Martial arts — spanning karate, judo, taekwondo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, and other disciplines — serve large and diverse communities across New Zealand. Many martial arts clubs operate youth development programmes that produce social and personal development outcomes alongside sporting achievement. This guide covers the key funding sources for martial arts organisations in New Zealand.
Several martial arts disciplines have national governing bodies that receive Sport NZ investment:
These bodies receive Sport NZ investment and may distribute support through affiliated clubs and regional associations. Contact the relevant national body for your discipline.
Sport NZ funds recognised national sport organisations and regional sport trusts.
Key funding mechanisms:
- Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa Fund: Community-led physical activity — martial arts clubs running accessible community programmes can apply
- Sport NZ investment in national martial arts bodies flows through to clubs
- Regional sport trusts may support martial arts as part of community sport development
Gaming trusts are the most accessible and practical funding source for most community martial arts clubs.
Key trusts:
- New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT)
- The Lion Foundation
- Pub Charity
- Pelorus Trust
- Regional gaming trusts
What gaming trusts fund for martial arts:
- Mats and flooring (tatami, foam mats)
- Uniforms (gi, doboks, protective gear)
- Sparring equipment (helmets, pads, gloves)
- Dojo improvements (mirrors, racks, storage)
- Junior development programmes
- Competition entry fees and travel
- Instructor development
Important: Clubs must be incorporated societies operating for community benefit to be eligible for most gaming trust grants.
The Lottery Grants Board funds sport facilities and equipment.
For martial arts clubs:
- Facility improvements (mats, flooring, storage)
- Equipment grants
- Programme development
Many martial arts clubs — especially judo, karate, and boxing clubs — run youth development programmes targeting at-risk youth. This opens access to broader funding:
Ministry for Youth Development: Grants for sport-based youth development programmes.
Community trusts and foundations: Funders interested in social outcomes — discipline, confidence, reduced youth offending — may fund martial arts clubs beyond standard sport grants.
Oranga Tamariki and youth services: Some clubs partner with youth justice or welfare services to deliver programmes for high-need youth.
When a martial arts club can demonstrate measurable social outcomes (not just sport participation), it significantly broadens the funding landscape.
Some martial arts bodies offer para sport programmes. Funding for inclusive martial arts:
- Paralympic New Zealand: May support para martial arts through its sport development investment
- Lottery Grants Board: Inclusive sport programmes
- IHC/disability sector funders: For programmes serving people with intellectual disability
- Gaming trusts: Inclusive programme grants
New Zealand's regional sport trusts can support martial arts organisations through:
- Community sport activation programmes
- Capability development for clubs
- Connections to funders, schools, and community groups
Strong applications from martial arts clubs demonstrate:
- Community access: Affordable, open to all — not just competitive athletes
- Youth programmes: Junior participation is a consistent funder priority
- Social outcomes: Evidence of personal development, discipline, confidence, community belonging
- Māori and Pasifika inclusion: Cultural responsiveness in programme design
- Safety and safeguarding: Appropriate policies for working with youth
- Instructor qualifications: Accredited, safe coaching
- Financial governance: Sound club management and track record
Tahua's grants management platform helps sport and community organisations track multiple funding applications, manage reporting requirements, and demonstrate community impact to funders.