Top 7 Insurance Providers for Martial Arts Schools & Gyms

Quick Verdict: the best martial arts insurance

If you're comparing martial arts insurance options, here's the short answer:

  • Best overall for most martial arts gyms: Gym Insurance+ policies are designed specifically for martial arts, have fewer exclusions, and have better alignment with how real schools operate
  • Best for BJJ-only schools: Gym Insurance+ also ranks high for BJJ gym insurance. Our policies cover all aspects of BJJ training.
  • Best low-cost option: The best way to save money is to compare your quotes. Use this resource to help you get 2-3 quotes from the best martial arts insurance providers. Start with online martial arts insurance providers like Gym Insurance+ because it's easy to get a quote in just a few minutes.
  • Best for tournaments & special events: K&K Insurance offers event-specific policies with explicit off-premises coverage
Most gyms that switch to Gym Insurance+ do so after discovering exclusions or limitations in “cheaper” general fitness policies.
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Top 7 Best Insurance Providers for Martial Arts Schools

Provider Best for Typical annual cost* Common limitations
Gym Insurance+ Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Kickboxing, Martial Arts, Kids Karate ~$1100–$1400 Not available outside the U.S.;
Special events coverage required when over 100 participants
Affiliate Guard Martial Arts, Jiu Jitsu ~$1800-$3000 No Business Personal Property coverage;
No standalone Professional Liability;
Charges brokerage fees
Markel Insurance Instructors, full contact fighting, military and policy training ~$2800-$3200 Not specialized in gym insurance;
Often excludes striking, sparring, or competitions 		A (Excellent)
Jiu Jitsu Insurance Gyms, athletes, coaches, events ~$2200-$3000 Limited options outside of Jiu Jitsu gyms;
Event coverage may require special endorsements
Karate Insurance Instructors, Taekwondo ~$2500-$3000 Limited online support and service;
Customers report difficult claims experiences
Martial Arts Group Insurance Martial Arts ~$1800–$3000 Does not allow free cancellations (charges ~$500-$700/yr minimums);
Background checks required for all W2 and 1099 staff
K&K Insurance Full contact styles, cage fights, police and military training ~$1200–$1800 No online support and service

Note: This comparison chart is accurate as of June 2025. Available insurance coverage and prices can change without notice, so please double check any information here with the insurance provider.

*Costs vary by location, class size, kids programs, and claims history.

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Provider Details & Highlights

Gym Insurance+

Best for:

Martial arts schools looking for coverage that actually matches how they operate day-to-day.

Why it ranks best:

Best overall for jiu jitsu, judo, muay thai, kickboxing and kid's karate schools

  • Industry-specific, tailored policies designed by gym owners
  • Excellent limits and pre-packaged coverage that will appeal to owners: strong coverage for kid's classes, automatically includes professional liability, and generous medical payments limits
  • Prices tend to be lower because of strong fitness industry risk management
  • Fast online quoting and really good customer service make it easy for gym owners to buy
  • Policies designed specifically for martial arts and combat sports
  • Clear allowances for sparring, grappling, and instruction
  • Fewer hidden exclusions than general fitness policies
  • Guidance from specialists who work with martial arts gyms daily

What to watch out for:

  • Pricing may be higher than bare-bones fitness policies, but reflects broader coverage

Not ideal if:

  • You only need one-day event coverage
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Affiliate Guard

Best for:

  • Gyms offering medical-grade amenities (cryotherapy, physical therapy, IVs)

Watch out for:

  • Extra brokerage fees and charges on policies sold
  • Not all policies include Medical Expenses limits

Not ideal for:

  • Gyms wanting coverage for mats or equipment (policy packages usually don't include Business Personal Property coverage)

Markel Insurance

Best for:

  • Gyms that need Excess Liability coverage for higher-risk, full contact martial arts competitions

Watch out for:

  • Policies are sold through local brokers who may be unfamiliar with the martial arts / fitness industry
  • Extra brokerage fees and charges on policies sold

Not ideal for:

  • Sparring or combat martial arts training gyms, such as BJJ, Taekwondo, MMA, and Krav Maga
  • Gym owners needing coverage quickly. Sales process is offline and takes ~2-3 weeks to get insured

Jiu Jitsu Insurance

Best for:

  • Jiu Jitsu gyms that need special one-day event coverage

Watch out for:

  • Smaller brokerage with limited access to competitively priced policies

Not ideal for:

  • Martial arts gyms offering training other than BJJ

Karate Insurance

Best for:

  • Karate gym owners wanting to talk with an insurance agent before getting a quote

Watch out for:

  • Per student costs on the insurance policy price

Not ideal for:

  • Martial arts gyms offering kids classes, where kids may start and stop training

Martial Arts Group Insurance

Best for:

  • Gym owners wanting to talk with an insurance agent before getting a quote

Watch out for:

  • Minimum payment requirements on policies
  • Per student costs on the insurance policy price

Not ideal for:

  • Martial arts gyms with lots of 1099 instructors (background checks are required)

K&K Insurance

Best for:

  • Highest risk gyms, such as cage fighting, cheerleading, and parkour
  • Offers single and multi-day event and competition liability policies

Watch out for:

  • No online services - customers have to call or email to request a quote

Not ideal for:‍

  • Gym owners needing coverage quickly. Sales process is offline.
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How we evaluated these providers

When selecting the best martial arts insurance provider, you want to look at more than just the price. You need to compare martial arts insurance options, understand what's covered on a martial arts insurance policy, and think about if the policy limits will meet your needs. You also want to feel confident in their customer service, in case you ever have to file a claim.

It can take a lot of legwork to gather all this information together, so we've created this guide to help you get started. We didn’t rank these policies based on brand recognition alone.

We evaluated each option based on:

  • ‍Coverage for real martial arts activities (sparring, submissions, takedowns, weapons training, kids classes)
  • ‍Common exclusions (this is where many policies quietly fail)
  • ‍Martial arts insurance costs vs. coverage trade-offs
  • Claims handling experience for martial arts gyms
  • Flexibility for competitions, seminars, and off-site events

‍Our goal is to help gym owners understand which option actually fits their school, not just which one looks cheapest on paper.

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What Coverage Do You Need?

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How to Choose

  • Although price is important, only looking at dollar amounts is not the best way to compare and choose.
  • Read the fine print: Make sure you understand how your martial arts insurance policy's cost has been calculated. Keep an eye out for providers who quote prices by head count vs. estimated revenue and require minimum payments and consider what makes the most sense for your business.
  • Double check that you understand any requirements from the insurance provider for concussion and first aid protocols, as well as proof of waivers. Especially in the martial arts industry, waivers are essential for martial arts insurance.
  • Listen to your gut and trust your first impressions. Customer service and how the provider treats you matters in insurance, especially if you ever have to file a claim.
  • Read reviews, ask industry peers, and look at how your insurance provider understands the martial arts industry.
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Martial Arts Insurance FAQs

What is martial arts insurance and why do I need it?

Martial arts insurance provides protection tailored to the unique risks of a training center. It covers liabilities from injuries, property damage, and professional risks that arise in a martial arts environment.

-> Learn more about martial arts gym insurance here

What does martial arts insurance typically cover?

Coverage usually includes general liability, professional liability, property damage, and medical expenses coverage. The policy is designed to address the specific risk associated with martial arts training.

-> Learn more about what's covered on martial arts insurance here

How much does martial arts insurance cost?

The martial arts insurance cost depends on factors such as the size of your facility, location, and type of training offered. On average, costs range between $600 and $2,500 per year. Comparing quotes can help you find the best rate.

-> Learn more about martial arts gym insurance costs

Do I need both a waiver and insurance for my martial arts gym?

Yes. Waivers and insurance serve different purposes.

A waiver sets expectations and can limit certain claims. Insurance is what:

  • Pays for legal defense
  • Covers medical costs
  • Satisfies landlord and lease requirements

-> Learn more about martial arts gym waivers

How much does martial arts insurance cost?

The martial arts insurance cost depends on factors such as the size of your facility, location, and type of training offered. On average, costs range between $600 and $2,500 per year. Comparing quotes can help you find the best rate.

-> Learn more about martial arts gym insurance costs

Do I need martial arts insurance to sign a gym lease?

Most likely you will, but it's important to check with your landlord before you sign the lease. Often you'll need to provide proof of General Liability coverage, with minimum limits (set by the landlord, but often negotiable), and add the landlord as an Additional Insured. They might also ask for proof that the policy covers glass breakage, a waiver of subrogation, and to be added as a "Primary and Non-contributory" on the policy.

-> Learn more about certificates of insurance and lease requirements here

What insurance do I need if we have Open Mat hours?

If your open mat hours are during regular gym operations when staff are present, even if they're not on the mat coaching, you're covered with our standard martial arts liability policy. If your open mat hours occur outside of normal business hours, when staff aren't present at the gym, then you'll want to add 24-hour gym coverage to your policy.

-> Learn more about 24-hour gyms and unsupervised Open Mat hours

Can I adjust my coverage as my training center grows?

Absolutely. As your facility expands or your needs change, you can update your policy to ensure you always have the optimal level of protection.

-> Learn more about what we cover on our martial arts insurance policies

How do I get a quote for martial arts insurance?

Simply complete our online quote form with your facility details, and you’ll receive a personalized estimate that reflects your specific requirements for martial arts insurance.

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Conclusion

In summary, Gym Insurance+ is the best gym insurance for martial arts schools and gyms teaching jiu jitsu, judo, kickboxing, and kid's karate classes. Our insurance policies were designed by martial arts gym owners, for martial arts gym owners and our prices are competitive for industry-tailored coverage, making us a better choice than purchasing a non-specialized policy through an agent or broker.

Many of the top martial arts insurance providers are agents or brokers, making it easy for you to request multiple quotes, with Affiliate Guard and Jiu Jitsu Insurance as the preferred choice because of their professionalism and individual attention. Higher-risk martial arts schools, such as full contact fighting training styles, training for police and military personnel, and cage competitions will likely find the best coverage with Markel or K&K Insurance, who can also provide one or multi-day event or competition liability insurance.

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