BMABA Interim Policy For Unrepresented Style Goes Live
Following on from our announcement late last week that, after discussions with Sport England, we have been given permission to release an interim ‘Return to Play’ policy for clubs practicing unrepresented styles of martial arts, we’re pleased to announce this policy has now formally been launched.
A copy has been submitted to Sport England as agreed and our clubs to whom the policy applies may immediately access the full guidance.
Who can use the policy?
It’s important to stress that our interim policy is just that. It’s designed to act as a temporary policy for styles and disciplines who do not currently have a Sport England recognised NGB. If a DCMS approved Return to Play policy already exists, such as for Judo, Taekwondo and Karate, then that document must be followed instead.
For the dozens of disciplines without a formal return to play policy and without representation, our interim policy can be used to resume Phase 1 and 2 training as appropriate.
We’re keen to stress that we have not been granted authority to lift specific restrictions or to permit anything that is not already outlined in the DCMS Combat Sports Framework. Instead, having discussed this in-depth with Sport England, this policy is intended to ‘fill the gaps’ for those without a formal policy, and to provide a regulatory framework in-line with other DCMS approved RtPs.
What about Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland?
At the moment the policy is only intended for England but we intend to use the precedence set here to try and apply the policy in the devolved nations. We also continue to support Kickboxing’s policy, of which we’re a named part of, toward recognition in the devolved regions. We will keep all of our clubs in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland up to date on progress.
How can I access the policy?
As the policy has just been released, it’s currently available only to members. We’re doing this strictly as a temporary measure whilst we explore feedback on the application of the policy to the many styles it applies. As soon as we’re confident it is ready to be used by the wider public, we will publish it openly.
In the interim, we’re offering a year’s completely free membership to any instructor or club that would like to make use of this policy. Inclusive in the free affiliate membership is access to our Interim Policy, COVID Risk Assessments, ESCP planning document and our COVID aware instructor qualification among many other features.
If you’re a current member click below to access the policy.
If you’re NOT currently a member click below to explore membership options.
For free instructor membership, go to ‘Individual Instructor Membership’ from the above link and then scroll to the bottom of the membership options page. You’ll see a package for Free Affiliate Members.
We’re here to help with questions and queries.
Access expert guidance and speak with our dedicated team for queries on membership, insurance, eligibility, us or just about anything else you might need.
We’re not based from a kitchen worktop, nor do we employ call centres overseas to answer generic FAQs for us. We have three locations throughout the UK including our Headquarters in West Sussex. BMABA boasts over 1,250sqft of newly refurbished top-spec office space for our dedicated staff and everyone you speak with here – be it via email, live chat, Facebook or phone – is part of the team and not an outsourced agent.
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We have our own offices, not the kitchen table.
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.
We have three locations – Manchester, London and West Sussex. Our HQ has over 1,400sqft of dedicated, bespoke office space for our team of staff and volunteers.
Founded in 2012 by the now Multi-Award Winning Social Entrepreneur & Life-Long Martial Artist
Frustrated by a lack of affordable, professional alternatives to the associations Giovanni Soffietto had dealt with when participating and then teaching Thai Boxing and Karate, BMABA was founded.
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.
Our Membership Isn’t 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.
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So much of what you do will be judged on the grades, credentials and certification you hold. We get that.
We know parents, students and venues don’t always understand exactly what qualifies you. We help by providing superb, professional certification that ensures you look the part. Be it a Dan Grade, Instructor License or Insurance Document, all of our digital and printed certificates will meet the mark and be accepted across the UK.
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All of our eligible profits are donated to the Fighting Chance Foundation to help change lives through martial arts.
From programmes designed to help children in poverty and women & girls at risk of violence through to anti-knife campaigns and disability inclusion work, the Fighting Chance Foundation changes lives through martial arts.
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We provide all of our members with a free Level 1 and level 2 Martial Arts Instructor Qualification. We also provide access to more than twenty professional courses and qualifications to help expand our member’s portfolios.
From first aid, safeguarding and coaching through to concussion awareness, club colours and marketing – BMABA are a household name in martial arts for providing high-quality, affordable access to training and qualifications for martial arts.
We Back Our Members, Even During The Darkest Of Times
Our response and support throughout the Coronavirus Pandemic confirmed to the industry the way BMABA treats it’s members.
We provided daily updates, dedicated online training hubs, access to a free COVID instructor qualification, subsidised insurances, a self-funded Covid Recovery Scheme, mediation services with local authorities and interpretations of DCMS policy. We increased our operational hours to ensure a 7 day a week response and invested more than ever in our systems, processes and memberships. This is what an association should be doing for its members we believe. As our slogan goes; “To High Places By Narrow Roads“.
You won't find another UK martial arts association that can offer so much to their members.
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Switching To Us
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.
