The organization
What is ISKA?
ISKA began as the International Sport Karate Association during the rise of full-contact karate and kickboxing in the United States. Today, the International Sport Karate and Kickboxing Association is a global sanctioning and regulatory body for professional and amateur martial arts and combat sports.
Across disciplines, ISKA works to support clear competition standards, trained officials and meaningful championship opportunities—while respecting the rules and regulatory requirements of each location.
Our purpose
Our mission.
To create safe and fair opportunities for deserving athletes and help our associated promoters raise the profile of the sports they serve.
That commitment guides how ISKA supports competition, develops officials, maintains rules and recognizes athletes around the world.
1974
Full-contact karate takes the world stage
The first full-contact karate world championships were held in Los Angeles, helping establish a new direction for competitive striking sports.
01July 16, 1986
ISKA is founded
Promoters and former PKA executives established the International Sport Karate Association to support the sport with organized sanctioning, rules and championship recognition.
02October 9, 1986
ISKA Europe is established
The appointment of the first European directors marked an early step in ISKA’s international expansion.
031990s
New disciplines and international growth
ISKA expanded its rules and sanctioning across kickboxing formats and Muay Thai. The organization’s historical account records representatives in more than 60 countries by 1991.
042000s–2012
A broader combat-sports footprint
ISKA worked with promotions including K-1, Strikeforce and the World Combat League, and in 2012 partnered with GLORY on its Road to GLORY development series.
052026
Four decades of evolution
On the 40th anniversary of its founding, ISKA announced a transition toward ABC Unified Rules of Kickboxing while continuing to recognize distinct formats such as Muay Thai, Kun Khmer and K-1.
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