The UK's Leading Independent Martial Arts Association     |       MyBMABA Login | Applicant Login |

Martial Arts Resuming 4th July – Changes To Guidance?

Whats The Issue?

This week, the Government announced plans that effectively opened all but a few parts of the English economy following lockdown commencing in March. To our tremendous disappointment, indoor sport and recreation, as well as gyms and indoor fitness classes were told they could not re-open on July 4th and would need to wait until atleast Mid-July for a review.

This was absolutely devastating news for us and our members. We have been fiercely calling, emailing, tweeting and speaking to the DCMS, Sport And Recreation Alliance and other relevant stake holders to gain clarity on where martial arts is classified, and why we could not re-open our clubs.

Initial suggestions was that Martial Arts should be categorised as sport. A number of prominent Sport England supported NGBs for Martial Arts (such as the BJA and BT among others) followed with updates to confirm they were to await the re-opening of leisure centres and gyms to resume. Sport England and others from the sector operating at the highest levels also voiced disappointment at the ruling.

Following our legal and ethical duty to report the latest guidance BMABA also confirmed that it would appear that grass roots martial arts could not return on the 4th July as hoped. Within a few moments of the news going out, we have been on to DCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport) and Oliver Dowden MP, amongst many others through our various group organisations (BMABA Group, BMABA Association, Fighting Chance Foundation). The central part of our argument was that martial arts has – as always – been completely set aside with no clear definition as to whether or not we classify as a sport or recreational pursuit.

 

What’s Changed?

Whilst the Government and DCMS have provided absolutely no further insight or clarity on the matter, we do now have a further update from the Sport And Recreation’s policy team following our enquiries. New updates out today suggest there may be a change to policy.

When questioned by BMABA, SRA have clarified that;

 

As [BMABA] mention venues such as community centres, places of worship and village halls will be able to reopen from 4 July. The updated guidance on meeting people from outside your household states that gatherings in these venues where people are doing the same activity are permitted up to 30 people, subject to the wider rules on social distancing.

This suggests that martial arts are able to resume in these locations, with up to 30 people socially distanced, from 4 July.

We have put this question to DCMS, along with another question about responsibility for cleaning etc. in these venues. I will let you know when we hear back on this.

 

This new guidance (here) would effectively appear to signal that martial arts CAN resume on 4th July subject to a range of distancing and covid-safe conditions being met, within venues permitted to re-open. This includes community centres, places of worship, village halls and so on. Critically, gyms, purpose built martial arts facilities and leisure centres appear to still be unable to resume or re-open.

 

What Next?

We’re well aware some martial arts organisations have been privately telling clubs they can classify as recreational clubs and not sports clubs, and therefore re-open. Martial arts is about integrity and respect, so clearly looking for loopholes or small print that allows certain parts of our industry to circumvent legislation and guidance is not especially helpful.

At this point it would be completely unethical and nonsensical for BMABA to provide rock-solid confirmation of a return on 4th July because, critically, the Government do not appear to have issued specific guidance. We have some councils confirming martial arts can return to their venues under the remit of recreation, and others not. Some venues  are happy to resume bookings, others are not. Put aside the fact that more than 150 different disciplines co-exist; some based on contact and competition, others strictly non-contact and self defence orientated.

Clearly drawing a specific, black and white conclusion at this stage is not possible. We’re urgently awaiting an update from the Sport & Recreation Alliance and the DCMS to provide full confirmation that martial arts can be classified as recreation and return on 4th July subject to a number of conditions.

This will be forthcoming shortly we believe. It would be irresponsible of us to assure clubs they will be able to resume on 4th July but our message right now is to try and ensure you are ready to resume on 4th July, should you wish to. It is possible the DCMS or other parts of Government may rule against this on closer inspection – so do not offer assurances. Signs are positive at present, and we will keep everyone updated throughout.

For access to the latest professional guidance surrounding a return to the dojo and Covid-19, as well as access to a huge range of Coronavirus Recovery Toolkit resources (and wider membership benefits) you can join us here.

Members can access the latest guidance here.

Multi-Award Winning & Nationally Recognised

Best Sports Governing Body Initiative

Winners

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

Winners

Best Association Website

Winners

Association of the Year

Finalists

Executive Director of the Year Finalists

Finalists

Best Use Of Technology Award

Winners

Best Sport & Recreation Entrepreneur

Winners

UK Business Leader of the Year

Winners

Entrepreneur Of The Year

Finalists

Director Of The Year

Finalists

Young Entrepreneur Of The Year

Finalists

We’re Here When You Need Us.

We know choosing the right association—or just figuring out what support your club really needs—can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re always happy to talk it through.

Whether you’re curious about membership, need help with something specific, or just want a no-pressure chat to see if we’re the right fit, our team is ready. No bots. No scripts. Just real people, working full-time from our UK office, here to help clubs like yours thrive.

THINKING OF JOINING?

Still Thinking It Over?

We know choosing a governing body isn’t something you rush. That’s why our team is always here to offer honest, impartial advice — no pressure, no sales scripts.

Whether you’re comparing support, questioning the value in your current membership, or just need to talk things through — we’re happy to help.

We’re a real team, working full-time from our UK office — not a voluntary outfit run from someone’s kitchen table. You’ll feel the difference the moment you get in touch.

Trusted by more than 6,500 instructors and clubs.

A National, Regulated, Award-Winning Not-For-Profit - Built From The Ground Up

BMABA CIC isn’t just another organisation claiming to serve martial arts — we’re a regulated, independently audited, multi-award-winning social enterprise leading from the front.

We hold ISO9001:2015 certification under UKAS accreditation — the same gold standard used to assess hospitals, universities, and major corporations. We’re also regulated by the Office of the Regulator of Community Interest Companies (CIC Regulator), meaning we’re legally bound to reinvest every penny back into grassroots martial arts.

We haven’t been propped up by corporate sponsors or legacy funding. We’ve grown organically — one instructor at a time, by doing what we said we’d do and showing up when others didn’t. Since 2012, we’ve supported clubs through hardship, driven national reforms, and built a respected, professional home for independent martial arts.

Today, we’re trusted by more than 6,500 instructors and clubs and support over 100,000 members across 140+ disciplines. Along the way, we’ve earned national recognition — from awards in governance and inclusion, to features across BBC, ITV, and The Guardian.

We didn’t inherit status. We earned it — by raising the bar, and never compromising on our values.

Empower Your Club With A Platform That Works For You

Run your martial arts club smarter with our full-featured, professionally-built Club Management Platform — funded entirely by our not-for-profit mission, not a corporate agenda. No upsells. No hidden costs. Just powerful, intuitive tools included free with your membership.

Built to save you time, money, and stress — and trusted by thousands of clubs nationwide.

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
Why Do Thousands Choose BMABA?

Not everyone understands what makes us different. But for those who do, the reasons are clear — from our award-winning governance to the groundbreaking support we offer clubs of all sizes.

Whether it’s our industry-leading safeguarding standards, our not-for-profit mission, or our powerful club tech funded purely by membership — there’s a reason more than 6,500 instructors and 3,500 clubs trust us.

Built For The Sector — Not For Shareholders

BMABA wasn’t inherited or bought — it was built. And in 2025, we made the bold decision to give it away.

Our founder, who grew up in poverty and built BMABA from scratch with just £20, voluntarily converted the organisation into a regulated not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) — surrendering nearly £2 million in private value to protect its mission for the long term. That means no for profit shareholders, no dividends, and no profiteering — just an unwavering commitment to community impact.

We’re a registered social enterprise, governed by the CIC Regulator, certified to ISO9001:2015 under UKAS accreditation, and led by a multi-award winning social entrepreneur who believes martial arts should serve the people, not the few.

This isn’t a vanity project with self-appointed 8th dans — it’s a movement, built for clubs, by clubs.

INCLUDED WITH MEMBERSHIP

Build or Transfer Your Club Website — For Free

Whether you already have a site or are starting from scratch, we’ll take care of it for you. Our developers can seamlessly transfer your existing website or design a brand-new, professional site tailored to your club — all fully integrated with BMABA’s ecosystem.

Every site is built to do more. From running a full club webshop and handling online payments, to connecting directly with our Club Management Platform, business tools, and secure MailbyBMABA email, your digital presence is future-proofed from day one. You’ll even receive free one-to-one time with our developers to make sure everything is set up exactly as you need it — and all of this is included completely free with your membership.

Nationally Recognised Standards

Our Club Colours and Regulation Ready awards go far beyond branding or badges — they represent some of the most robust safeguarding and compliance standards available anywhere in UK martial arts.

Mapped directly against the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts (SCiMA) and formally approved by Sport England, our frameworks allow clubs to earn full SCiMA recognition directly through the MyBMABA platform — automatically and at no cost. We are the only independent governing body, and one of just two organisations nationwide, including Sport England’s own NGBs, granted the authority to issue SCiMA certification in this way.

No waiting. No third-party submission. No extra cost. Every BMABA member has access to this, included as part of our not-for-profit mission to raise standards from the ground up.

Others talk about safeguarding. We built a national infrastructure to deliver it.

Not Entirely Sure?

We offer a genuine 12 months of free membership — with absolutely no catches, obligations, or hidden clauses.

Why? Because we believe you deserve the chance to see, first-hand, what it feels like to be supported by an organisation that genuinely has your back. We know how often martial arts clubs have been let down by associations and governing bodies that overpromise and underdeliver — or worse, treat instructors as revenue, not people.

We’re not here to sell you on hype. We’re here to show you what real, modern martial arts governance and support can look like.

Whether you’re looking for insurance, safeguarding help, student tools, guidance, structure, or just a community that understands your club’s challenges — our free membership gives you access to the same resources, platform, and support we provide to thousands of instructors and clubs across the UK.

No commitment. No pressure. Just a genuine opportunity to explore what we offer — and decide for yourself.

Raising Standards, Protecting Clubs

With Regulation Ready and Club Colours, every BMABA club gains free access to the most advanced governance framework in martial arts — a gold-standard system built in-house, verified against ISO 9001:2015, and recognised nationally through SCiMA.

This isn’t theory; it’s a living, breathing platform. Your policies, safeguarding, leadership and compliance are dynamically checked in real-time, giving you instant certification, public recognition, and complete transparency. No other martial arts body offers anything this comprehensive — and with BMABA CIC, it’s included free for every member, because raising standards and protecting grassroots clubs is what we do.

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

BMABA CIC T/A British Martial Arts & Boxing Association
Registered Address: The Old Bakery. Golden Square, Petworth. GU28 0AP
Phone: 01798306546  | EMail: info@bmaba.org.uk

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

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

BMABA CIC is proud to hold the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management certification, issued under UKAS accreditation (Certificate No. 267261) — the highest level of independent validation for quality management systems in the UK.

© 2012-2025 British Martial Arts & Boxing Association (BMABA). All Rights Reserved. Use of our site or any of our services signifies agreement to our legal policy and privacy policy, available here.