Business Details
We are Britains only independent National Governing Body for both traditional and modern martial arts, established in January 1992. Our organisation was formed following the dissolution of the former Martial Arts Commission, bringing decades of dedicated sector governance to the industry. We currently represent 40,000 members across the United Kingdom, with a membership base split between 20% adults and 80% young people from diverse backgrounds. Our governance framework is certified to the International Quality Management System ISO 9001:2015 by the British Standards Institution, reflecting our commitment to rigorous operational standards. We are also accredited to the government-recognised Equality Standard, demonstrating our formal dedication to inclusive, equitable practice across all our activities. Our team holds specialised expertise in supporting participation for individuals on the autistic spectrum, informed by lived experience of autism within our National Management Committee.
We maintain a publicly accessible National Register of Qualified Black Belts, updated regularly to ensure full transparency of member credentials. Our safeguarding protocols include the Safe Kids Martial Arts programme, designed to protect child participants and support clubs in delivering safe activities. We are committed to environmental sustainability, implementing eco-friendly operational practices and encouraging our members to adopt similar green initiatives. We prioritise secure administrative processes, having discontinued use of third-party submission platforms with identified security concerns to protect member data. Our dedicated support team is available via telephone, text and email during published hours to assist members and the public with queries related to our services.
We maintain a publicly accessible National Register of Qualified Black Belts, updated regularly to ensure full transparency of member credentials. Our safeguarding protocols include the Safe Kids Martial Arts programme, designed to protect child participants and support clubs in delivering safe activities. We are committed to environmental sustainability, implementing eco-friendly operational practices and encouraging our members to adopt similar green initiatives. We prioritise secure administrative processes, having discontinued use of third-party submission platforms with identified security concerns to protect member data. Our dedicated support team is available via telephone, text and email during published hours to assist members and the public with queries related to our services.
Highlights and features
- We are Britains only independent martial arts governing body.
- We have governed the UK martial arts sector since 1992.
- Our national black belt register is regularly updated for transparency.
- We hold ISO 9001:2015 and the government-recognised Equality Standard accreditation.
- We specialise in inclusive martial arts for autistic individuals.
Services
Black Belt Registration
NAKMAS operates the official national register of qualified black belts for all traditional and modern martial arts under our governance. The register is updated regularly to reflect new qualifications and ensure full public transparency of member credentials. Martial arts schools, employers and members can use the register to verify black belt status and associated teaching qualifications.
Safeguarding Programmes
NAKMAS delivers comprehensive safeguarding frameworks for all martial arts activities under our governance, with specialist provisions for child participants. Our Safe Kids Martial Arts programme provides tailored guidance to help clubs create safe, supportive environments for young people. All our safeguarding protocols are aligned with UK best practice and reviewed regularly to ensure ongoing participant protection.
Autism-Inclusive Martial Arts Support
NAKMAS holds specialised expertise in supporting inclusive martial arts participation for autistic individuals, informed by lived experience within our management team. We publish the authoritative guide Autism and Martial Arts: A Guide to Children, Parents and Teachers to support instructors and families. Our resources and guidance help clubs adapt their practices to be accessible and welcoming for autistic members.
Membership Administration
NAKMAS manages membership administration for all affiliated martial arts clubs and individual practitioners across the United Kingdom. Our membership services include access to specialist insurance, safeguarding resources and discounted publications such as our autism-inclusive martial arts guide. We provide dedicated support to members via telephone, email and text to resolve queries and process administrative requests efficiently.
Martial Arts Insurance
NAKMAS provides specialist insurance products tailored to the needs of traditional and modern martial arts clubs and individual practitioners. Our insurance cover is designed to protect members against a range of operational risks associated with martial arts instruction and participation. All insurance policies are administered through our secure online ordering system to ensure fast, reliable cover for eligible members.
