On Tuesday afternoon, the Czech Association of Mixed Martial Arts, or Česká asociace smíšených bojových umění (MMAA), announced it has become the latest organization to join the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF).

MMAA was founded in September 2012 by Martin Skvara, president of the association and Andre Reinders, vice-president. It was established as a non-profit organization for the primary purpose of supporting both the professional and amateur development of Czech MMA. The federation is recognized by the SBTS ČR, the Union of Martial Sports of the Czech Republic, which is supported by the national Ministry of Sport and the Local Olympic Committee.

“The organizing of youth at all levels of practical and mental training is conducted in the spirit of the Olympic ideal, with a focus on the principles of humanism, honest sporting competition and respect for the opponent,” stated Skvara.

Since launch, the MMAA has worked to unify and enforce the regulation of MMA in the Czech Republic through activities such as the training of referees and coaches, the development of safe progression pathways for participants and the collation of results and statistics. Other activities have included the organizing of professional and amateur competitions, consultancy in the field of club management, provision of coaching courses and teaching documents, the training and licensing of stakeholders and marketing support.

“The Czech Association of Mixed Martial Arts has been carrying out fantastic work within the Czech Republic and we are proud to be associated with their organization,” stated IMMAF CEO, Densign White. “We look forward to seeing the Czech Republic represented at this year’s World Championships in Las Vegas.”