Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

NAKMAS makes it 10 years on the trot with international management accolade

• National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools (NAKMAS)

The National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools (NAKMAS) has reached a unique pinnacle in its history by securing an internationally recognised quality management standard for the 10th consecutive year.

NAKMAS are the only martial arts body to achieve and maintain the high quality standards set in the International Organisation for Standardisation’s ISO 9001:2000 certificate, which is recognised by both the USA and UK governments and across the globe.

Sandra Beale, NAKMAS’ Director of Operations, says:

“This achievement demonstrates NAKMAS’ on-going commitment to ensure high level quality management standards throughout the NAKMAS national governing body.”

“For our members to get the most out of their governing body, it is essential we run ourselves efficiently. This quality accreditation confirms that we are doing exactly that.”

“The ISO standard is really aimed at businesses, yet although we are a not-for-profit organisation, it is essential NAKMAS is run as effectively as a business. To secure this accolade for a 10th consecutive year shows we are reaching highest standards of governance.”

NAKMAS has worked with the British Standards Institute (BSI) to become a customer to member/client organisation, which reflects more closely its role and achieve the standard mark.

To further enhance its integrity, NAKMAS provided the resources to send Sandra Beale on an extensive BSI lead auditors course. Sandra passed the BSI lead auditors course and is now permitted to audit external bodies to ensure quality management compliance.

Yet Sandra points out that the real beneficiaries are NAKMAS’ members.

She says: “This is not just a certificate for us to hang on our office wall, it has allowed and continues to allow us to provide excellent services to members. No other martial arts body can say they have obtained this recognition.”

The ISO certification has ensured NAKMAS can offer members continued support, including:

•bolstering grass roots as well as the more established areas with assistance in funding opportunities, recruiting new members, specialist training and dealing with the media

•expertise and resources designed to ensure affiliates meet consistently high standards of professionalism, enabling outstanding coaching and first class facilities for anyone wanting to enjoy martial arts

•acting as a focal point for the martial arts community for news and up to date publications, including codes of conduct, safety advice and a national register of qualified coaches

•ongoing coaching development aligned with the United Kingdom Coaching Certificate

•dedication to child welfare, with the NSPCC approved NAKMAS Welfare Policy, as well as registration with the Criminal Records Bureau and Disclosure Scotland

•a Foundation level Equality Standard, which recognises NAKMAS’ commitment to actively encouraging participants from all parts of the community, including those not traditionally associated with the sport

Sandra Beale adds: “We have come a long way and maintained our standards, but we are always looking to improve the service we offer to members, so here is to another 10 years.”


Notes to editors:

The National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools (NAKMAS) is a non-funded national governing body and is a member of CCPR (the Central Council of Physical Recreation). With its Head Office based in Kent, NAKMAS governs all forms of traditional and modern martial arts and has over 65,000 members within the UK.

NAKMAS is an approved insurance provider via Lloyds and holds a National and International Quality Standard Certificate via the BSI (British Standards Institute). NAKMAS has also been accredited to the Equality Standard: A Framework for Sport.

Coaching awards to the standard of the NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) and UKCC (United Kingdom Coaching Certificate) are available within NAKMAS. It has an active NSPCC approved Welfare Policy (visit www.nakmas.org.uk for more information), and has launched a UK-wide anti-bullying initiative called the ‘NAKMAS Safe Kids Campaign’. It also has Registered Body status via the CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) and Disclosure Scotland to check against the criminal records register.

For further info, contact:

Joe Ellis, chair and acting lead child protection officer, NAKMAS National Governing Body
Tel: 01227 370055 / 07976 736404
Fax: 01227 370056
Email: joe.ellis@nakmas.org.uk
Site: www.nakmas.org.uk

More information about ISO 9001: 2000 Management Standard visit http://www.iso.org/iso/management_standards.htm