About the British Combat Association

The British Combat Association was formed in 1993 by Peter Consterdine
and Geoff Thompson and serves the needs of instructors and their students
who study self defence or follow the more practical aspects of Martial Arts.

For many years, it was felt that the UK Martial Arts scene lacked a credible organisation, which specifically dealt with the issues of self defence as well as the more traditional aspects, and which was run by people who had years of street experience, not just the theoretical application of traditional martial arts, which may look spectacular but is of no practical use in the modern day. Not only that, but even after decades of martial arts in Britain, most 'style' organisations were still political in the sense that they were protectionist, preventing their instructors from studying elsewhere, were closed to practical and realistic applications and were often run by people who were happier in a committee than engaged in hard, practical training.

Since its formation, it can be said, without fear of contradiction, that the BCA has been ground-breaking in what it has achieved. There has been no other martial arts organisation which has brought under one roof the very, very best of instructors, in not just practical applications but in 'core' styles/traditional martial arts. Over the succeeding years and through the BCA, we have provided a platform for many now well known people to springboard themselves and their organisations into prominence and rightly so.
The BCA instructor cadre reads like a martial arts hall of fame and our prime philosophy is that we are a family, not just an organisation.
In conclusion the BCA offers the best of both worlds. From traditional to practical. Drawing on centuries of traditional knowledge, and modern day street experience making the BCA the most relevant organisation for the 21st Century.

British Combat Association link