BMABA CIC
The UK’s Most Decorated Independent Governing Body
From national awards to sector-leading accreditations, our achievements speak for themselves — and for the thousands of clubs who trust us.
Built On Credibility , Backed By Governance
At BMABA CIC, our awards, certifications, and affiliations aren’t just for show — they’re a reflection of our commitment to doing things properly. In an industry where standards can vary wildly, we’ve made it our mission to lead with integrity, transparency, and accountability. From ISO9001:2015 certification and SCiMA compliance, to our work with safeguarding bodies, child protection networks, and government-recognised sports groups, we’ve earned our place as one of the most respected governing bodies in the UK. For prospective clubs, this means you can trust the structure supporting your membership. And for our existing members, it’s reassurance that your association is actively influencing change, not just within martial arts — but across wider sectors too.
ISO9001:2015 Certified Audited by UKAS-Accredited British Assessment Bureau
ISO9001:2015 is the world’s most recognised standard for quality management — and BMABA CIC is proud to be fully certified. This means every part of our organisation, from safeguarding and insurance to instructor vetting and governance, operates within a structured, audited framework designed to ensure consistency, transparency, and continual improvement. It reflects not only what we do, but how we do it — with clear processes, evidence-led decision making, and accountability at every level.
What makes our certification especially significant is that it’s issued via the UKAS-accredited British Assessment Bureau — the UK’s national accreditation body. UKAS accreditation ensures our auditors are held to the highest possible standards, providing independent and government-recognised validation of our quality systems. The same gold-standard framework is used to assess hospitals, universities, and global corporations. In a sector often plagued by unregulated claims and inconsistency, our ISO certification is a rare and powerful signal of credibility, trust, and serious governance.
Setting The Standard For Martial Arts Governance In The UK
In a sector often lacking external accountability, BMABA CIC leads by example. We’re not just promising high standards — we’re independently audited and certified to prove it. From internationally recognised quality management systems (ISO9001:2015) to data protection (ICO), cyber security (Cyber Essentials), and educational credibility (CPD & UKRLP), our governance stands up to scrutiny from the same bodies that regulate hospitals, schools, and national institutions. It means our members can rely on a governing body that’s not only professional — but held to it.
True To Our Word — For The Right Reasons
In March 2025, Giovanni Soffietto — who founded BMABA with just £20 and a mission to change martial arts for the better — voluntarily signed over 100% of his shareholding in what was then a privately-owned limited company. There was no requirement to do so. By converting BMABA into a regulated Community Interest Company (CIC), Giovanni permanently transferred all assets — including more than £1.6 million in self-generated value — into the public domain. That means BMABA is now legally locked into operating for the benefit of our clubs and communities, not shareholders or private profit. It’s not just words or promises — it’s independently verifiable, legally enforceable, and built into the very fabric of how we operate.
AWARDS
Awards That Reflect Our Impact — Not Just Our Ambition
We’re proud to have received some of the most respected accolades in UK sport, governance, and business — not as vanity badges, but as proof of the genuine impact we’re having on the martial arts sector. From national governing body awards to entrepreneurial leadership and digital excellence, our recognition speaks to the depth, integrity, and innovation we bring to the table. These awards affirm that we’re not just talking about change — we’re delivering it, at scale, for the benefit of our members and the wider community.
Best Sports Governing Body Initiative
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Best Association Serving Sport
Finalists
Best COVID Response for Sports
Finalists
Sports Diversity Award
Finalists
Sports Association of the Year
Bronze
Best Sporting Association in the UK
Winners
Best Sport & Recreation Entrepreneur
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Best Association Website
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Association of the Year
Finalists
Executive Director of the Year Finalists
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Best Use Of Technology Award
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Best Sport & Recreation Entrepreneur
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UK Business Leader of the Year
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Entrepreneur Of The Year
Finalists
Director Of The Year
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Young Entrepreneur Of The Year
Finalists
Memberships, Commitments & Sector Alignment
Martial Arts Safeguarding Group (MASG)
MASG is the cross-sector body for martial arts safeguarding in the UK, with oversight from DCMS and Sport England. As core members, we contribute to national safeguarding standards, helping shape best practice across the industry.
Sport & Recreation Alliance
The SRA unites more than 300 governing bodies and sports organisations. Our membership ensures BMABA has a voice in national policy and access to resources supporting good governance, inclusion, and community sport.
Welsh Sports Association (WSA)
WSA represents the interests of sport and recreation in Wales. As members, we ensure our Welsh clubs are represented in national policy conversations and benefit from devolved sports support frameworks.
Scottish Sports Association (SPA)
SPA advocates for sport and recreation in Scotland. Our membership helps ensure that Scottish martial arts clubs have a voice and support structure aligned with national priorities and funding access.
Association of Child Protection Professionals
This respected professional body brings together experts in child safeguarding. Our membership helps align BMABA's safeguarding policies with leading-edge thinking in child protection across sectors.
Children’s Rights Alliance
This coalition promotes the rights and wellbeing of children in the UK. Our membership reflects our commitment to children's rights, reinforcing our policies on inclusion, safety, and empowerment.
Anti-Bullying Alliance
ABA leads national anti-bullying efforts across schools, sport, and youth services. As full members, we reinforce our zero-tolerance stance and equip clubs with the tools to tackle bullying effectively.
End Child Poverty Group
This nationwide initiative addresses the root causes of child poverty. BMABA’s involvement reflects our social mission to make martial arts accessible and inclusive for children from all backgrounds.
Sported
Sported supports community sport organisations delivering social impact. As members, we’re part of a UK-wide network focused on driving grassroots change, funding access, and capacity building.
Social Enterprise UK
Social Enterprise UK is the national body for businesses that trade for social and community benefit. As a certified member, BMABA is formally recognised as an organisation that reinvests profits into positive social impact.
Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts (SCiMA)
BMABA has supported the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts since its very inception in 2018. As one of the first associations to adopt and champion the Code, we’ve proudly held organisational certification since the scheme expanded to governing bodies — and we continue to work closely with the SCiMA team to uphold and advance safeguarding standards across the sector. In fact, we’re currently the only association in the UK empowered to issue SCiMA certification automatically to clubs that complete our free Club Colours Award — a testament to the rigour and credibility of our internal safeguarding policies and governance.
As Seen In National Media
BMABA and its leadership have been featured across leading national outlets, including BBC News, BBC Radio 4, ITV News, The Guardian, and Men’s Health. Our media presence isn’t built on controversy or sensationalism — it’s the result of years of credible, meaningful impact in the sector, providing journalists and policymakers with a reliable, professional voice on the complex issues facing modern martial arts clubs.
