International Kickboxing Federation

The International Kickboxing Federation (IKF) is a sanctioning body for kickboxing and Muay Thai based in the United States. The IKF sanctions and regulates all aspects of these sports from Semi Contact (IKF Point Kickboxing (IKF/PKB)) to Full Contact in both Amateur and professional levels. The IKF World Headquarters located in Newcastle, California, USA oversees over 2,000 IKF events a year around the world.

IKF sanctions and regulates both professional and amateur Kickboxing and Muay Thai around the world in six different rule styles:

The IKF has also introduced new styles over the years:

Prohibiting Knees and Elbows to the Head but Allowing Knees to the Body or Limited Clinching

Muay Thai, MMA & Sanshou with a 30-second time limit for ground fighting

Modified/Limited Muay Thai - K-1 - Glory Style Rules Combined. Limited Knees - Clinch ONLY If followed By Immediate Strike

The IKF has both male and female titles (State, Regional, National, Continental, Intercontinental and World) and both Pro and Amateur rankings.

In 1992, Steve Fossum and Dan Stell founded the IKF, based on their knowledge and experience as former kickboxers, trainers and event promoters. In July 1996, Stell stepped down as Vice President staying on as Head of Officials. In December 1996, the IKF launched a website with news updates for various events, worldwide rankings, rules and regulations.