| The MAIA was established in 1993 as the Australian Martial Arts Council Inc.
In 1998 the Australian Martial Arts Council decided to incorporate as a public company,
change it's name and open its membership up to the broader martial
arts community. The MAIA has developed and implemented a range of
policies in an effort to more positively address the numerous problems
associated with the martial arts in Australia.
This change of name was
the concept of our current President, Walt Missingham, and not only
changed the face of martial arts in Australia but influenced many
other countries.
The idea that martial
arts is an industry is an idea whose time has come. It recognises
the diverse nature of our industry: the training academies, the
media, the publications, the specialist courses, the competitions
etc.
Even those critical of
the MAIA now refer to the ‘martial arts industry’ so
even their critiques are a testament to our success.
Following Australia’s
lead the MAIA has been established in the United States of America,
the United Kingdom and New Zealand. These organisatons are all affiliated
with the MAIA- Australia.
The MAIA (Australia)
is currently assisting the martial arts communities in Canada, France
and Iran to establish MAIA’s in these countries as well.
The concept of a Martial
Arts Industry Association is a concept that is gradually being embraced
by the world and it started here in Australia.
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