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.