Our NGB Partner Programme Explained

Hi there,

BMABA have always been clear from day 1 that we're keen to work with and support like-minded organisations. As an independent body focused on trying to bring about systemic improvements to the way martial arts is regulated, the standards to which clubs operate, and the safety under which students can access training, working as broadly as possible and having as many clubs as we can adopt our standards is hugely important.

As early as 2021 we've been working in a limited capacity with the likes of Sport England SCiMA (Safeguarding Code) and from there, a number of other NGBs and Pre-NGBs have, over the past twelve months in particular, come through to us looking to work in partnership.

As of March 2025, we have 9 NGBs, Pre-NGBs (those applying for NGB recognition) and NGO organisations using BMABA as an essential part of their licencing, safeguarding and membership provision.

This is huge. It helps BMABA influence the broader martial arts landscape in a profound and style agnostic way. It also helps our independent clubs benefit from an ever-better-recognised and respected brandname.

When an NGB or NGO comes to BMABA for a partnership, they're typically going to be offering a BMABA membership to their own members, as part of their membership provision. In almost all cases, that means the NGB or NGO is effectively outsourcing things like qualifications, training, safeguarding oversight and compliance to BMABA, so they can focus more on the 'on the mats' aspect of what they do (competitions, seminars, gradings and so on).

We think this is a great mutual benefit. BMABA grow bigger, benefit from increased revenue, influence a broader aspect of the martial arts industry and can then re-invest that growth into more qualifications, technology and resources. NGBs can also ensure their instructors are properly vetted and trained, and have access to the latest legislation and guidelines.

The net result is an industry working closer together on the stuff that matters - safeguarding, compliance, training, CPD, and so on - without diluting any aspect of unique or individual organisation identity.

If you're an independent BMABA instructor or club, these partnerships in no way impact or degrade the service or membership you have with us directly. If anything, it just rapidly helps us scale up the release of new courses, technology and tools.

It's a win, win, win for BMABA, NGBs/NGOs, and independent clubs. Best of all, it allows us to show a unified approach to best practice across our now 110,000+ growing membership base to the likes of Sport England and DCMS.