Think You Know Why Clubs Don’t Join? Think Again
We’re setting the record straight on the most common misconceptions about BMABA — and why thousands of instructors choose to join us once they know the truth.
MISCONCEPTION #1
“BMABA is just about insurance or politics.”
ACTUALLY
We’re an independent, not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) that uses martial arts as a force for good.
Yes, we include comprehensive insurance — but that’s just one part of a much broader support system.
From digital tools and safeguarding frameworks to national programmes for inclusion, mental health, and youth violence prevention, our model puts grassroots clubs at the heart of real, measurable impact. And we’re proudly apolitical — our agenda is raising standards, not raising noise.
MISCONCEPTION #2
“I’d be lost in red tape, with no freedom.”
ACTUALLY
Joining BMABA doesn’t mean surrendering your independence — it means strengthening it. We don’t micromanage or impose one-size-fits-all policies.
Our gold-tier tools like Club Colours and Regulation Ready are there if you want them, not because you have to use them. You remain in control of your club’s ethos, style, and direction — we’re here to support, not to suffocate. Think of us as the safety net beneath your autonomy, not the rope around it.
MISCONCEPTION #3
“All governing bodies have hidden fees or upsells.”
ACTUALLY
We’ve designed our membership to be fully transparent and all-inclusive — no hidden extras, no sneaky upsells.
From digital club management tools and safeguarding audits to access to funding, qualifications, and even verified ecological impact — it’s all part of your membership.
You can join completely free or renew affordably, knowing you’re getting real value without the usual strings attached. We exist to support clubs, not to drain them.
MISCONCEPTION #4
“Joining doesn’t mean I’m part of real change.”
ACTUALLY
Every BMABA membership directly powers real-world impact — from trauma-informed coaching and safeguarding leadership to national anti-violence campaigns and verified environmental work. When your club joins, you’re not just gaining support — you’re helping fund clean water access, plant thousands of trees, promote female empowerment, and tackle serious youth violence. This is change, built from the mats up.
MISCONCEPTION #5
“This feels like ego-led martial arts politics.”
ACTUALLY
We’re proudly politics-free, ego-free, and entirely mission-led. As a regulated CIC, we’ve locked away over £1.6 million in value to ensure everything we do serves the martial arts community — not personal titles or profits. BMABA exists to empower instructors and clubs, not to play political games. The focus stays on ethics, impact, and community — always.
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FREE MEMBERSHIP
See For Yourself — With A Year’s Free Membership
We don’t need to oversell it — we’d rather you just experience it. Join BMABA today with a full year of free Affiliate Membership and see exactly how our support, standards, and social impact work in practice. No hidden fees. No contracts.
Ministerial Commendation and Parliamentary Recognition
BMABA CIC has been recognised at the highest levels of Government for our commitment to safeguarding in martial arts. During a House of Commons debate on combat sport safety, the Minister for Sport, Stephanie Peacock MP, highlighted the British Martial Arts & Boxing Association by name for our work in supporting independent and unaffiliated clubs to adopt the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts. This direct mention in Parliament demonstrates that our efforts to raise standards and protect participants are shaping the national conversation on safety in combat sports.
Following that debate, the Minister for Sport wrote formally to commend BMABA’s work, praising our role in ensuring safeguarding standards across the independent martial arts sector. She described our contribution as “extremely useful” to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s ongoing policy development and explicitly appreciated our efforts to make martial arts safer for children. This recognition reflects the trust placed in BMABA to help Government address urgent safeguarding challenges highlighted by recent tragedies within combat sports.
For our members and the wider martial arts community, this recognition underlines BMABA’s credibility as a leading voice for independent martial arts in the UK. It demonstrates that our grassroots-driven mission — to promote safe, inclusive, and properly regulated martial arts for all — is influencing national policy and gaining ministerial support. Being referenced in Parliament and commended in writing by the Minister for Sport reinforces that BMABA is not just a governing body, but a sector-shaping organisation working to protect participants and secure the future of martial arts.
BMABA is the only organisation able to issue the Sport England funded Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts Award directly from our member’s area on receipt of our Club Colours Award. Our Colour’s award is free.
