The IMMAF has completed a progressive new awareness guide: Engaging Women and Girls in MMA. The document serves as informative insight for national MMA federations and regional women’s commissions seeking direction on grass roots issues of engaging women and girls; how MMA can provide a welcoming setting and consider existing barriers that women encounter towards sport participation.
Produced by IMMAF Development Consultant – Jorden Curran, in conjunction with the IMMAF Women’s Commission and with forewords from Women’s Commission Chair – Hayzia Bellem and IMMAF CEO – Densign White, the campaign highlights areas of awareness towards sport participation issues faced by women, identifying social and personal barriers, implications and practise towards engaging women and girls at the grass roots level of mixed martial arts, with a view to improving recreational and entry level opportunity that demonstrates a new start with MMA to be a welcoming, fun and fulfilling pastime for all individuals, that in turn will contribute to the progression of more coaches and elite level practitioners for future generations.
“I think this looks really helpful and is a great insight,” IMMAF world champion Michelle Montague commented. Representing the New Zealand national team, Montague is a fast-rising star of amateur MMA and is undefeated as a two-time Oceania Open champion and 2019 World Championships gold medallist in the lightweight division.
Montague adds, “In particular, from my position in the sport I agree that women’s-only classes should be available and that our qualified women should be coaching both men and women groups too – not just one gender. I can see huge growth potential here in New Zealand and I’m sure it can be the same around the world for women in MMA. We have so many role models and high-level combat athletes to work with while also reaching out to newcomers and recreational participants, to show that you can get involved and enjoy yourself. I’m super excited for this!”
To access the PDF on Engaging Women and Girls in MMA, click the download link HERE.
