By press release

Today, the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation held its inaugural Women’s Commissions Assembly (online) as part of IMMAF’s third Technical Seminar Week.

Following the launch of an IMMAF Women’s MMA Commission and National Women’s Commissions this year, the Assembly provided the first collective meeting between the burgeoning groups.

As stated by IMMAF Women’s Chairwoman, Hayzia Bellem, in her opening talk,“our role is to give a voice to all the people representing female MMA.”

The focus of the Assembly was the development of female participation in MMA at all levels, with input from around the world.

Contributors included IMMAF athletes from Ireland and Spain, Kiya O’Sullivan and Silvia Juaneda Munoz, representing two of the first IMMAF National Federations to create women’s commissions; MMA coach and renowned professional athlete Catherine Costigan; gym owner Alvina Mulpeter; referee Yeimy Ariza; and Panama National MMA Association President Yariela Mendoza – one of just two female presidents among IMMAF federations

Expert speakers from IMMAF included Athlete Development Consultant, Jorden Curran, on the role of promoters in developing women’s MMA and IMMAF Development Director Andrew Moshanov, who has been working on a coaches’ education module dedicated to the specifics of training women.

IMMAF President Kerrith Brown took part and gave his words of support to the movement, highlighting the high value the IMMAF leadership places on female participation and empowerment in MMA.

In the following session, IMMAF Brand & Communications Director Izzy Carnwath and Uni4rm Media’s Andreas Georgiou presented a Social Media Workshop for National Federations.

CEO Densign White concluded the day with a seminar for National Federations on “Integrity, Transparency & Accountability in the Governance of MMA”. He outlined integral components of good governance to meet international standards, including the role and responsibilities of the board, strategic planning, and financial and risk management.

All today’s seminars are available on-demand for members/ invitees.

IMMAF returns tomorrow (Wednesday 14) with Day 3 of its Technical Seminar Week, to include an all Commissions Catch-Up. See full programme below.

IMMAF members interested in attending any seminars, should contact their National Federation for information.

IMMAF TECHNICAL SEMINAR PROGRAMME 2020

MONDAY 12 OCTOBER

13:00 hrs (UTC+1): President’s Welcome & CEO Update
with President Kerrith Brown & CEO Densign White

14:00 hrs (UTC+1): On Youth Development (4 – 11 year olds)
plus overview of “Lets Mix Martial Arts” for schools
with Dr. Andrew Moshanov, Director of Development

15:00 hrs (UTC+1): Coaching Matters: Impact of rapid weight loss;
MMA Stand-Up & Groundwork Coach Pilot
with Chris Kirk, PHD – Researcher John Moore University of Liverpool;
Richie Cranny, IMMAFA President, Wimp 2 Warrior founder

TUESDAY 13 OCTOBER

14:00 hrs (UTC+1) Women’s Commissions Assembly
(by private invitation for commission members only)

15:00 hrs (UTC+1): Social Media Workshop for National Federations
with IMMAF Social Media Manager, Andreas Georgiou (Uni4m Media);
IMMAF Brand & Communications Director, Izzy Carnwath

16:00 hrs (UTC+1) Integrity, Transparency & Accountability
in the Governance of MMA: How does your Federation Match Up?
with IMMAF CEO Densign White

WEDNESDAY 14 OCTOBER

13:00 hrs (UTC +1) MMA FIT (aerobic workout session)
with Bertrand Amoussou

14:00 hrs (UTC+1): Cultivating National Membership
with Gosha Malik and Jorden Curran, Member Relations Team

15:00 hrs (UTC+1) Commissions Congress
by private invitation for commission members only

THURSDAY 15 OCTOBER

14:00 hrs (UTC+1) “COVID – What we know, what we can do.”;

Concussions – 2020 Update
with Dr. David H Wang, IMMAF Medical Committee

15:00 hrs (UTC+1) Why Regulatory Pathways are Essential
with Marc Goddard, IMMAF Director of Regulatory Affairs

FRIDAY 16 OCTOBER

14:00 hrs (UTC+1) Anti-doping: National Federation Responsibilities
Under the 2021 Code
with Anti-doping Consultant, Michele Verroken (Sporting Integrity)

15:00 hrs (UTC+1) Championships Q&A with Events Team
Live chat with IMMAF events team

16:00 hrs (UTC+1) Presidents’ Closing Speech
with President Kerrith Brown