An Interview with IMMAFA President Richie Cranny
By Sophie Mueller
IMMAFA (International Mixed Martial Arts Federation Australia) is the governing body of MMA in Australia, with currently 25 clubs as members and looking to increase that number significantly over the next 12 months.
IMMAFA President, Richie Cranny, comments: “The awareness of IMMAFA here in Australia has increased exponentially in the past eighteen months. This is mainly from the continued push to get as many coaches and officials accredited under our federation and of course through IMMAF itself. Australia was one of the first countries to run the new level 1 courses and now has over 60 recognised coaches and over 20 officials The other successful project has been the expansion of our National Team with tryouts held in multiple states and the expansion of our already experienced national coaching team.”
To-date there have been five coaches’ education courses held in three different states. Additionally, IMMAFA has pioneered a new format for the coaching course with plans for an international launch in 2021 through the international federation.
IMMAFA holds elections every 2 years and their last election was held in August 2019 when Richie Cranny was voted as the new President and Craig Jehn as their new Vice-president.
In ordinary times, the federation tries to hold board meetings every 6 months. Their discussion was about planning for future courses, for the accreditation of both officials and coaches. They also discussed plans for their first ever National Championships.
IMMAFA is currently working towards gaining official recognition as a NSO (National Sporting Organisation) in Australia.
Despite the upward struggle, Richie says, “I am in regular touch with many of the state combat boards, building relationships and demonstrating our professional approach and our continued support for our athletes and the growth of the sport.”
Meanwhile, IMMAFA can boast some very experienced officials, some of which work across professional shows around Australia and even in the UFC:
“We have a great relationship with most of the promotions here, the main ones being XFC and Eternal MMA.”
When asked about IMMAFA’S proudest achievements, Richie Cranny comments:
“Hosting the 2020 Oceania on the Gold Coast. It was an amazing event and our athletes really did us proud. Also, being the first country in the world to roll out the new IMMAF grading system.”
