Business Details
17 Years
experience
Martial Arts Competitions & Sanctioning Body in Birmingham
The International Combat Organisation (ICO) was established in October 2009 to promote and sanction multi-discipline martial arts competitions globally. Our leadership team comprises highly experienced professionals with 30-35 years of expertise in organizing large-scale martial arts events and associations. We provide comprehensive support to instructors, coaches, and associations through structured coaching qualifications, competitive insurance packages, and rigorous child protection protocols. Our technical committee oversees grading standards and sanctions title fights across 45+ countries, ensuring adherence to safety and ethical guidelines.With a focus on continuous improvement, we deliver DBS checks, first-aid training, and professional development opportunities to maintain industry-leading standards. Our global network supports regional, national, and international competitions while upholding strict safeguarding policies. We maintain transparent governance through annual general meetings and a constitution aligned with charitable objectives.
Services
Title Sanctioning
Coaching Qualifications
Insurance Solutions
DBS Checks
Gradings
Child Protection Courses
Event Organization
Technical Committee Oversight
First Aid Training
Safeguarding Policies
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- Our officers have 30-35 years of experience in martial arts organization
- We offer five levels of accredited coaching qualifications
- Competitive insurance rates for clubs and associations
- Mandatory DBS checks for all instructors
- Regular child protection courses included in training
Services
Title Sanctioning
We sanction national and international title fights across multiple disciplines including MMA, K1, and Muay Thai. Our officials package includes referee supervisors and judges for events of all sizes. Title belts are awarded to fighters who meet our rigorous competition standards.
Coaching Qualifications
Our five-level coaching awards develop professional martial arts instructors from cadet leader to master diploma level. Training includes health and safety, anatomy, first aid, and child protection modules. Qualifications require DBS checks and ongoing professional development.
Insurance Solutions
We provide competitive insurance packages for clubs and associations including third-party liability, professional indemnity, and one-day event coverage. Insurance is mandatory for all members and available at preferential rates regardless of organization size.
DBS Checks
All instructors and coaches must complete enhanced DBS checks every two years. We administer this process with a small administrative fee, ensuring all members working with children meet strict safeguarding requirements.
Gradings
Our technical committee oversees grading standards with six members holding 5th Dan and above. Annual dan gradings follow technical courses, while club gradings use certified external assessors to maintain consistent evaluation criteria.
People
Andrew Hennessy
World President and Founder
7th Degree Black Belt with extensive martial arts experience. Founded ICO to promote global competition standards while maintaining strict safeguarding protocols for participants worldwide.
Winni Raithal
World Director for Tatami Sports
Key member of the ICO executive committee responsible for overseeing international competition frameworks and technical standards across multiple martial arts disciplines.
Questions
How do I join the International Combat Organisation?
Contact us through our website to request membership application forms and insurance packages tailored to your martial arts organization's size.
What martial arts disciplines does ICO sanction?
We sanction competitions in MMA, K1, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and Point Fighting disciplines at regional, national, and international levels.
Do you offer coaching qualifications?
Yes, we provide five progressive coaching awards from Cadet Leader to Masters Diploma level with mandatory child protection and first aid components.
Are DBS checks mandatory for instructors?
Yes, all instructors must complete enhanced DBS checks every two years as part of our strict safeguarding policies.
How are gradings assessed?
Annual dan gradings are conducted by our technical committee with external assessors available for club gradings to maintain consistent standards.
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