What's New? - Updated 02 September 2025
Latest news and updates from NAKMAS, external partners and others
NAKMAS Sets The Standard: Insights From Their Successful BSI Quality Management System

After 27 years of dedicated service and unwavering commitment to quality, NAKMAS has successfully navigated the rigorous audit conducted by the British Standards Institution (BSI) for its Quality Management System (QMS), aligning with the ISO 9001 national and international standard.

This achievement not only underscores NAKMAS's adherence to internationally recognised best practices in quality management but also reflects its continual efforts to enhance member satisfaction and operational efficiency.

The ISO 9001 certification process involves comprehensive assessments of organisational processes, ensuring that they meet stringent criteria related to quality control and continuous improvement.

By achieving this milestone, NAKMAS reinforces its reputation as a leader in its industry, demonstrating accountability and reliability while setting a benchmark for excellence. This accomplishment further positions NAKMAS for future growth and innovation, fostering trust among stakeholders and promoting a culture of quality throughout its operations.

Through unwavering dedication, Dr. Sandra Beale-Ellis, the NAKMAS Director of Operations and Quality Manager elevates NAKMAS’s Quality Management System, securing its accreditation with excellence and integrity.

Click on the BSI logo to view certificate.
Combat Bullying and Foster Academic Success with Accredited Martial Arts Programs, Urges NAKMAS, the UK National Martial Arts Governing Body

As children prepare to head back to school after summer break, the National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools (NAKMAS) urges parents to consider enrolling their children in accredited martial arts programs to enhance their education and instil discipline.

Click here to read more.
Eco Statement

NAKMAS is committed to working under conditions which aim to reduce its negative impact on the climate both in the short term and in the future. NAKMAS seeks out partners with the same ethos as far as possible and continues to review them for their sustainability and eco credentials. NAKMAS also encourages its members to do the same for their martial arts’ businesses. Changes NAKMAS has made or is currently making include:

  • Encouraging emails not to be printed unless necessary.
  • Using print / stationery companies with sustainability ethos.
  • Reducing costs as far as possible, balanced with a positive climate change impact.
  • Reducing waste.
  • Reducing the use of plastic: e.g. throwaway plastic wallets, plastic paperclips etc .
  • Issuing members with advice on a greener future which can be passed to their members.
  • Encouraging members to pay by BACS or telephone payment.
  • Using solar power energy during the day to produce necessary bulk printing.
  • Using IT telephone assistance, if possible, rather than the IT manager travelling to the office every time he is needed.
  • Storage unit is eco produced with good insulation and less heating required.
  • Recycling paper, card and print cartridges/toners.
  • Suppliers / external providers local where possible to reduce the carbon footprint.
These changes and more are discussed at twice yearly management meetings as a regular agenda item and in association with the NAKMAS risk register.
Urgent Announcement

NAKMAS has become cognisant of the fact that some accredited members are using the NAKMAS A4 grade certificates as provisional black belt certificates.

The NAKMAS A4 certificate is a controlled legal document. It is a severe legal breach that has serious ramifications if used for any purpose other than kyu or kup grades (or equivalent). NAKMAS reminds members of this fact.

Please contact the NAKMAS head office if you are a member of NAKMAS and possess a NAKMAS A4 certificate for black belt status. NAKMAS will implement a procedure that will result in the issuing of a NAKMAS A3 black belt certificate, which will serve as confirmation of NAKMAS's full national accreditation.
Empowering Children With Autism Through Martial Arts: A Comprehensive Book Guide

Dr Beale-Ellis (as pictured) is a passionate advocate for autism awareness and inclusion, using her expertise to create a groundbreaking martial arts book specifically designed for individuals on the autism spectrum.

This innovative resource provides valuable insight, techniques, and strategies for both practitioners, teachers and instructors to effectively teach and practice martial arts in a way that is inclusive and accessible for individuals with autism.

Dr Beale-Ellis' commitment to promoting diversity, understanding, and empowerment within the martial arts community sets her apart as a true leader and an invaluable resource for all who seek to learn from her expertise.

Several years ago, Dr Beale-Ellis received a clinical diagnosis of autism as an adult. She is a 7th Dan black belt within karate in her own right

The hardback booked entitled ‘Autism and Martial: A Guide to Children, Parents and Teachers’ (ISBN: 978-0-9933142-0-9) is available from NAKMAS for £10 inclusive of postage and package.

Orders can be taken over the telephone via card payment, (via 01227 370055) BACS, or via the following secure PayPal link ensuring the book is mentioned via the PayPal payment:

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/nakmas

NAKMAS National Governing Body
PO Box 630, Ashford, Kent, TN23 9AQ
Telephone: 01227 370055 (Monday to Friday 10am until 2pm)
Text/SMS: 07908683134 (24/7)
Email: admin@nakmas.org.uk