL LAW, NORTHERN IRELAND
The Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons)(Amendment) Order 2008

Retailers may well ask for some or all of the following in order that they are satisfied that they are not committing a offence:

• Photo ID - a copy of a passport or driving license

• Proof of Address - a copy of a bill or suchlike

• Dojo or organisation membership book (including a current BAB blue slip)

• Club information - club name, club leader & their contact details

• Club or groups certificate of public liability insurance (This is proved with the venue insurance of the BAB - green slip)

To see how the Lancashire Aikikai fits with the BAB and Sport Uk - go to the "How we work" page.