University Becomes World Centre of Excellence
2 December 2010
SaraH Rawlinson, Charles Spring, John Pates at Buxton with members of the World Martial Arts Council.
We are delighted to establish this link with the World Martial Arts Council, and we're sure that the work we have been doing to validate and develop qualifications will benefit the sport enormously.
”Charles Spring, Programme Leader
The World Martial Arts Council (WMAC) has made the University of Derby Buxton a Centre of Excellence. The University's academics will now validate coaching awards, regulate teaching standards and develop academic qualifications for martial arts coaches worldwide.
The President of the WMAC, Alan Foster, visited the University of Derby Buxton recently to formally begin the partnership, meeting with Assistant Dean Sarah Rawlinson, and Programme Leader and martial arts expert, Charles Spring.
Alan Foster said: "The level of knowledge and competence to become a proficient martial arts coach requires more than just physical fitness, it needs knowledge of coaching techniques, learning styles and underpinning theory.
"To improve the standard and delivery of martial arts coaching we joined together with Buxton's academics to develop scientifically rigid assessments and programmes."
Martial arts groups can now obtain validation for training courses, grades and awards; and individual martial artists will be able to study towards University accredited qualifications.
The Certificate, Diploma and Masters degree in Sports Coaching have been developed specifically for martial arts coaches and are online distance learning programmes which can be studied part time from the UK and overseas.
Programme Leader and martial arts expert, Charles Spring, said: ""By raising the levels of competence and expertise of coaches we will raise the standard of teaching of the martial arts in the UK and around the world.
"This is an incredibly exciting partnership. Through our alliance with WMAC we are also going to start working with academics from around the world including institutions in Poland, Germany, Russia, Bulgaria and Estonia to undertake further martial/combat sports research. We are going to be hosting a martial arts competition sometime next year."
Groups seeking validation or individuals wishing to study for these accredited qualifications need to register with the World Martial Arts Council. Visit www.worldmacalliance.com for more information.
For more information please contact Press & PR Officer Joanna Colburn on 01332 593004 or 07775 036988, or email j.colburn@derby.ac.uk
