A Leading Independent Martial Arts Governing Body     |     MyBMABA Login     |      Applicant Login    |

Specialist, Qualification-Gated Cover

Live Blade Insurance

Cover For Live Bladed Weapons Training, Demonstrations & Test Cutting, Exclusively For Qualified BMABA Instructors.

£95Instructor Extension, Per Year £4.50Per Student, Per Year MembersOnly, By Qualification

One Of The Only Genuine Routes To Insured Live Blade Work In UK Martial Arts

Live blades sit outside almost every martial arts policy in the country, and ours is no exception by default: liability arising from live bladed weapons is excluded across our master policy, with one carefully built exception. Instructors who are qualified and authorised by BMABA to deliver our Live Blades programme can extend their cover to include live bladed weapons in training and demonstration, under the controlled conditions of the BMABA Live Blades framework.

That makes this one of the rare legitimate homes for iaido, test cutting, tameshigiri, historical weapon arts and demonstration work: real cover, on real conditions, built with the underwriter rather than around them.

We’re currently streamlining this cover so it can be explored and purchased online in just a few clicks. That’s coming shortly. In the meantime, our team will happily talk through options, eligibility and pricing directly, and because the cover is exclusive to members holding the qualification, free membership is the natural first step either way.

  • Instructor Live Blades Extension£95 per year (£9.27 monthly) as an extension to your instructor policy, available exclusively to holders of the BMABA Live Blades Instructor qualification.
  • Student Live Blades Extension£4.50 per student per year (£0.44 monthly), so licensed students can train under a qualified instructor within the framework’s controlled conditions.
  • Training & Demonstration CoverApplies to the use of live bladed weapons in training and demonstration under controlled conditions as set out in the BMABA Live Blades framework, including test cutting and demonstration work.
  • Hard Boundaries, Stated PlainlySparring and paired drills with live blades are totally excluded, as is any injury caused by one participant to another in any training situation. No responsible policy covers those, and we’d rather say so up front.
Coming Shortly

Online Purchase Is On Its Way

We’re rebuilding this product so qualified members can add live blade cover to their policy online, instantly, the same way as the rest of our insurance. Until then, nothing is on hold: contact the office and we’ll arrange coverage, talk through the qualification pathway, or simply answer questions. Real people, full-time, who know both insurance and weapon arts.

Multi-Award Winning & Nationally Recognised

ICO Registered CIMSPA Training Provider Partner ISO 9001:2015 certified under UKAS accreditation ISO 27001:2022 certified under UKAS accreditation Armed Forces Covenant signatory CPD Approved UK Register of Learning Providers Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts Cyber Essentials certified Good Governance Recognition Social Enterprise UK Sport England Sport and Physical Activity Sport and Recreation Alliance Martial Arts Safeguarding Group ASPP Disability Confident Committed Ecologi climate positive workforce End Child Poverty coalition charity: water supporter Child Rescue Alliance UKRLP registered MARSC Approved Association Home Office Knife Free campaign Anti-Bullying Alliance As featured on BBC Radio 4 As featured on BBC News As featured in The Guardian As featured in The Sunday Times As featured in Men's Health World Sports Awards

The Fine Print, In Plain Sight

Live blade cover only works because its boundaries are strict. Here they are, before you ask.

Conditions Of Cover

  • BMABA membership with active instructor insurance
  • The BMABA Live Blades Instructor qualification, held and current
  • Delivery within the BMABA Live Blades framework’s controlled conditions
  • Training and demonstration use, including test cutting
  • Students covered via the student extension under a qualified instructor

What Isn’t Covered

  • Sparring and paired drills with live blades, totally excluded
  • Injury caused by any participant to another in any training situation
  • Instructors without the BMABA Live Blades qualification
  • Live blade use outside the framework’s controlled conditions

Cover operates as an extension under our AXA XL master policy, underwritten by AXA XL Insurance Company UK Limited and accessed through our FCA-authorised broker. Certificates and verification are available on request.

A Voice For Independent Martial Arts

Ministerial Commendation And Parliamentary Recognition

“Organisations such as the British Martial Arts and Boxing Association support unaffiliated martial arts providers to adopt the safeguarding code… Providers with recognition under the code can display a logo on their promotional materials to show participants that their safety measures have been vetted.”
Stephanie Peacock MP, House of Commons Debate on Combat Sport Safety

BMABA CIC has been recognised at the highest levels of Government for our commitment to safeguarding in martial arts. During a House of Commons debate on combat sport safety, the Minister for Sport, Stephanie Peacock MP, highlighted the British Martial Arts & Boxing Association by name for our work in supporting independent and unaffiliated clubs to adopt the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts. This direct mention in Parliament demonstrates that our efforts to raise standards and protect participants are shaping the national conversation on safety in combat sports.

Following that debate, the Minister for Sport wrote formally to commend BMABA’s work, praising our role in raising safeguarding standards across the independent martial arts sector. She described our contribution as “extremely useful” to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s ongoing policy development, and thanked us for our ongoing efforts to make martial arts safer for children. This recognition reflects the trust placed in BMABA to help Government address urgent safeguarding challenges highlighted by recent tragedies within combat sports.

For our members and the wider martial arts community, this recognition underlines BMABA’s credibility as a leading voice for independent martial arts in the UK. It demonstrates that our grassroots-driven mission, to promote safe, inclusive, and properly governed martial arts for all, is influencing national policy and gaining ministerial support. Being referenced in Parliament and commended in writing by the Minister for Sport reinforces that BMABA is not just a governing body, but a sector-shaping organisation working to protect participants and secure the future of martial arts.

“I appreciate your ongoing efforts to make martial arts safer for children.”
Stephanie Peacock MP, Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth
Awards & Recognition
Testimonials

What Do Our Members Say?

  • D Hurt
    10 Out Of 10
    Well I was with another organisation for 4 years and came across these guys. They have great vetting, were really helpful at every stage of my application, the actual app is amazing with training opportunities for members, also student membership. All round 10 out of 10.
    Facebook recommendation
  • Peter R
    They Go Above And Beyond
    Been a member for a number of years and they go above and beyond to support their members. Everything from safeguarding and legalities to certified courses, websites, club manager software, just to name a few of the benefits.
    Google review
  • Giles H
    Exemplary Organisation
    A huge resource of helpful information and support for those setting up or running a martial arts club. Well put together coaching courses and great safeguarding advice and policies. Really pleased to have access to this exemplary organisation to help me with my new kickboxing club.
    Google review
  • VORTEX Martial Arts & Fitness
    More Than Just A Governing Body
    Simply amazing. BMABA are more than just a governing body for martial arts, they are a team of incredible people, always willing to go the extra mile to make sure you feel supported. Incredible customer service, amazing response time, and an honour to be governed by.
    Google review
  • Lena S
    Professional And High Quality
    Previously searched for similar organisations but after speaking to Giovanni over the phone I knew that BMABA was the right one for me. He was very informative, patient and had a lot of time to answer any questions. Extremely reassuring and helpful. Their website and documentation are also very professional and high quality.
    Google review
  • Luke T
    Far More Helpful Than Any Other Association
    Having been a part of BMABA for a short while, I can say that already they have been far more helpful than any other association I have been involved in. After 10 years of martial arts, I hope to continue instructing under BMABA for many years.
    Google review
  • Chris J
    Great People To Work With
    Great people to work with.
    Facebook recommendation
  • Matt J
    Can't Rate Them Highly Enough
    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.
    Member review
  • John Tomsett
    Outstanding Club Association and Insurance Provider
    I have been a customer of BMABA for two years now, and I am extremely impressed with their services. 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.
    Member review
  • Georgina E
    Really impressive, 21st century MA organisation. 10/10
    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. 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.
    Member review
  • Michael Willington
    Definately recommended. Unbelievable Association.
    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.
    Member review
  • Jonathan D
    BMABA – the Martial Arts Association you NEED
    I joined the BMABA right in its infancy (I believe I was their second member!). 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 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.
    Member review
  • Fabian Burdett
    This Team Deserves A Medal
    As we all know 2020 has been the year from hell for martial arts. 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. Once again big THANK YOU to you guys for all the help. 💙🐺👊
    Member review
  • Matthew Robert Cooling-Stones
    These guys are the real deal
    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. i have seen and had first hand experience with the Mcdojo's offering you the greatest adventures of a life time. but these guys are the real deal… i hold my head high, and say with great pride "i am a BMABA member"
    Facebook
  • Anna Martensson
    Highly IMPRESSED by the BMABA
    As someone with 22 years of experience in martial arts, who saw enough big egos and leaders who only look after their own benefits… I am highly IMPRESSED by the BMABA. I wanted to make sure they don't just promise the world but actually deliver. They support us all the way and constantly look for new ways of making our whole industry better for ALL of us. THANK YOU!!
    Facebook
  • Adrian Jackson
    Always quick to respond and thoughtful
    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
    Member review
  • Daniel Leaver
    Simply the best organisation I have ever worked with
    Simply the best organisation I have ever worked with. Everything is so stress free and I am definitely sticking with them for the rest of my career.
    Facebook
Our Story

From A £20 Start-Up To A Nationally Recognised Powerhouse. Built From Scratch, Driven By Purpose. 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. We have never taken shortcuts or silver spoons, but we have earned recognition at the highest levels of UK sport, including Sport England, DCMS, and national media, purely on merit. More than £2.4 million generated to date, reinvested into the UK martial arts community.

No gimmicks. No politics. No hidden shareholders.

We built one of the UK’s most trusted martial arts ecosystems from the ground up. A comprehensive, style-agnostic governance system. Sector-leading safeguarding and compliance. Affordable insurance. Free club management software. Dozens of tools, licences, guidance, and expert support, all included, all in one place.

We didn’t inherit a legacy. We forged one.

Whether you’re stepping out for the first time or have always been proudly independent, this is your home. To high places by narrow roads isn’t just a slogan. It’s how we got here.

25 Reasons We Might Be A Good Fit

Serious About Blade Work? So Are We.

Talk to the team about coverage today, or join free and start the qualification pathway. Online purchase lands shortly.

  • Instructor extension £95 per year
  • Student extension £4.50 per year
  • Training, demonstration & test cutting
  • Qualification-gated, framework-governed
  • Underwritten by AXA XL Insurance Company UK Limited
  • Exclusive to BMABA members