Club Management Award . Levels 1 & 2

You Spent Years Getting Good At Your Martial Art. Nobody Taught You The Rest Of It.

Legal structure. Pricing. Bookkeeping. VAT. Whether your instructors are employed or self-employed, and what it costs you if you have got that wrong. None of it was on the syllabus, and all of it lands on the person who opened the club.

Two levels, fourteen lessons each. Level 1 is getting it right from the start. Level 2 is what arrives once the club is actually working.

Get Access The full syllabus

Why It Exists

Most Clubs That Fail Do Not Fail At Martial Arts

They fail because the numbers never quite worked and nobody noticed until it was too late. Because the venue hire went up and the fees did not. Because an instructor was paid as self-employed for three years and then a status question arrived. Because a club crossed the VAT threshold without realising there was one.

None of that has anything to do with how well the person teaches. It is a separate body of knowledge, it is genuinely learnable, and it is the difference between a club that lasts twenty years and one that quietly closes.

Written for martial arts clubs specifically, not adapted from generic small business training. The examples are venue hire, grading fees, term-time attendance dips and instructor cover, because those are the problems you actually have.

Two Levels, Two Stages Of A Club

The Full Running Order For Both

Fourteen lessons each, both ending in a final examination. Every lesson, in the order you study it.

Getting it right

Level 1: Foundations

For anyone running a club, or about to. Sole traders, small clubs, and anyone who started teaching and worked the business out afterwards.

Legal structure, registration and insurance, what has to be in place around safeguarding and DBS before you can operate at all. Then the money: pricing, bookkeeping, and reading a simple profit and loss well enough to know whether your club is healthy. Then getting and keeping students, scheduling and venues, and the admin habits that keep you out of trouble.

Introduction to the Level 1 Club Management Award
Choosing Your Legal Structure
Registration, Compliance and Insurance
Safeguarding and DBS: What You Need in Place to Operate
Pricing Your Classes
Income, Outgoings and Basic Bookkeeping
Reading a Simple P&L and Knowing When Your Club Is Healthy
Your Club’s Identity and How to Talk About It
Marketing Channels That Actually Work for Martial Arts Clubs
Enquiries, Conversions and Keeping the Students You’ve Got
Scheduling, Venue and Equipment
Administration Systems and Data Protection Basics
Building Habits That Keep You Professional and Legal
Final Exam

14 lessonsFinal examSame-day certificate

Once it is working

Level 2: Development

For clubs that are off the ground and now facing the questions that only arrive with scale.

Forecasting and break-even, VAT, and the decision nobody frames properly: growth or sustainability, and which one you are actually building. Contracts, waivers and liability, GDPR in practice, and insurance in depth including what you might not have. Then the employment block, PAYE, pensions, National Insurance, and the employed against self-employed question, which is where clubs get hurt most often.

Introduction to Level 2 Club Management
Financial Planning, Forecasting and Your Break-Even Point
VAT: What It Is, When It Applies and How to Manage It
Growth Versus Sustainability: Knowing What You’re Building Toward
Contracts, Waivers and Liability
GDPR in Practice for a Martial Arts Club
Insurance in Depth: What You Have, What You Might Not, and What That Means
Employing Staff: PAYE, Employer Responsibilities and Getting It Right
Pensions, National Insurance and the True Cost of Employing Instructors
Self-Employed or Employed: Structuring Instructor Relationships Legally and Fairly
Brand Development and Community Building
Digital Marketing and Partnerships
Planning for the Long Term: The Full-Time Academy Scenario
Club Management Award (Level 2) Final Exam

14 lessonsFinal examSame-day certificate

Three Lessons Worth The Whole Course

Employed Or Self-Employed Is The Question Clubs Get Wrong Most Expensively

Level 2 gives three consecutive lessons to employment, and it is the block we would point any growing club at first.

PAYE and employer responsibilitiesWhat actually changes the moment somebody stops being a volunteer, and what you are on the hook for from that point.

The true cost of an instructorPensions and National Insurance on top of the rate you agreed. The number in your head is almost never the number.

Structuring it legally and fairlyEmployment status is not decided by what the invoice says. It is decided by how the arrangement actually works, and clubs routinely get this backwards.

Getting this wrong is not a paperwork problem. It is back-dated liability, and it lands on the club owner personally depending on the structure chosen back in Level 1, lesson two.

Theory, Then The Tool

Knowing How To Read A P&L Is Better When Something Produces One

Level 1 lesson seven teaches you to read a simple profit and loss and recognise when your club is healthy. Level 2 lesson two takes it further into forecasting and break-even. Both are considerably easier when the figures already exist.

The Finance App is included free with membership. Income, outgoings, budgeting and the numbers this course teaches you to interpret, built for club finances rather than general accountancy.

Once the club is big enough to need help running it, the Instructor Training Pathway is how you develop the people who will. Level 2 is largely about that transition.

The Finance App Instructor Training Pathway

Level 1, lesson 7Reading a simple P&L
Level 2, lesson 2Forecasting and break-even
Level 2, lesson 3VAT, and when it applies
Free with membershipThe Finance App that produces the figures

How Our Standards Evolve

Qualifications That Move When The Sector Moves

A governing body that never changes its own qualifications is not being consistent, it is being inattentive. Our CPD catalogue is reviewed on a rolling cadence rather than left to age, and reviewed again out of cycle whenever something material shifts: new legislation, updated statutory guidance, a sector-wide review, or clubs telling us that what we teach no longer matches what they are dealing with.

Club management was one award covering everything from choosing a legal structure to employing staff, which meant a brand-new sole trader and a club with four paid instructors were being taught from the same page. Splitting it means Level 1 can stay genuinely introductory while Level 2 goes properly into VAT, employment status and long-term planning.

Rolling review, not a rewrite when it is embarrassing Courses carry a review cycle and are revisited on it. Most CPD refreshes on a two-year validity, at which point you simply re-enrol and work through the current version. Coaching qualifications do not expire.

Out-of-cycle when the ground moves Significant legislative change, new statutory guidance or a major sector review triggers a review immediately rather than waiting for the next scheduled one.

Told in advance, through the Governance Group Changes reach members before they land, not afterwards. Where a course splits into levels, the convention is Level 1 at practitioner level and Level 2 at coordinator or lead level.

Nothing you have earned is taken away We will never release updated CPD in a way that wipes a prior verification, knocks out a linked standard such as Club Colours, or forces you to restart an award because the schedule changed.

Our workforce of instructors, assistant instructors and volunteers is who this is for. When their job changes, the training that supports it should already have changed, rather than catching up afterwards.

Why This Certificate Carries Weight

Anybody Can Publish A Course. Rather Fewer Can Stand Behind One.

This one touches tax, employment and liability, where confidently wrong guidance is expensive.

CIMSPA

Endorsed Training Provider

BMABA is a CIMSPA Endorsed Training Provider, and we map our qualifications to a recognised professional standard wherever one exists. Mapped is not the same as endorsed: a course is only formally CIMSPA Endorsed CPD once it has been submitted, reviewed and certified, and we say so on the course itself when it has.

UKRLP

UK Register Of Learning Providers

We are listed on the UK Register of Learning Providers, the government-maintained record of organisations delivering learning in the United Kingdom.

Honest scope

Training, Not Advice

These courses teach you what the questions are, where the thresholds sit and when to get help. They are not accountancy or legal advice on your specific circumstances, and where the stakes are high you should take proper advice on top.

We run one too

Written From Doing It

BMABA CIC is a not-for-profit that has been operating since 2012, with a full-time office and staff since 2018. VAT thresholds, employment status and forecasting are not theoretical to us.

ISO 9001:2015

Certified Quality Management

Certified under UKAS accreditation via the British Assessment Bureau. Content is version-controlled and reviewed on a cycle, which matters here because thresholds and rates change.

ISO 27001:2022

Certified Information Security

Also UKAS accredited, with zero non-conformities at our most recent audit. GDPR is a lesson on this course, and we are held to the standard we teach.

Who Gets What

Where These Sit

Straight from the membership inclusion handbook, so you can check it rather than take our word for it.

Silver & GoldBoth levelsFull access to all current and future CPD

Affiliate & BronzeNot includedUpgrade to Silver for both levels

The Finance AppFreeIncluded with membership on every tier

Check It In The Handbook

BMABA course content running on a phone and a tablet

Train Anywhere, Anytime

Study It In The Car Park Between Classes If That Is What Works

Our qualifications and awards are delivered entirely online through our own learning platform, on the website or in the BMABA app. Phone, tablet, laptop, whatever you have in your hand.

Your place is saved as you go, so you can do a lesson on your lunch break, another while the kids are at training, and finish the exam on a Sunday evening. Nothing expires part way through and nothing has to be done in one sitting.

Most people take Level 1 in a week and then come back to Level 2 when something forces the question, usually a VAT letter or a first paid instructor. Your place is saved indefinitely, so that is a perfectly sensible way to use it.

Any deviceWebsite or mobile app, nothing to download to start
Progress savedStop mid-lesson, pick up exactly where you left off
No deadlineWork at the pace the dojo and the day job allow
Certificate the same dayIssued the moment you pass the final exam

Start On Any Device, Free

Multi-Award Winning & Nationally Recognised

ISO 9001:2015 certified under UKAS accreditation

ISO 27001:2022 certified under UKAS accreditation

The Part Of Running A Club Nobody Trained You For

Twenty-eight lessons across two levels, two exams and two certificates. Included with Silver and Gold membership.

See Membership Options All CPD Courses

Keep going

There Is A Great Deal More Waiting For You

This is one course out of more than thirty in the library. Every one is written for martial arts specifically, delivered online, mapped to CIMSPA professional standards where a standard exists, and included with membership rather than sold separately.

Free for everyone CHIMA Concussion & head injury management 17 lessons Core study Child Safeguarding In Martial Arts The backbone of Club Colours 11 lessons Designated Safeguarding Lead Six-hour qualification for your club lead 14 lessons Popular First Aid For Martial Arts Scenario-led, for the injuries we actually see 23 lessons Popular Foundation Coach, Level 1 Entry point of the coaching pathway 28 lessons Qualified Coach, Level 2 Practitioner level for confident coaches 34 lessons Senior Coach, Level 3 Senior practitioner and club lead level 31 lessons Free for everyone SEND In Martial Arts, Level 1 Practitioner level adaptive coaching 11 lessons SEND In Martial Arts, Level 2 Co-ordinator level, holding the overview 15 lessons Trauma-Informed Coaching, Level 1 Coaching students carrying more than you can see 11 lessons Trauma-Informed Coaching, Level 2 ACEs, and turning principle into practice 14 lessons Coaching Neurodiversity Autism, ADHD and the neurodivergent mat 12 lessons Coaching Children & Young People Development, motivation and age-appropriate practice 23 lessons Curriculum Design & Pedagogy For instructors who want to coach deliberately 18 lessons Cadet Coaching Award For 13 to 17s, with the Bronze to Gold pathway 13 lessons Event-Ready Plan and run safe, sanctioned competitions 13 lessons Referees & Officials Award Officiating standards, scoring and safety 38 lessons Compulsory BMABA Induction Training Where every member starts 6 lessons

Browse the full CPD catalogue

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Chris J
Great People To Work With
Great people to work with.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. 💙🐺👊
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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"
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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!!
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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
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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.
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