On November 28, IMMAF Director of Development Andrew Moshanov travelled to Peru to meet with members of the Peru MMA Association (APMMA), to establish an understanding on the national federation and the principles of its operation.
The meeting was held at the National Military Academy in Lima with fourteen of affiliated clubs in attendance. While on the trip, Moshanov, with the assistance of APMMA President David Iberico, visited some of the affiliated clubs.
David along with her brothers Ivan and Hector are prominent on the MMA scene in Peru, all holding remarkable professional MMA records. They also coach some of the top talent emerging from the nation, namely Daniel Marcos Sinora, Claudio Puellos, and Carlos Huachin, who are all signed with the UFC.
The federation are currently preparing their next set of national championships, which will take place this month and will be used as a selection process for the upcoming World Championships in Serbia. The national championships attract between 250-300 athletes.
Following his trip, Andrew Moshanov said:
“This is really a land of talents. When talking about mixed martial arts and Peru, the first thing that comes to mind is ‘Peruvian necktie’, a choke invented here by coach Tony de Souza.
“It was not possible to meet him in person, but I feel lucky to meet another remarkable coach, Hector Iberico, who’s athletes horrify their opposition with the next invention – ‘peruvian calf (slicer)’. Something we should be looking to add to the IMMAF technical syllabus for the higher grades.”
“Commitment, physicality, discipline along with a very special ethos in the clubs impressed me the most.” He commented. “I cannot wait to see Peruvian athletes on the IMMAF circuit.”
APMMA President, David Iberico added:
“I am committed to MMA in its development, and also in its evolution as a sport. I founded the APMMA for this objective: to pave the way for a federation.”
“MMA is a legal sport in our country with many academies in the capital and in the provinces. For this evolution, the Peruvian MMA Association (APMMA) took the first steps with national and regional championships, courses and certification of MMA judges & referees.
“A week ago, we had the visit of Andrew Moshanov, Director of Development of IMMAF, who was able to visit the different academies in the capital and have a meeting with the different MMA coaches, explaining the objectives of the IMMAF.”
