Sector Leading
Concussion & Head Injury Management in Martial Arts
Setting the gold-standard protocols for safety with expert-led policy, real-time tools, and first-of-their-kind training — recognised across the UK and trusted under pressure.
Concussion & Head Injury Management In Martial Arts
Martial arts should teach discipline, not bring risk. That’s why BMABA is one of the recognised leaders in concussion and head injury management across the sector.
In the aftermath of a tragic ring-side incident in which a young athlete lost their life, national media turned to BMABA for guidance. Our leadership under pressure wasn’t by chance — it reflects years of building a robust, real-world-worthy concussion response framework and policy infrastructure tailored to martial arts.
We’ve developed and published a clear, accessible Concussion & Head Injury Management Policy, applicable to all styles and designed for clarity on every mat. Backing this is our cutting-edge Return-to-Participation (RtP) software — the first of its kind in UK martial arts — which automates individual recovery tracking based on best-practice medical guidance.
To complement our tech tools, we offer CPD-accredited concussion training, equipping instructors and club leaders with the knowledge they need to confidently manage head injuries, support students safely, and reduce long-term risks.
From policy, to training, to live recovery monitoring — BMABA is pioneering what safety truly looks like in martial arts.
Multi-Award Winning & Nationally Recognised
Why Concussion Management Matters
Head injuries aren’t just a risk for competitors in the ring — they can happen in grappling, takedowns, sparring drills, or even routine training. Concussion and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are among the most misunderstood and under-managed risks in martial arts, yet the consequences can be lifelong.
That’s why BMABA is leading from the front. We’ve built a sector-first framework that helps clubs of all sizes modernise their approach to concussion, protect their members, and meet best-practice safeguarding expectations. From national policy to live triage tools, we’re making concussion management clear, accessible, and actionable at club level.
Let’s address the elephant in the room. Why is a not-for-profit, self-funded organisation doing more of the heavy lifting on concussion than the National Governing Bodies?
When the tragic death of a teenager in the ring brought concussion in martial arts to national headlines, the media didn’t turn to the NGBs. They turned to us. BMABA provided the expert guidance, interviews, and perspective that parents, clubs, and the public needed. Sport England opened the door to further discussion. The Martial Arts Safeguarding Group (MASG), on which we proudly sit, asked us to consult further.
But here’s the truth: long before the spotlight, BMABA had already self-funded and launched the UK’s first Concussion & Head Injury Management Award (CHIMA). More than a year before tragedy struck, more than a thousand clubs had already completed training through us — proving independent martial arts were willing and able to raise standards without being told.
It shouldn’t take a tragedy to force reform. Yet too often, that’s the pattern — big, well-funded organisations move only after the fact. BMABA leads from the front. We set the standard before it becomes mandated, and we help our clubs surpass it. That’s what being a governing body means to us.
4 Practical Ways BMABA Can Help Your Club Right Now
01
Assess Your Protocols
We’ll assist you in immediately reviewing your existing concussion policies (if you have any) and help you understand where gaps or risks exist.
02
Upskill Your Team
Through our CHIMA Award — already completed by 1,000+ clubs — your instructors gain practical knowledge of concussion: what it is, when and where it occurs, and just how real the dangers are.
03
Implement Practical Frameworks
We provide nuanced, step-by-step support, guidance and frameworks you can actually apply, making your club safer and better protected.
04
Represent You Nationally
We ensure your club’s reality is heard in wider government and sector reform conversations, pushing for science-led answers and amplifying your voice.
Empower Your Club With Instant Safety Tools
Keep your students safer with free technology from BMABA. Our Club Manager platform includes on-the-go concussion triage reporting to flag serious concerns the moment they occur, properly controlled Return to Play protocols, built-in risk assessment tools, and more.
Streamline safety, protect your members, and bring world-class safeguarding practices into everyday training — without extra cost.
