The Uruguay National MMA Federation (Asociacion Uruguaya de Artes Marciales Mixtas Amateur y Profesional – AUAMMAP) successfully conducted its second national grading event, with over 20 students passing the tests to advance to the next level. The graduation ceremony, organized under the protocol of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), brought together MMA athletes from various regions of Uruguay.
Dario Gutierrez, President of the Uruguay MMA Federation, highlighted the ongoing progress of MMA in the country and termed the IMMAF grading system as a major step towards gaining recognition within SportAccord.
“Mixed martial arts have changed and have their own identity. Like the traditional arts that evolved into a system of graduations, the MMA is in that process. This Saturday we experienced with 26 students from different parts of the country the graduation organized by UMMAF under the protocol of the leading world federation IMMAF. Joining the new identity of MMA and the work to achieve its recognition within SportAccord. MMA for everyone,” Gutierrez noted.
The IMMAF grading system, which involves certified coaches evaluating students’ ability to demonstrate and explain techniques through a grading exam or display in front of peers and parents, has provided athletes the opportunity to have a structured progression in the sport. This structure has made MMA more accessible to athletes worldwide.
Uruguay is one of the nations that has benefitted immensely due to the grading system and Andrew Moshanov, IMMAF Director of Development, heaped praise on the national federation for their efforts.
“MMA in Uruguay continues to reap the benefits of the well-structured development program, which included training 20 coaches to become IMMAF Certified, educating 4 international referees and judges, introducing the grading system to the country and finally, producing ever first World Champion Jimena Osorio, all that was achieved in just 2 years framework. What an example to follow,” Moshanov noted.
In addition to the guidance provided by IMMAF-certified coaches, the IMMAF technical progression scheme is accessible through the IMMAF App as well. The app provides e-learning opportunities and enables communication with coaches, further supporting athletes’ progression in the sport and making the sport more accessible.
