The UK's Leading Independent Martial Arts Association
Representing more than 100,000 members through a professional workforce of 6,500+ instructors, assistants and volunteers nationwide. Multi-award-winning, ISO 9001:2015 certified, and recognised in Parliament for our work on safeguarding, governance and innovation across UK martial arts.
About Us
BMABA CIC is the UK’s leading independent martial arts association for clubs and instructors. Founded in 2012 with just £20, we’ve grown into a nationally recognised, award-winning organisation with a professional workforce of more than 6,500 instructors, assistants and volunteers, representing over 100,000 members each year.
What sets us apart is credibility. We’re ISO 9001:2015 certified under UKAS accreditation, our safeguarding standards are formally approved under the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts and listed on Sport England’s safeguarding pages, and our work on innovation, governance and grassroots reform has been recognised nationally, including in Parliament. Combined with our sector-leading digital tools and training programmes, this gives our members an association that is both trusted and practical.
Our Mission
Our mission is clear: to make martial arts safer, stronger and more sustainable. We exist to support instructors and clubs of every size with the tools, training and recognition they need to deliver life-changing martial arts in their communities. By raising safeguarding standards, investing in digital innovation and championing grassroots growth, we’re helping shape a better future for martial arts across the UK.
Current Members
Multi-Award Winning & Nationally Recognised
Independent. Member-First. Award-Winning.
BMABA CIC is a completely independent, multi-award-winning, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping clubs succeed, from safeguarding and insurance to qualifications, compliance and technology.
Our job is to help you grow your club and raise standards, without the politics, red tape or closed networks that have held martial arts back for too long.
Founded in 2012 with just £20 and a mission to change the industry, today we support more than 100,000 members and a professional workforce of 6,500+ instructors, assistants and volunteers across 200+ disciplines throughout the UK.
Independent, Not For Profit & Member-First
No government funding. No private investors. Just a self-funded, community-first organisation driven entirely by what clubs need, answerable to no one but our members and our mission.
Professional, Accountable & Politics Free
No cliques, no committees, no power games. A professional, full-time team sets and upholds high standards, so you get real support and straight answers, every time.
Built For All Clubs, Big Or Small
Whether you run a local youth class or a national organisation, you’re treated with the same respect. All styles and backgrounds are welcome, and everyone has a voice.
Everything In One Place
Insurance. DBS checks. Instructor training. Safeguarding. Qualifications. Club tech. Everything your club needs, under one roof and one renewal.
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Credibility & Accreditation
Independently Certified.
Externally Verified.
Our standards aren’t self-declared. From UKAS-accredited ISO 9001:2015 certification to the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts, Social Enterprise UK membership and CIMSPA partnership, BMABA is verified by the organisations whose job it is to be hard to impress.
We've spent more than a decade leading from the front. While others watched, we built. While the sector settled, we innovated. And when clubs needed a voice, we spoke up. Today we stand as the leading force in independent martial arts, not because we asked for the role, but because we showed up, delivered, and never stopped pushing for better.
We haven’t been built through grants, industry contacts or big sponsorships. Our journey has been slow, deliberate and honest: one club at a time, built on word of mouth and trust, and on standing with clubs especially when it wasn’t the easy option.
From a £20 founding in 2012, BMABA has become a national platform for innovation, professional standards and genuine community support in martial arts. We’re now the choice of a professional workforce of more than 6,500 instructors, assistants and volunteers, representing over 100,000 participants a year, not because we shouted the loudest, but because we delivered real value, support and leadership where it mattered.
Today we’re one of the most highly decorated independent bodies in UK sport, recognised within and far beyond martial arts, from awards in governance and diversity to features across the BBC, ITV and national press. We’re also the only association of our kind certified to ISO 9001:2015 by the British Assessment Bureau under UKAS accreditation. Our standards, governance and processes are held to the same independent benchmarks trusted across British industry and public services, proven by official audit, not our own claim.
The partner behind the scenes for organisations across UK martial arts.
National bodies and style organisations trust BMABA with the critical, unglamorous work that keeps their sport running: governance, safeguarding systems, insurance frameworks, DBS infrastructure and the technology behind their platforms. Often used. Rarely seen. Always accountable.
Completely Free
Club Management Platform
Our completely free Club Management Platform is designed to put clubs in control. With built-in tools for managing members, payments, gradings, safeguarding and more, it keeps your club organised, professional and compliant without extra cost. Most clubs tell us they save several times the cost of their membership just by switching, and unlike commercial platforms there are no per-student fees, no tie-ins, and no holding your data hostage. Your club, your members, your records. Always.
Testimonials
What do our members say?
John Matthews
Fantastic organisation – very welcomed in comparison to the usual organisations and NGBs out there.
Miles ahead of other organisations in terms of their transparency, attention to detail and genuine understanding of martial arts.
Very affordable, fair and a lovely team behind the scenes. Just moved our entire school across and very, very happy – no need to go anywhere else.
C. Sanderson
Very easy to navigate website making it an even more pleasant experience along with very friendly staff and members.
Fantastic Value for money and an association that puts its students and instructors first. Instructors have full autonomy over their club without any interference but with enough support to feel part of a valued and safe group.
Georgina
Found these guys in Martial Arts Illustrated doing a piece on professionalism in martial arts and thought, as an instructor, they might be worth looking at further. Really impressed from the moment I hit their website through to now, 3 months on as a member.
Quite alot of additional bits and pieces to look at, as my current org wasn’t asking me to have any safeguarding or dbs etc – but I suppose that’s only a good thing as it means i’m now properly checked and being professional.
Website is amazing – great member’s area too. Unlike the normal stuff I’m used to seeing, having spent years with the other ‘big players’. Great staff, Giovanni is rediculously knowledgable and our club is now growing under the banner of what has got to be the best martial arts org in the UK.
Michael Willington
The BMABA are unlike any other org I’ve come across in this industry. Their honest, professional, politics free and most importantly, they know what they’re doing. Website is leaps and bounds ahead of the rest, insurance is comprehensive and their overall customer service is just unlike anything else I’ve had in 25 years of martial arts.
Amazing through and through. Would definitely recommend.
Jon D
I joined the BMABA right in its infancy (I believe I was their second member!). I had been searching, literally for a few years, to find an association where I could get away from the political wrangling, find support where and when I needed it, be regulated in a safe and formal way, but be left to run my classes as I wanted to run them.
Giovanni is the most helpful, respectful and genuine person who has turned the possibility of a non-political, highly respected and supportive Martial Arts Association into a reality. I cannot begin to understand how he has found the time, energy and ability to build the BMABA into the association it is today with a first class Team and unquestionable ethics, but this is what all other Martial Arts Associations need to aspire to.
I could bang on for hours about the BMABA but don’t take my word for it – go and visit the BMABA website and see for yourself what support and benefits are on offer – it is light years ahead and exists for people who just want to enjoy teaching and practising their Art.
Ali Hasanzade
Someone has answered my gentle prayers and FINALLY designed an organisation that will leave you stress-free in the world of MARTIAL ARTS 🙂
I am so excited to leave my recommendation because words cannot describe how much BMABA means to me and how it has changed everything in my organisation for the better.
Fabian Burdett
As we all know 2020 has been the year from hell for martial arts. We have been push about and left in the dark. One thing that has come out of that is BMABA have done everything in their power to keep clubs like mine up to date with what’s happening and tried to push the government to notice us. Couldn’t wish for a better association to be a part of. From the courses to the schemes available to clubs. Can’t wait to see where 2021 takes BMABA. We sure will be here to go for the ride
Once again big THANK YOU to you guys for all the help. 💙🐺👊
Date of experience: 17 November 2020
John Tomsett
I have been a customer of BMABA for two years now, and I am extremely impressed with their services. As a New City Martial Arts club, we were in need of a reliable Club Association and Insurance provider, and BMABA has exceeded our expectations in every aspect.
First and foremost, the customer service provided by BMABA is exceptional. Their team is responsive, professional, and genuinely dedicated to ensuring that our needs are met. Whenever we had a query or require assistance, they responded rapidly and effectively, addressing our concerns with a level of professionalism that is truly commendable.
Matthew Johnson
Having left my previous association in November, and being very daunted by the prospect of being responsible for all my own compliance and everything else I can honestly say BMABA have made the whole thing possible and even pleasant.
The training resources are great, it’s been fantastic for me to be able to quickly up skill my team, the insurance is really easy to sort out, the team are super friendly and helpful, the perks on Gold membership are also fantastic.
I would love to be able to give something “constructive” but honestly I can’t. From signing up for the gold package (the perks are great), additional insurances, licensing, LSGR, training, certificates for gradings and everything in between they’ve been really awesome.
If you’re committed to doing things right, without breaking the bank, don’t hesitate. Outstanding work guys, please keep it up
Adrian Jackson
Always quick to respond and thoughtful. Great service delivered at a very reasonable price and very supportive of the community. Been a member for a couple of years now and recommend highly
Matthew Robert Cooling-Stones
as i’m heading into the brave world of starting up my own small self defence club in our village, i can say with complete honesty and satisfaction that BMABA have been the most supportive and upfront association i have come across. the help they give setting up, and walking you through step by step, to the certifications they offer are a blessing for this industry. i have seen and had first hand experience with the Mcdojo’s offering you the greatest adventures of a life time, and golden opportunities. but these guys are the real deal… i hold my head high, and say with great pride “i am a BMABA member”
Anna Martensson
How can we help your club grow.
Celebrating 15+ years 🎉
Take Back Control Of Your Club
We’ve passionately believed that for far too long clubs have been forced to withstand politics, control and who’s who within their association. It’s not fair, and doesn’t need to be the case.
It’s your club and only you know best what helps support your students. If you’re looking to go indepedent without dropping standards or losing support, BMABA could be the right fit for you.
BMABA vs NGBs — The Real Picture
There is no legal or Sport England-backed requirement to join a National Governing Body (NGB) in martial arts. BMABA CIC is not anti-NGB. We welcome and support clubs that hold NGB recognition when it’s the right fit. But we also understand that for many, the cost, red tape or internal politics can be a barrier.
We’re here to offer a credible, professional alternative, with or without NGB membership.
Sector-Leading Standards & Recognition
The Highest Standards. No Compromises.
No other independent martial arts organisation offers the same breadth and credibility of recognition. BMABA CIC is proud to hold ISO 9001:2015 certification under UKAS accreditation (Cert No. 267261), UK Learning Provider status, CPD Group accreditation, and formal authorisation to issue certification under the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts in-house. We don’t just meet the standard. We help define it.
A Comprehensive Membership For Modern Clubs
Not-For-Profit, Instructor-Led, & Independent
We’re a UKAS-accredited community interest company and we're a social enterprise built by instructors, for instructors - not a commercial insurer. Every penny is reinvested into grassroots martial arts support, safeguarding, and national progress, not shareholder profits.
Unmatched Tools, Tech & Training
Access a full suite of resources including student systems, Club Manager software, licensing dashboards, CPD-certified safeguarding courses, digital certificates, and live compliance tools, all included with membership.
Regulation-Ready Governance & Recognition
We’re ISO 9001:2015 certified and nationally respected. From safeguarding and DBS to CHIMA, SYV, TIC and MHFA training, we lead the way on safety, accountability and good governance ready for a regulated future.
Trusted by Thousands, Respected Nationwide
More than 3,000 clubs and 6,500 instructors trust BMABA to lead on insurance, compliance, and club development, with over 100,000 members supported across the UK. We’re the gold standard for independent clubs.
We're here to help your club grow, the right way.
We’re experts in helping clubs grow ethically and professionally, with a focus on the best outcomes for your students.
Whether it’s in IT, marketing or social media through to safeguarding, insurance or legalities – BMABA can help your club reach new heights. This is always driven on the basis of being sustainable, ethical and fair.
A Professionally Run Organisation, Not A Political Quango
We set four key promises to our members back in 2012, and to date we’ve stood by each and every commitment.
- The greater benefit of our community will always come before profit
- We will always remain autonomous and independent
- We'll never try and govern anything we're not experts in
- We'll never accept cash for grades or status
From a £20 Start-Up to a Nationally Recognised Powerhouse. That's BMABA CIC.
We're not here because of government grants, NGB status or Sport England funding. We're here because thousands of instructors and clubs believed in a better way. BMABA CIC is entirely independent, self-funded and not-for-profit. No shortcuts, no silver spoons, yet our work has been recognised in Parliament, on Sport England's own safeguarding pages, and across national media, purely on merit. Every pound we generate, more than £2,400,000 to date, is reinvested directly into the UK martial arts community. No gimmicks. No politics. No hidden shareholders.
We’ve built one of the UK’s most trusted martial arts ecosystems from the ground up: a comprehensive governance system open to every style, sector-leading vetting, safeguarding and compliance, affordable insurance, free club management software, and dozens of tools, licences and expert support, all included, all in one place.
We didn’t inherit a legacy. We forged one.
Whether you’re stepping out on your own for the first time or have always been proudly independent, this is your home. To high places by narrow roads isn’t just our slogan. It’s how we got here.
BMABA is an independent martial arts association built for the decade ahead.
Professionally Run
A dedicated, full-time team led by our Chief Executive from purpose-built 1,250 sq ft offices in Petworth, West Sussex. Martial arts governance, run like the profession it should be.
Unparallel Resources
Put what BMABA includes side by side with your current membership: the tools, the platforms, the licences, the support. We'll happily let that comparison do the talking.
Technological Innovators
Technology isn't going backwards, so your club can't afford to either. Much of our sector still runs on paper licences and filing cabinets. We're at the forefront of digital innovation in martial arts, and we build our own.
Led By Industry Experts
Alongside our dedicated in-house specialists across customer services, safeguarding and operations, some of the martial arts world's most respected practitioners guide our technical standards and procedures.
MULTI-AWARD WINNING SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR
Founded in 2012 by Giovanni Soffietto, with £20 and a point to prove.
A lifelong martial artist and natural entrepreneur, born into poverty, who turned £20 into a multi-award-winning national organisation that champions everything martial arts. Not through funding, contacts or luck, but through years of graft. That’s us in a nutshell.
Not sure if we're the right fit?
Lots of new members tell us their old association tried to scare them away from joining. See for yourself if we’re up to scratch.