BMABA Turns 13

Hi there,

On this day back in 2012, a 20-year-old Giovanni registered the very first BMABA domain name — armed with £20 of 'start-up capital', a refurbished laptop, and a second-hand BlackBerry. Thirteen years later, what began as a small idea has grown into a community of more than 6,500 instructors, clubs, assistants and volunteers, and a student body of over 94,000 across 100 disciplines, and £2,450,000 self-generated revenue reinvested back into UK martial arts.

From the earliest members who’ve stood with us through every milestone, to those who’ve joined just recently — thank you. Every single club has helped make BMABA CIC what it is today. Together we’ve navigated COVID, heartbreak, triumph and growth — and we’ve done it without letting politics get in the way of what matters most: martial arts.

Instead of celebrating in the office, we wanted to do something meaningful. On behalf of our team and our members, today we’re proud to make a donation to Sophie's Legacy, a beautiful charity set up in memory of Sophie, who tragically passed away from cancer aged 10. Tonight, our contribution will fund a pizza night for parents staying with their children on the NICU and Howard Ward at Chichester Hospital. Too often these parents go unfed while they remain by their child’s side, and Sophie’s Legacy ensures they are cared for at such a difficult time. We’re committed to making this a regular monthly contribution going forward.

We’re humbled, grateful, and excited for what the next 13 years will bring — and we couldn’t do any of it without you.