Introduction

The International Association of Combative Sports (IACS) is a global governing body dedicated to the development, promotion, and regulation of combat sports and traditional martial arts worldwide. To ensure structured growth and regional representation, IACS has established continental units that oversee combat sports in different parts of the world. These units work to:

  • Promote combat sports across their respective regions.
  • Develop structured competitions, ranking systems, and athlete pathways.
  • Preserve and support traditional martial arts unique to each continent.
  • Collaborate with national federations and sports organizations.

Each continental unit functions as a regional governing body under the IACS umbrella, helping combat sports athletes gain international recognition and ensuring a standardized competition and training system across the world.

IACS Continental Units

IACS has established continental governing bodies, each responsible for overseeing the development of combat sports within its geographical region. These units function independently yet collaboratively under IACS guidelines.

1. Asian Association of Combative Sports (AACS)

  • Governs combat sports across Asia, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent.
  • Focuses on modern and traditional martial arts such as:
    • Muay Thai (Thailand), Silat (Indonesia/Malaysia), Sanda (China), Lethwei (Myanmar)
    • Kushti (India/Pakistan), Kurash (Uzbekistan), Ssireum (Korea), Pencak Silat
  • Hosts the Asian Combat Games, a regional multi-sport combat event.
  • Works with national combat sports federations to develop professional leagues.

2. European Association of Combative Sports (EACS)

  • Governs combat sports across Europe, including Eastern and Western Europe.
  • Major focus on Olympic combat sports and historical European martial arts:
    • Boxing, Kickboxing, Judo, Sambo, Savate (France), HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts), Glima (Nordic Wrestling).
  • Develops professional MMA leagues and grappling tournaments in Europe.
  • Works alongside GAISF and European sporting bodies for regulatory oversight.

3. African Association of Combative Sports (AACS)

  • Oversees combat sports growth in North, Central, East, and West Africa.
  • Focus on African traditional martial arts like:
    • Dambe (Nigerian Boxing), Laamb (Senegalese Wrestling), Nuba Fighting (Sudan), Nguni Stick Fighting (South Africa).
  • Supports the development of professional combat sports circuits in Africa.
  • Organizes the African Combat Games to showcase regional talent.

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

  • Covers North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.
  • Major combat sports include:
    • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Vale Tudo (Brazil), Lucha Libre (Mexico), Boxing, Kickboxing, MMA.
  • Organizes Pan-American Combat Championships.
  • Works with major combat sports promotions in the USA, Canada, and Brazil.

5. Oceania Association of Combative Sports (OACS)

  • Covers Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Island nations.
  • Key combat sports:
    • Australian Combat Jiu-Jitsu, Polynesian Lua Fighting, MMA, Kickboxing.
  • Supports combat sports tourism and professional fight leagues.
  • Works to integrate Pacific traditional fighting styles into the global stage.

Functions and Responsibilities of IACS Continental Units

Each continental unit is responsible for:
✔ Organizing regional championships and tournaments
✔ Standardizing rules for combat sports in their regions
✔ Developing athlete ranking and promotion systems
✔ Promoting traditional martial arts through cultural events
✔ Collaborating with national combat sports federations
✔ Supporting athlete development for the International Combat Games (ICG)