The UK's Leading Independent Martial Arts Association 

Setting the Standard for Safeguarding in Martial Arts

We’re redefining what safeguarding means in martial arts.
Through pioneering policy, real-world training, and national accountability frameworks, BMABA leads the way in protecting children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

We're not following safeguarding standards. We're setting them.

Safeguarding is the foundation of everything we do. BMABA doesn’t just comply with national expectations — we shape them. As active members of the Martial Arts Safeguarding Group (MASG), accredited partners of the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts, and proud members of the Association of Child Protection Professionals, we’ve built one of the most robust compliance and safeguarding ecosystems in the martial arts sector.

Our national safeguarding framework sets the standard for safe practice across the UK. We empower clubs with hands-on support — including CPD-certified safeguarding qualifications, in-depth policy templates, workshops, and responsive guidance. BMABA’s safeguarding and compliance team sit at the very heart of our instructor vetting and oversight process, giving parents, stakeholders, and communities total confidence in the clubs we accredit.

Why Safeguarding Matters — And Why We Must Do More

Martial arts has the power to transform lives. For many children and young people, it provides confidence, structure, and a vital sense of belonging. But that potential is only realised when clubs are safe, ethical, and accountable.

Too often, safeguarding in martial arts is treated as a tick-box exercise — a policy filed away, a certificate renewed once a year. We believe this isn’t good enough. With a fragmented and largely unregulated sector, inconsistent standards leave children vulnerable and parents unsure who they can trust.

At BMABA, we’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact poor safeguarding can have — and the incredible difference strong, proactive safeguarding can make. That’s why we’re committed to raising the bar. Not just to protect students, but to build a culture where every instructor understands their role in creating safe, supportive environments.

Safeguarding isn’t just about compliance — it’s about care, trust, and leadership. It’s about making sure martial arts is a space where every child, young person, and vulnerable adult can thrive without fear or risk. That’s a responsibility we all share — and one we’re determined to lead on.

RUN A MARTIAL ARTS CLUB?

Need safeguarding support you can trust? Discover how BMABA can help your club lead with confidence and care.