The General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF), a partner of the IOC, held a very important Martial Arts Plenary Session in Bangkok, on 5th Dec 2007, chaired by IOC Member and Chairman of the Organising Committee of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Mr Hein Verbruggen. The 13 IOC and GAISF recognised martial arts, including IFMA for the sport of Muaythai were all invited to this important meeting.
In attendance was IOC Member and President of AIBA, Dr CK Wu, and representatives from the International Aikido Federation, Ju-Jitsu International Federation, International Judo Federation, World Karate Federation, International Kendo Federation, World Association Of Kickboxing Organizations World Association Of Kickboxing Organizations, Federation Internationale Des Luttes Associees Federation Internationale Amateur De Sambo, The World Taekwondo Federation and the International Wushu Federation.
The meeting was opened by IOC Member and Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports for Thailand, Dr Nat Indrapana, and the most important agenda point was the 2010 Martial Art Games under GAISF and the patronage of the IOC. This will be the first time that such games will be held which will be a new milestone for martial arts in general as all the recognised martial arts and federations have joined forces for this important event.
The President of the World Karate Federation, Mr Antonio Espinos Ortueta, made a very impressive presentation to the GAISF members. A full report and update will be published very soon, and the next Plenary Session will be held in Athens as part of the Summer and Winter Olympic, IOC and GAISF Sport Accord.
