International Association of Combative Sports (IACS)


A Global Governing Body for Combat Sports and Martial Arts

Introduction

The International Association of Combative Sports (IACS) is a global governing body dedicated to the promotion, development, and regulation of combat sports and traditional martial arts worldwide. Established to unify different combat disciplines under a structured international framework, IACS works closely with national federations, sports organizations, and martial arts communities to enhance the growth and recognition of combat sports on a global scale.

IACS serves as a regulatory body for various combat sports, including:

  • Olympic combat sports (Boxing, Judo, Taekwondo, Wrestling, Karate)
  • Professional combat sports (MMA, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Sambo, BJJ)
  • Traditional martial arts (Lethwei, Silat, Kushti, Sanda, Kurash, Gatka, Laamb)

IACS also plays a key role in organizing international championships, ranking systems, coaching certifications, and athlete development programs.

Mission and Objectives

The core mission of IACS is to develop combat sports worldwide while ensuring fair play, safety, and inclusivity. Its key objectives include:

✔ Standardizing rules and regulations across all combat sports.
✔ Organizing international competitions, including the International Combat Games (ICG).
✔ Preserving traditional martial arts and integrating them into modern sports platforms.
✔ Supporting athlete development through ranking systems and professional training programs.
✔ Collaborating with national federations to create structured pathways for fighters.
✔ Promoting combat sports in the Olympic movement and advocating for new disciplines.

Combat Sports Under IACS

IACS oversees a diverse range of combat sports, categorized into modern, professional, and traditional disciplines:

1. Olympic Combat Sports

These combat sports are officially recognized in the Olympic Games and follow standardized rules:

  • Boxing (Amateur)
  • Judo
  • Taekwondo
  • Freestyle and Greco-Roman Wrestling
  • Karate

2. Professional Combat Sports

IACS provides governance and regulation for the growing field of professional combat sports:

  • Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
  • Muay Thai
  • Kickboxing (K1, Full Contact, Low Kick)
  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
  • Sambo
  • Pankration

3. Traditional and Indigenous Martial Arts

IACS is committed to preserving and promoting traditional martial arts, many of which have deep cultural significance:

  • Lethwei (Burmese Bare-Knuckle Boxing)
  • Silat (Indonesia & Malaysia)
  • Sanda (Chinese Kickboxing)
  • Kushti (Indian Wrestling)
  • Kurash (Uzbek Wrestling)
  • Gatka (Sikh Martial Art)
  • Laamb (Senegalese Wrestling)
  • Glima (Nordic Wrestling)
  • Dambe (Nigerian Boxing)
  • Nguni Stick Fighting (South Africa)
  • Sumo (Japan)

IACS Continental Units

To ensure global representation and localized development, IACS has established continental governing bodies, each responsible for overseeing combat sports in their respective regions:

1. Asian Association of Combative Sports (AACS)

  • Governs Asia, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent.
  • Hosts the Asian Combat Games and supports martial arts heritage preservation.

2. European Association of Combative Sports (EACS)

  • Governs Western and Eastern Europe.
  • Regulates professional kickboxing, MMA, and Olympic combat sports.

3. African Association of Combative Sports (AACS)

  • Oversees combat sports in North, West, East, and Central Africa.
  • Promotes African indigenous fighting styles like Dambe, Laamb, and Nuba Wrestling.

4. Pan-American Association of Combative Sports (PACS)

  • Covers North, Central, and South America.
  • Works with major MMA promotions, BJJ federations, and boxing organizations.

5. Oceania Association of Combative Sports (OACS)

  • Governs Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands.
  • Promotes traditional Polynesian martial arts and professional combat sports.

International Combat Games (ICG) – The Flagship Event

The International Combat Games (ICG) is the premier multi-discipline combat sports tournament organized by IACS.

  • Showcases elite fighters from all IACS combat sports.
  • Features traditional, Olympic, and professional combat sports.
  • Encourages cross-disciplinary competition and martial arts exchange.
  • Provides a pathway for emerging combat sports to gain global recognition.

Global Development and Future Plans

IACS is actively working on:
✔ Developing professional combat sports leagues under its governance.
✔ Standardizing safety regulations and officiating standards.
✔ Integrating combat sports into schools and universities.
✔ Establishing a global ranking system for combat sports athletes.
✔ Expanding the International Combat Games to new host countries.

Conclusion

The International Association of Combative Sports (IACS) is the leading organization shaping the future of combat sports and martial arts worldwide. By promoting competition, heritage, and professionalism, IACS is creating new opportunities for fighters, preserving martial arts traditions, and strengthening global sports governance.