Zuma Martial Arts in Victoria, B.C., is currently under intense scrutiny following allegations of sexual misconduct involving the gym’s owner and head coach. The martial arts community and local residents have been shaken by claims brought forward by multiple women who trained at the downtown gym. These allegations detail serious instances of unwanted touching and verbal harassment during sparring sessions, raising concerns about safety and trust in the facility.
Zuma Martial Arts has been a well-known training center in Victoria, offering martial arts instruction to a diverse group of students. However, recent reports from at least two women, who have chosen to remain anonymous for their safety, reveal troubling experiences that have brought the gym into the spotlight. One woman, identified in reports as Jane, shared how she encountered inappropriate comments about her body and invasive personal questions from the head coach. Jane described a particularly upsetting incident last summer when she explicitly refused to spar with the coach during a training session. Despite her clear verbal refusal, the coach proceeded to engage in physical contact that Jane found deeply violating. She recounted, “I could not have been any clearer. I didn’t want to shake his hand. I didn’t want him on top of me. I didn’t want him to touch my hips or put his head on my chest. But all of that happened.” This encounter compelled Jane to leave the gym immediately.
Another former member, known as Shelby, also spoke out about her experience. During a sparring session, Shelby said the coach pinned her legs and groped her, taking advantage of the size difference between them. She expressed the shock and betrayal she felt, emphasizing that the coach was someone she had trusted. Shelby shared, “I joined that gym to learn self-defence, but it ended up being used against me. That was my coach, someone I was supposed to trust.” Both women indicated that their decision to come forward was influenced by hearing similar stories from others in the community. Jane even posted on Reddit two weeks ago, warning others about the behavior she and other women faced at Zuma Martial Arts.
These allegations have prompted both police and the gym’s management to take action. Victoria police confirmed they are investigating the claims and are encouraging anyone with similar experiences to come forward. To date, no charges have been filed, but the police investigation is ongoing. Meanwhile, Zuma Martial Arts has issued a public statement acknowledging the concerns raised by members of the community. The statement expressed that every person deserves to feel safe and respected when entering the gym and admitted that unclear boundaries and informality may have contributed to harm. The gym leadership emphasized that they are not attempting to defend past behavior but are committed to building a better future.
In response to the situation, Zuma Martial Arts has hired Magenta HR, a human resources company, to conduct a thorough review of the gym’s culture. This external investigation aims to identify any systemic issues and recommend changes to improve safety and respect within the gym environment. The gym has also pledged to update its code of conduct, signaling a shift towards clearer guidelines and stronger accountability. The statement concluded by underlining the importance of earning trust and making meaningful changes to protect all members.
The allegations against Zuma Martial Arts have raised awareness about the need for safer training environments in martial arts gyms and other athletic spaces. These accusations highlight how power imbalances and informal cultures can lead to serious breaches of trust and safety. Members and potential trainees are now more cautious and vigilant, demanding better protections and clearer policies from gym leadership. The situation at Zuma Martial Arts serves as a reminder that all sports and fitness communities must prioritize the well-being and dignity of their participants.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring that anyone affected by these events has access to support and that appropriate measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future. The broader martial arts community is watching closely to see how Zuma Martial Arts handles this crisis and whether it can restore confidence among its members and the public.
