KNOW OUR HISTORY
In 2016, the association looked back on a 30-year history.
The IAF was founded in Austria in 1984 by Josef Patterer and other martial arts enthusiasts under the name “International Amateur Allstyle Federation”. Already in the first years, the IAF achieved success in various martial arts
sports in over 12 countries. In 1992, after five years of active and experience, Si-Fu Şakir Yavuz ran for the chairmanship of the IAF at the suggestion of the heads of Asian and American IAF organizations and was elected IAF World Federation President in the same year.
With his presidency in 1992, Si-Fu Şakir Yavuz united amateur and professional athletes for the first time under the umbrella of the IAF, which he now heads. In the same year, he organized the first Kickboxing World Championship. Over the next few years, more than 450 different events will be held, such as national, supra- and international title fights as well as European and World Championships. Countries such as France, Belgium, Italy, Iran or Russia were more than once attractive venues for martial arts enthusiasts
Beyond pure sport, the IAF has always seen itself as a modern educational institution and has therefore always offered a varied and extensive range of training courses at its locations and events. Social competence, philosophical foundations and the teaching of a holistic, liberal and unprejudiced, integrative image of man have always been among the defining contents of the training at the IAF and in particular of President Si-Fu Şakir Yavuz.
The president, who is also known as the “father of Turkish kickboxing” because of his pioneering role in this sport, has managed to build up a basis of trust and family atmosphere in the organization over the years. This provided additional motivation and lasting success for newcomers as well as up-and-coming athletes and champions.
"Victory starts in the head and ends in the head."
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