In an impressive display of commitment to athlete support and development, the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) delivered the One Standard Muaythai (OSM) Course during the European Championships held in Kosovo. Spanning three intensive days, from the 9th to the 11th of November, this course brought together 20 dedicated coaches from across Europe, each aiming to achieve the prestigious Level One OSM Certification—a mandatory requirement for coaching at all IFMA events. This certification guarantees that IFMA coaches adhere to a unified standard of excellence, encompassing not only technical expertise but also the deep cultural significance of muaythai, IFMA’s strict anti-cheating policies, and the essential protocols of competition.
The OSM syllabus covered a broad array of critical topics, setting a high bar for training excellence. Day one opened with IFMA General Secretary Stephan Fox introducing IFMA’s “One World, One Muaythai” philosophy, setting the tone for the course. Sessions followed on Anti-Doping and Nutrition, led by IFMA Sports Director Janice Lyn, and concluded with a vital session on safeguarding in Muaythai, conducted by Real World Academies Directors James Tucker and Katie Hart. To ensure that muaythai’s cultural essence remains strong, Ajarn Chao led a session on the importance of a standardized Wai Khru, honoring the sport’s roots and preserving its cultural foundations.
On day two, coaches explored the fundamentals of Sports Psychology, guided by IFMA’s International Coordinator Muhammad Amr. This was followed by a comprehensive session on Anti-Doping and Medical protocols led by Dr. Erdogan Aydin, Chair of IFMA Medical, underscoring IFMA’s commitment to athlete health and integrity in competition.
The final day featured practical training, with Janice Lyn returning for an additional segment on nutrition, followed by traditional Wai Khru training led by Muaythai Masters Ajarn Chao and Khru Id. This hands-on session was a powerful conclusion to the course, reinforcing the values of Muaythai tradition while honing the coaches’ skills, embodying the sport’s spirit.
The course concluded with a certificate ceremony at the competition venue, honoring the coaches for their dedication to IFMA’s standards of excellence. Equipped with this certification, these coaches are now ready to lead with the highest level of professionalism and integrity, creating a safer, more inclusive, and culturally rich environment for muaythai worldwide. This event is a testament to IFMA’s commitment to Olympism and the core pillars of muaythai, strengthening the sport’s global impact and legacy.
Dr. Paiboon, Chair of IFMA’s Cultural Commission, has praised IFMA’s commitment to preserving and promoting muaythai’s cultural heritage. He highlighted IFMA’s initiatives in developing clear rules and regulations for Wai Kru and Mai Muay competitions, which play a vital role in showcasing the sport’s traditional elements and maintaining its cultural integrity.
In alignment, Dato’ Shahnaz Azmi, Chair of the IFMA Education Commission, emphasized the importance of structured educational programs that support IFMA’s most valuable asset: the athletes. Dato’ Shahnaz also highlighted the essential role that coaches play in guiding athletes safely and effectively, ensuring a successful journey that prioritizes health, skill, and respect for the sport’s heritage. Together, these efforts reinforce IFMA’s holistic approach to athlete development and cultural preservation in muaythai.
