Requirements for starting a club

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   Dear BAB,

I have been living abroad for 10 years and will soon be returning to the UK. While abroad I continued my Aikido training with an association linked to Kobayashi-sensei. Currently I am 2nd dan and teach the morning class at the main dojo.

Looks like it will be a busy and exciting couple of years for Aikido in the UK with Doshu visiting next year. Having attending morning class at Hombu during business trips to Japan I know this will be a seminar worth attending!  

There is one thing that I would like to have some information on. When I return to the UK I will initially stay at my father's place. The plan, naturally enough, is to find a job somewhere and then move to that  area. It may be that there will already be a local Aikido club and I will be able to continue my studies with that group.

On the other hand, the town may be Aikido-free in which case, I would be interested in starting an Aikido club.  I suspect there will be a bit of 'red tape' involved in establishing a club. I have read various articles and heard hints but I haven't found anywhere where all the requirements are listed in one place. Perhaps here you can help.

My understanding is that something like the following will be needed:

1. First aid certificate

2. Insurance (via association?)

3. Association membership

4. Teaching certificate (BAB instructor course certificate)

5. Police check (child protection)

6. Weapons registration (even if bokken)

For starting a club in a sports centre, etc, the above should be sufficient?

For starting a club in a dedicated facility then additionally there will be:

1. Planning application

2. Business license(?)

Is there anything I have missed?

It would be good if the BAB could provide a fact-pack or at least a check-list on starting a club.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Andrew    