Entry & Membership Eligibility Criteria
For The British Martial Arts & Boxing Association
We’re proud to be a professional association dedicated to instructors, senseis and coaches who have the genuine right to teach martial arts, boxing and unarmed combat to students and individuals across the UK.
Accordingly, unlike many associations, we expect all applicants to reach our standards prior to any application for membership being accepted.
Please take a look at our eligibility criteria below.
1.) REQUIRED GRADE, QUALIFICATION OR TRAINING
All BMABA applicants are expected to hold relevant and accepted industry qualifications or grades that entitle them to instruct unsupervised.
Whilst this may currently differ from Association to Association we set the highest standards, meaning we’ll only accept one or more of the following as teaching entitlement;
- A Valid Black Belt Of 1st Dan (or equivalent) Or Higher
- A Valid Teaching Qualification Recognised Nationally For Combat Instruction (such as an NVQ)
- A Black Belt Equivalency (if practicing ungraded styles) With A Professional Vouch From Your Current Instructor
If you hold any one of the above and are able to produce supporting evidence (or have already contacted our office in any other circumstance) you should satisfy our teaching entitlement criteria.
If you don’t hold a current qualification or black belt and instead you’re an equivalent (I.E: practicing an ungraded style, such as MMA) you’ll need to meet our standards as a black belt equivalent, these are;
- At Least 3 Years Continuous Training In Your Chosen Style
- Professionally Vouched For By Your Current Or Most Recent Instructor
If your sensei or coach is happy to recommend you for an instructor’s license and to teach unsupervised & if you have had atleast 3 years continuous training in a set style please contact our office for further information on how we can ensure your eligibility to join our Association.
2.) CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS & RECORDS
Unfortunately we are unable to accept applications from people whom have a criminal conviction or charge.
This is in order to protect students & also for insurance purposes.
We may however be able to make allowances or exceptions as it’s on a case-by-case discretionary basis for applications where insurance is not being taken out at the same time.
This means if you are now, for example, 35 and was charged with petty vandalism when you were 16 we’re able to take this in to account and consider the fact that you are (more than likely) no longer tagging wheely bins!
This is of course on an individual basis and we reserve the full right to deny entry for those with criminal convictions.
3.) ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS
We will not accept your application if you have been barred or had your membership revoked from another UK association unless you can provide a valid reason for such an event happening.
You must be 18+ years old.
YOU MUST HOLD VALID INSURANCE AND FIRST AID, AND BE IN POSSESSION OF THE RELEVANT DBS CHECK AND SAFEGUARDING QUALIFICATIONS PRIOR TO TEACHING ANY CLASS.
We are not a regulatory body and do not provide guidance on this matter, we act in a capacity to help ratify your grade. Please ensure you are competently checked and qualified to teach.
Applicants who are not yet currently instructing may not provide the above but will be expected to ensure the above is held when teaching commences.
You are expected to ensure you’re legally eligible to teach and all information provided to us will be used with ‘utmost faith’ unless we request verification otherwise. This is in line with our terms and conditions.
