Dutch Martial Arts Federation

History

The Dutch Martial Arts Federation was founded on January 1, 2024 as a new sports federation for kickboxing, muay thai and MMA in the Netherlands.

On May 27, 2024, the NVB was admitted as a candidate member of NOC*NSF. This marked an important step in the federation's development and the further integration of martial arts into the Dutch sports structure.

The federation is also a covenant partner of the Dutch Martial Arts Authority. Both organizations work within their respective roles toward a healthy, safe and well-organized martial arts sector.

Activities and role

The NVB supports athletes from recreational level to international elite. The federation works on competition organization, licenses, training courses and development opportunities for athletes, trainers, officials and other stakeholders.

Sports schools and organizers can also receive support with the practical and sporting organization of their activities. Competition calendars, regulations, procedures, officials and matchmaking are part of the federation's work.

In addition to performance, the NVB focuses on a safe and accessible sporting environment. Integrity, fair play, training and enjoyment of sport are part of this broader role.

Membership and collaboration

Since 27 May 2024, the NVB has been an aspiring member of NOC*NSF. As an aspiring member, the federation is working to meet the requirements for further recognition within the Dutch sports umbrella organisation.

The federation is also a covenant partner of the Dutch Martial Arts Authority and works with martial arts schools, organisers, officials, trainers, government bodies and other parties that support martial arts.

Impact and significance

The NVB brings together various parts of Dutch combat sports under one federation structure. This gives recreationalists, competitive athletes, and elite athletes a recognizable point of contact for development, competitions, and support.

For the sector, the federation provides a shared platform for training, competition policy, licenses, officials, safe sport, and international ambitions. In doing so, the NVB contributes to the further professionalization of kickboxing, muaythai, and MMA in the Netherlands.