25 Reasons To Join BMABA
Discover why more than 6,500 clubs trust us to support their future — not control it. Backed by national accreditations, sector-leading standards, and a not-for-profit mission that puts instructors first.
We’re often asked, “Why should I join BMABA?” — and our answer is always the same; that’s for you to decide.
We don’t use salespeople, and we’ll never claim we’re the perfect fit for every club. Choosing the right association is a personal decision, and we respect clubs who make that call based on research, values, and long-term vision — not pressure.
To help you make an informed choice, here are 25 key reasons why thousands of clubs choose to work with us.
Independent, Proven & Built From The Ground Up
We’ve grown entirely without financial support from Sport England or UK Sport — no grants, no external funding. Our success comes from a proven track record of professionalism, credibility, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right for the martial arts community we serve.
No Egos, No Titles, No Politics
You won’t find self-appointed ‘Masters’ or sycophantic committees here. We don’t do ego-led hierarchies or grade-first agendas. Whether you run a traditional club or a modern academy, you’ll be treated as a professional — not a subordinate. We support grading structures where they matter, but we’ll never ask you to defer to titles or politics just to be heard. You’re the client — and you deserve to be treated like one whether you have a thousand students or one.
Governed To The Highest Standards
We don’t just say we’re professional — we prove it. BMABA CIC holds ISO9001:2015 certification under UKAS accreditation, is a registered UK Learning Provider, an Accredited CPD Training Centre, and is authorised by SCiMA to issue the Sport England Safeguarding Code. We undergo external audits, uphold structured governance, and operate with full transparency.
We believe BMABA is the most highly accredited and externally governed organisation in UK martial arts. Aside from the Sport England logo held by recognised NGBs, no other body is subject to the same level of scrutiny, standards, and compliance that we’ve stepped into — voluntarily, and for the good of the sector.
As Seen In National Media
When martial arts hits the headlines, journalists come to us. From BBC News and ITV to national print and trade publications, BMABA CIC is recognised as a voice of authority in the UK martial arts sector — providing expert insight on safeguarding, regulation, and community impact.
Genuinely Not For Profit
In 2025, we voluntarily transitioned from a private limited company to a regulated Community Interest Company (CIC), locking more than £1.6 million in assets into public interest — permanently.
We’re now one of the very few genuinely registered not-for-profit organisations in UK martial arts, so you can be confident your membership fee is being reinvested to benefit you and your fellow martial artists.
Multi-Award Winning & Nationally Recognised
Since launching in 2012 with just £20 and a mission to raise standards, BMABA CIC has received dozens of industry and business accolades — from Sports Association of the Year to Men’s Health’s Britain’s Best Coaches award for our founder. With recognition from GBI’s Global Awards, the Sports Industry Awards, and more, we’re proud to be nationally acknowledged for the impact we’ve made across the sector.
Transparent, Accountable & Built On Trust
We openly publish income and spending breakdowns, so you can see exactly how your fees are put to work. We’re clear about how we generate revenue, why it matters for long-term stability, and where every penny goes. Our roadmap, developments, and strategic decisions are shared directly with members — because real accountability means keeping our community informed, involved, and in control.
Founded By A Martial Artist, Built For Martial Artists
BMABA was founded in 2012 by Giovanni Soffietto — then just 20 years old, with £20, a domain name, and a vision for change. Raised in poverty and shaped by adversity, Giovanni built one of the UK’s largest independent martial arts organisations from the ground up. Today, he leads BMABA as an award-winning social entrepreneur and martial artist, recognised by Men’s Health, GBI Awards, and national media for his leadership and impact.
A Real Team, Real Offices & Real Infrastructure
We’re not run from a PO Box or a kitchen table. BMABA CIC operates from a dedicated 1,200 sqft headquarters in the heart of The Old Bakery — Petworth’s premier business centre. It’s a professional, purpose-built space that reflects the scale and standards of our organisation. Our trained and vetted team work from here full-time to provide expert, reliable support to clubs across the UK. When we say we’re built for professionalism, we mean it.
Not A Second Choice — A Smarter One
We’re not a fallback for clubs avoiding an NGB — we’re a credible, forward-thinking choice for those who want high standards without the politics. BMABA CIC ensures both our organisation and our clubs meet or exceed Sport England-recognised benchmarks, with affiliations that include the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts, Sported, the Sport & Recreation Alliance, the Scottish and Welsh Sports Associations, and the Association of Safeguarding Professionals. We’re the only body able to issue SCiMA’s Safeguarding Code in-house through our Club Colours programme — backed by digital tools, governance, and support that often go beyond what most NGBs provide.
We Lead The Way In Martial Arts Technology
No other UK martial arts association matches the scale or quality of our digital infrastructure. From MyBMABA and our Instructor Portal to our Student Hub and Help Desk, we invest tens of thousands of pounds each year to ensure clubs can access their documents, membership tools, support, and key services 24/7 — from any device. We’re not just using tech — we’re shaping the future of it for our sector.
Free, CPD Accredited Instructor Qualifications
Back in 2018, we challenged the outdated model of expensive, gatekept coaching courses by making high-quality instructor qualifications freely available to all our paying members. Today, our nationally recognised Induction, Level 1, and Level 2 Instructor Awards are included as standard — helping thousands of instructors raise professional standards without the financial barrier.
We Walk The Walk
When crisis hits, we don’t go quiet. From launching a COVID Recovery Fund without external help, providing free insurance, risk assessments and training, to slashing fees during lockdowns — we stood by our clubs when they needed us most. During the cost of living crisis, we issued hardship grants and reduced renewal costs to keep doors open. And in 2025, while much of the sector remained silent following the tragic death of Alex Eastwood, we spoke out — echoing calls for urgent safety reform and better protection for all martial artists. We don’t just talk about values. We act on them.
Politics-Free, Professional & Built For Service
You’re the client — and you don’t owe us thanks for doing our job properly. We’ve been proudly politics-free since 2012, long before it became a buzzword. While others bicker for position or cling to outdated hierarchies, we focus on delivering professional, reliable support through a trained team and structured organisation. No cliques. No power struggles. Just high standards, done right.
Focused On Standards, Not Showmanship
While others focus on competitions and trophies, we prioritise professional standards that truly protect and empower clubs. That means direct access to DBS checks, safeguarding qualifications, first aid training, and compliance support — all built into your membership. It’s why BMABA instructors consistently enjoy some of the highest levels of public trust and recognition across the UK.
Membership That Goes Further Than Anywhere Else
No other martial arts association in the UK offers the same depth of licensing, resources, and insurance — all under one roof. From club websites, stock grading certificates, and template documents to DBS checks, volunteer training, safeguarding tools, and business support — it’s all included. One membership. Everything your club needs to grow, protect, and lead.
We Represent Independent Clubs At The Highest Levels
We actively lobby to ensure our members’ voices are heard — not just within Sport England circles, but directly at Government level. As participants in the Martial Arts Safeguarding Group (MASG), and through direct engagement with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), we’ve contributed to national conversations on safeguarding, regulation, and sector standards. Whether it’s at Sport & Recreation Alliance conferences or behind closed doors in policy discussions, we make sure the independent martial arts community has a seat at the table.
Experts In Martial Arts Insurance
From instructor and student cover to live-blade training and events insurance, we specialise in every aspect of martial arts protection. Unlike general brokers, we understand the nuances of your discipline. With a fully qualified, FCA-regulated insurance broker on hand, we provide expert, appropriate advice for clubs of all sizes — ensuring your cover is fit for purpose and professionally managed.
Modern, Digital, and Built for Today’s Clubs
While some associations still rely on cheques and hand-written forms, we’ve moved martial arts administration firmly into the 21st century. From digital onboarding to mobile access, automated licensing, and cloud-based services — we use modern tech to make running your club easier, faster, and more professional. No paperwork, no postage — just smart systems that work for you.
The Best Member’s Area In UK Martial Arts
From downloading a risk assessment to messaging other clubs or managing your membership — our member’s area does it all. Built in-house over more than a decade and trusted by thousands of users, it’s a seamless, award-winning system designed specifically for martial arts professionals. No third-party platforms. No clunky portals. Just powerful tools that work when you need them.
A Club Management Platform — Included, Not Extra
Built directly into MyBMABA, our cutting-edge Club Manager system gives you access to tools that rival paid platforms — at no extra cost. From member tracking and grading to communication, admin and more, it’s designed to save clubs thousands each year while streamlining day-to-day operations. Free, powerful, and built for martial arts.
We Take Responsibility For Our Environmental Impact
We’re committed to making martial arts part of a more sustainable future. Through our environmental initiatives, we’ve funded the planting of thousands of trees, offset significant CO₂ emissions, and supported clean water and renewable energy projects across the UK and beyond. Every membership helps reduce environmental harm — because building better clubs also means building a better world.
Our Profits Fuel Real-World Impact
Every penny we generate is reinvested into making martial arts a force for good. Through our in-house Fighting Chance programmes, we tackle childhood poverty, knife crime, violence against women and girls, disability inclusion, and more — all using martial arts as the vehicle for change. This isn’t a side project — it’s central to who we are. Every membership helps fund life-changing work across the UK.
Think Of Us As Part Of Your Team
From safeguarding guidance and tailored business advice to marketing, technology and design support — we’re here to help your club thrive. Our dedicated team of experts are on hand to provide professional, practical support whenever you need it. Whether it’s navigating a DBS issue or redesigning a flyer, we act like part of your club — not just an association in the background.
Progressive, Informed Leadership That Reflects Modern Needs
We go beyond tradition to bring clubs cutting-edge insight into what great coaching and leadership look like today. From trauma-informed practice and safeguarding-led delivery, to expert pedagogy, inclusive teaching, and social impact — we equip instructors with the tools to lead with confidence, care, and credibility in the modern world.
We've put our money where our mouth is.
We offer everyone a year’s free affiliate membership, which includes access to our Club Management Platform, so you can ‘try before you buy’ and see if we’re up to scratch.
