Understanding Trauma. Transforming Coaching.

Trauma impacts how people learn, trust, and engage — especially in structured environments like martial arts. Our trauma-informed approach helps clubs create safe, supportive spaces where every student can thrive, no matter their past.

Pioneering Trauma-Informed Coaching in Martial Arts

BMABA is the first organisation of its kind in the martial arts sector to not just talk about trauma-informed practice — but to embed it deep into the DNA of what we define as professional, ethical coaching. From national safeguarding frameworks to club-level expectations, trauma-awareness isn’t an optional add-on — it’s a core standard.

We’ve developed the UK’s first and only trauma-informed coaching qualifications built specifically for martial arts. These industry-exclusive programmes are now being adopted by thousands of instructors and clubs nationwide — transforming how martial arts is delivered at a grassroots level, especially in the communities that need it most.

The result? A movement that’s reshaping martial arts as a safe, inclusive, and empowering space for vulnerable students — where emotional wellbeing matters just as much as physical technique.

What Is Trauma-Informed Coaching?

Trauma-informed coaching is a modern, evidence-based approach to teaching martial arts that recognises the widespread impact of trauma on individuals — particularly children, young people, and vulnerable adults. It means creating a learning environment that is not only physically safe, but emotionally secure too.

Rather than seeing disruptive behaviour, disengagement, or emotional outbursts as discipline issues, trauma-informed coaches are trained to understand these as possible signs of underlying adverse experiences. This might include childhood abuse, neglect, poverty, family breakdown, discrimination, or exposure to violence.

A trauma-informed martial arts coach doesn’t need to be a therapist. But they do need to know how to spot potential red flags, respond with empathy, and create an environment where every student feels respected, seen, and safe. It’s about leading with compassion, setting appropriate boundaries, and building trust — while still delivering structured, purposeful martial arts instruction.

Why It Matters in Martial Arts

Martial arts has always been more than just physical training. It builds character, resilience, and community. But for students affected by trauma, the environment must be carefully structured to avoid unintentionally re-triggering past experiences — especially where contact, confrontation, shouting, or perceived authority are involved.

Instructors are in a powerful position of trust. The way a student is corrected, challenged, or praised can have a lasting impact. Trauma-informed coaching empowers instructors to navigate this responsibility with insight and skill. It ensures clubs don’t unknowingly replicate the power dynamics or emotional harm that students may have experienced elsewhere.

For clubs working in deprived areas, with vulnerable groups, or through funded community programmes, this approach is especially vital. It allows martial arts to become a true safe space — not just physically, but psychologically too.

How BMABA Are Leading

At BMABA, we’re proud to be one of the first martial arts bodies in the UK to meaningfully embed trauma-informed principles into our safeguarding and instructor training frameworks.

We’re developing CPD-accredited courses, workshops, and written guidance to help instructors at every level understand trauma, apply safe and supportive coaching methods, and build clubs that put emotional wellbeing at the heart of their teaching. Our work is shaped by research, lived experience, and insights from social care, education, and child protection professionals.

This trauma-informed approach runs through everything we do — from our safeguarding vetting standards to how we shape policy templates and coach development. We believe instructors shouldn’t be left to figure this out alone. Through BMABA, clubs have access to practical tools, expert insight, and a national network committed to raising the bar for ethical, inclusive instruction.

Coach Smarter. Connect Deeper. Change Lives.

If you’re a martial arts instructor or you run a martial arts club, trauma-informed practice empowers you to make a lasting difference — on and off the mats.

About BMABA

Our Story

Our Team

Our Mission

Contact Us

Are you an instructor or do you run a club?

For Parents & Students

Explore BMABA Registered Clubs Near You