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THINKING OF SWITCHING?

Tired of your current association?

We understand that a lot of instructors and clubs are loyal to their association – and we think that’s great. Unfortunately there comes a point where sometimes you feel a change of direction might really help your club progress and when that time comes, we're here to help.

Switching associations can be a bit daunting, especially if you’ve been with your current body for many years and learnt how to run your club in line with their guidelines and requirements.

As a politics free, independent martial arts association representing the interests of thousands of members across the UK we’ve learnt a thing or two about helping clubs ‘off-load’ from their current body and ‘on-board’ with BMABA with as little confusion, fuss or down time as possible.

Confidentiality Guaranteed

We're a professional organisation with a staffed office. We're not a small kitchen-worktop run organisation run by a committee. This means you can talk openly and honestly with us without fear of query 'getting out'.

You should be free to consider whether or not a move will help your club. It doesn't mean you will - and we won't push you eitherway. If you contact our office you'll have a completely confidential service from start to finish.

4 Reasons To Think About Switching To BMABA

01

Modern & Innovative

We're a the cutting edge of innovation in UK martial arts. We're a modern organisation, so no more cheques, type-writers or PO Boxes!

03

Honest & Transparent

Questions around costings, setups, registrations, transfer and so on - you'll have a confidential, honest, transparent experience with BMABA. We don't want to 'trap' anyone with us for the year. It's bad for clubs and for us - so we'll work with you to make sure you know whether or not we're the right fit before you join.

02

Professionally Run

We're not a boy's club run by a self-elected committee based on grade. We're a professionally run organisation headed by our CEO - the multi-award winning social entrepreneur. That means a professional service by trained staff members.

04

Seamless Transitions

We know lots of clubs face a cliff-edge when it comes to leaving their current association. We can help preset a transfer point so you step into BMABA before or at the point of transfer without any time off-risk or without insurance.

FAQs

Yes, you can. By default membership commences from the point at which your application clears vetting but we can absolutely preset a start date on paper for you. We’ll often allow you access to our system and documentation in advance of a future start-date too, so you can get settled in before going live. Please communicate any cover needs and dates with us in advance of joining.

We’ll never tell you we are. That’s a decision you need to come to with your club, in your own time. What we will do is answer your questions, provide you with transparent information on benefits, cover and price, and help you make an informed decision. 

Not from us. At the point of a BMABA membership going live you will have a record in our national instructor register, which is publicly searchable – but unless somebody is looking there they are unlikely to find it. We won’t broadcast a club joining before or after sign up, so you can get started with us in confidence.

That’s a very personal decision so we won’t say yes or no. In our experience, we’ve never really come across any club that has gone independent and regretted it. The ability to move your club in the direction your members wish, and the option of being in complete control is liberating for most but it’s important you take some time to really consider whether or not it’s the right fit for you and your club. 

Yes – absolutely! From leading resources like template documents, stock grading certificates and model policies through to a cutting edge Club Management Platform, web hosting and various other digital tools; there’s nobody else in UK martial arts like us.

Of course they do!

We’ve heard this so many times. It’s usually the war-cry of a dying swan. The old boy’s network doesn’t like change and rather than upping their own game, they’ll try and shoot down the competition.

It’s true that some indy organisations aren’t professional or well run, but that doesn’t include BMABA. 

See 25 reasons to join.

We can help with grade progression. We don’t conduct in-person gradings, but we can help you assemble an impartial grading panel from within the community – all made up of highly experienced instructors (often ex-examiners from NGBs and ‘leading’ associations). We can also help with vocational gradings too.

Yes, absolutely. If you need to move across your club in chunks (i.e: half your instructors on day 1 and the rest throughout the year, with students rolling in as they expire) we can help with that. Please contact the team to discuss further.

What Does Our Membership Offer?

BMABA is one of the UK’s leading multi-style, independent associations for martial arts and combat instructors, clubs, senseis & coaches.

Our membership is renowned as being the most comprehensive available to UK clubs and instructors. We don’t just offer certification, nor just insurance. Instead we bundle dozens of tools, features, licensing provisions, insurances and resources into a single membership package. We are confident you will not find another martial arts association in the UK able to offer so much for so little.

From a free club website to template documents, grading certificates through to black belt gradings. Networking, printing, syllabus recognition, student insurance; you name it – we’ve got it. One place, one login, one renewal. Simple.

We’re politics free, completely independent, community led and fiercely committed to the development of our industry, leading the way for change and a modern martial arts industry.

From a free club website, marketing advice and business support through to template risk assessments, stock grading certificates and printing – our membership provides you with access to dozens of resources and tools to help you grow your club and retain students.

From instructor certificates and recognition of grade documentation through to vocational Dan gradings, syllabus licensing, instructor licenses and more; our membership provides access to fully comprehensive licensing provisions.

Access affordable instructor, student and club insurance, as well as access to discounted first aid training, enhanced DBS checks, safeguarding qualifications and more, exclusively for BMABA clubs and instructors.

We’ve been strictly politics free since 2012 and pride ourselves on running a community led organisation on the sound principles of good governance and genuine transparency.

You remain able to run your club with absolute independence, free of interference. What’s more, you’ll be backed up by our multi-award winning governing body with certification, licensing, endorsement, business support and more as standard.

Plus So Much More As Standard Just Some Of The Tools & Resources We Offer

  • Instructor Certification & Licensing
  • Student Insurance & Licensing
  • Free Instructor Qualifications
  • Safeguarding Qualifications
  • Enhanced DBS Checks
  • First Aid Training
  • Free Club Website
  • Club Management Support
  • Instructor Certification & Licensing
  • Logos & Accreditation Marks
  • SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) Platform
  • Local & National Networking
  • Stock Grading Certificates
  • Free Instructor Qualifications
  • Template Documents & Forms
  • Printing & Design
  • Safeguarding Code For Martial Arts
  • Best Practice Guidance
  • WordPress Hosting
  • a.i For Martial Arts
  • Event Management Checklists
  • Safeguarding Model Policies
  • Analytics & Tracking Tools
  • Budgeting Apps
  • Professional Webmail
  • Clothing & Uniform
  • Cyber Toolkit
  • Cash Grants & Funding
  • Risk Management Awards
  • Concussion & Head Injury
  • National Advertising
  • Entrepreneur's Support
  • Plus So Much More

Thinking of switching?

We're here to help.

If you’re ready to make the switch you can join us online today. If you need help or have questions, we’re on hand to answer them for you.

Not sure if we're the right fit for you?
We're here to answer any questions with impartial, expert advice.

Multi-Award Winning & As Seen On Various Platforms

Join More Than 6,500 Like-Minded Instructors & Clubs

Representing Over 100,000 Members Across 94 Disciplines

A completely free club management system.

We know. What’s the catch? Well, we’re a trade body for martial arts, not a profit-hungry corporation. We know how important the latest tech is in keeping our clubs kicking and – ultimately – that keeps us going too!

FREE Club Management Software Exclusively Built By Us, Just For Our Clubs

ClubManager by BMABA is our in-house, professionally developed Club Management solution. It’s free for all of our members and comes with a tonne of essential and groundbreaking features as standard.

LEARN MORE >>

  • Attendance & Grade Tracking
  • Student Records Management
  • Class Bookings & Timetables
  • Flexible Payments & Memberships
  • Grading Certificates Generator
  • Licence Slip & Documents Generator
  • Customised Branding & Functionality
  • Data Freedom & Ownership
  • Leads & Prospects Management
  • Online Video Training Library
  • 1to1 Tuition Management & Billing
  • Events Management & Ticketing
  • Secure Safeguarding Case Management
  • Manage Events & Competitions
  • Student Portal & Member's Content
  • Concussion & RtP Management
  • Digital Incident Log Book
  • Digital Risk Assessments
  • Task Management
  • Registrations & Waivers
  • Built-In Club Community & Forums
  • Manual Invoicing
  • Accounting & Budgeting
  • Staff Management & Staffroom
  • Calendar & Scheduling
  • Business Management & Planning
  • Easy To Use Parent Accounts

Membership with BMABA is so much more than just a piece of paper.

From template grading certificates and draft documents through to a free club website and national club listings. Whether it be advice on club structure and marketing or membership marks and qualifications. DBS checks, first aid qualifications, coaching certificates, instructor licenses, insurance, business plans, equipment, graphics – even club management platforms and web hosting. We can cover it under just one simple, affordable membership.

Founded in 2012 by the now Multi-Award Winning Social Entrepreneur & Life-Long Martial Artist, Giovanni Soffietto.

Frustrated by a governing structure in martial arts that failed to look forward to the future, Giovanni setup BMABA in 2012. Aged just 20 with only £20 of ‘start-up capital’ BMABA comes from humble beginnings.

Focused on professional standards and ethics rather than belts and titles, BMABA boasts the pedigree of a life-long martial arts expert come award winning social entrepreneur as it’s Chief Executive Officer. It’s fair to say we’re well qualified and backed by an industry giant. We now turnover more than £1,000,000 and support tens of thousands of martial artists across the UK.

"BMABA give away belts for cash"

"BMABA don't care about safeguarding"

"BMABA are so unprofessional"

Over the past 13+ years we’ve heard so much of this sort of nonsense from the ‘old boys’ associations.

The truth couldn’t be further than their lazy, fear-filled assertions. We’re a disruptor, renowned for our professionalism and governance, but they wouldn’t want you to know that. 

In an industry so full of cowboys, we don’t expect you to take our word for any of this. Dig beneath the surface, and see for yourself.

Membership To BMABA Is So Much More Than Just A Piece Of Paper

We have always been focused on providing clubs with everything they need under a single membership, and our range of resources, tools and features delivers exactly that.

From template grading certificates and documents through to a free club website and national club listings. Whether it be advice on club structure and marketing or membership marks and qualifications. DBS checks, first aid qualifications, coaching certificates, instructor licenses, insurance, business plans, equipment, graphics – you named it, we cover it under just one simple, affordable membership.

Club Colours Award That Exceeds Sport England’s Safeguarding Standards

Our Club Colours Award process not only issues a ‘school of excellence’ mark to clubs who hold it, but the safeguarding oversight has been mapped against SCiMA and then approved by Sport England which allows us to automatically issue the ‘Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts’ award to every club that holds our ‘tick mark’. We receive zero funding to run this, but we ensure it’s completely free for every single BMABA member to access.

We’re the only independent association who can offer this.

Certification, Insurance & Evidence With You, On The Go.

Tired of waiting weeks for hand-written documents in the post? Access your BMABA instructor’s documentation, student license slips, insurance certification and even your own submitted DBS checks, first aid qualifications and other criteria 24/7.

Our systems provide you with access to all of this documentation on the go. Be it from a mobile, our app or a desktop – so you can access, download and share your certification when you need it most.

BMABA App

Available for free on Android and OS devices, the BMABA app allows instructors, volunteers and assistant instructors to access the latest updates, resources, guidance, community, forums and loads more. Bring your association, along with all your digital certification – with you in your pocket.

Industry Renowned Qualifications & Training

We’re always building on our library of industry-leading awards and qualifications. This includes our Level 1 and Level 2 instructor qualifications, our Safeguarding & Lead Safeguarding qualifications, our First Aid Award, Club Colours Award, Club Management Qualifications, Risk Management, Concussion & Head Injury, and so much more. 

All online and accessible 24/7 from any device.

The Ultimate, FREE, Club Management Platform

We provide all members with access to exclusive student management software which will help you track attendance, see student details, show your class schedule, accept online bookings, run a club shop, update your members with club news, run a members’ only area and so much more. All completely free of charge.

From SEO, AI and Analytics through to content publishing, class scheduling, online incident log book entries and so, so much more. It’s all inclusive at no extra cost making BMABA the industry leaders in affordable tech solutions for martial arts clubs.

£1,000 Of Tools, Rolled Into One Affordable Membership

From template grading certificates, safeguarding policies and club registration forms to our online logo designer, club accreditation marks and premium club finder listings. BMABA Club Cash Grants and designated safeguarding lead services through to marketing plans, SEO platforms, AI software, Wordpress websites, web hosting and so, so much more. It’s all inclusive and wrapped up into your membership fee so you can access more services with us than anywhere else without paying a penny more.

We Grant Up To £500 To Help Clubs Make Charitable Impact & Grow

Our BMABA Club Grants Scheme donates up to £500 per grant to clubs up and down the UK of all sizes. It helps to make a difference to clubs who want to make a charitable impact, purchase new kit to offer safer classes, or need emergency support in times of crisis. 

We’ve funded research into safeguarding failures in MMA, classes for women and girls at risk of abuse, scholarships for children living in poverty, new mats and punchbags for clubs wanting to safer classes, and so much more.

All self funded. From our profits, back into our community.

Ready to take your club to new heights?

It's in our slogan; "To High Places By Narrow Roads".

Plus So Much More As Standard Just Some Of The Tools & Resources We Offer

  • Instructor Certification & Licensing
  • Student Insurance & Licensing
  • Free Instructor Qualifications
  • Safeguarding Qualifications
  • Enhanced DBS Checks
  • First Aid Training
  • Free Club Website
  • Club Management Support
  • Instructor Certification & Licensing
  • Logos & Accreditation Marks
  • SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) Platform
  • Local & National Networking
  • Stock Grading Certificates
  • Free Instructor Qualifications
  • Template Documents & Forms
  • Printing & Design
  • Safeguarding Code For Martial Arts
  • Best Practice Guidance
  • Wordpress Hosting
  • a.i For Martial Arts
  • Event Management Checklists
  • Safeguarding Model Policies
  • Analytics & Tracking Tools
  • Budgeting Apps
  • Professional Webmail
  • Clothing & Uniform
  • Cyber Toolkit
  • Cash Grants & Funding
  • Risk Management Awards
  • Concussion & Head Injury
  • National Advertising
  • Entrepreneur's Support
  • Plus So Much More

Not entirely convinced?

Try us for free for 12 months, with no obligation.

There’s absolutely no obligation to commit beyond 12 months. You’ll be able to explore what we offer, our member’s area, all of our licensing options and get a better feel for the BMABA’s service without any obligation to become a full member. We genuinely believe the best way to find out if we’re any good is to try us yourself.

Thinking of switching?

We know there’s a lot to think about, and we can help.

We have absolutely no interest in enticing you to switch to BMABA if we’re not the right fit. We know that won’t last and isn’t good for you or us. Instead, we can offer a confidential switching process to help you price up whether or not it’s worth while, whilst also getting answers to any questions you might have.

We have a real team based out of a real office.

There’s nothing wrong with smaller martial arts associations. In fact, we think it’s good for competition and variety. Unfortunately too many are one-man bands run from kitchen tables, and not professional set ups with staff.

HQ

BMABA. Suite I & K, The Old Bakery, Golden Square, Petworth. GU28 0AP

Registered Office

BMABA, 132 City Road, London. N1 6AD

Servicing Office

BMABA, International House, Woolwich House, 61 Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3HZ

The UK's Leading and Largest Multi-Style Trade Body For Martial Arts

BMABA Limited T/A British Martial Arts & Boxing Association
Registered Address: Kemp House, 132 City Road. London. EC1V 2NX
HQ: BMABA, The Old Bakery. Golden Square, Petworth. GU28 0AP
Servicing Office: International House, Woolwich House, 61 Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3HZ
Phone: 0333 335 6032  | EMail: info@bmaba.org.uk

BMABA Limited. Reg. 10676965.
ICO Registration Number: ZA241917
Social Enterprise License No: 11677
VAT Registration Number: 373018216

Emergency Services, Armed Forces and NHS front line staff are all entitled to 10% discounts across all of our memberships for live. This applies to all ex-serving armed forces and emergency workers too.

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