To High Places by Narrow Roads: Why The Slogan?

Hi there,

If you’ve been around BMABA for a while, you’ll probably have seen our slogan cropping up here and there — To High Places by Narrow Roads. It might look poetic or a bit philosophical at first glance, but it’s not just a catchy phrase or branding fluff. It’s something deeply woven into who we are as a community, a CIC, and a team.

This slogan wasn’t chosen in a boardroom, surrounded by consultants. It emerged slowly and organically — like so many of the most meaningful things in our journey — through reflection, adversity, and resolve. It’s a line that represents not just where we’re going, but the kind of people we’re trying to be as we get there.

The Narrow Road: Discipline, Integrity, Sacrifice

The narrow road isn’t glamorous. It’s not fast, it’s not easy, and it certainly doesn’t come with a crowd. It’s the route of personal responsibility. Of doing things the right way, even when nobody’s watching. Of integrity in business when cutting corners could be faster. Of upholding safeguarding, governance, and licensing standards without compromise, even when it makes us unpopular or unprofitable.

You’ll have seen it in your own clubs too — choosing to build something meaningful and safe for your students, even when cheaper, easier shortcuts present themselves. That’s the narrow road. You’ll have walked it already, whether you’ve realised it or not. I would wager a bet it might even be why you were attracted to BMABA in the first place – I’ve always found those with integrity have a radar for it in others, too.

High Places: A Shared Aspiration

But what of the high places?

They’re not just about size or commercial success. They’re about being the best version of what we set out to be. For us, that means building a resilient, ethical, and independent martial arts infrastructure that isn’t just about ticking boxes — but about transforming lives. It’s about creating a home for clubs and instructors who have felt overlooked, underestimated, or just plain fed up with the status quo.

It’s about raising the sector’s standards without selling our soul. About giving students and communities access to martial arts that actually changes lives, not just fills classes.

That’s a high place. And the view from there is worth the climb.

For me personally, it’s about leaving a legacy that extends long after my life ends. Something my children can look at and be proud of. Something that rescues children who grew up like me – in poverty, without hope. As many of you will know, I’ve been reflecting a lot in my private journals lately about discipline, growth, and what it means to live a good life — not just run a good company.

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