Hasan Khan
Martin Lewandowski, President and founder of MMA Polska, has been a pivotal figure in shaping the landscape of mixed martial arts in Poland. Driven by a vision to professionalise amateur MMA, he leveraged over two decades of experience from the professional MMA scene, most notably as the founder of KSW, Europe’s leading MMA organisation. Lewandowski’s leadership is centred on building a solid foundation for the sport, ensuring that MMA is recognised as a legitimate and respected discipline across all levels in Poland.
Lewandowski’s journey into MMA leadership stems from a lifelong passion for combat sports and two decades of first-hand experience. As the founder of KSW, he has been instrumental in building Poland’s MMA scene from the ground up since 2004, transforming it into one of Europe’s premier MMA platforms. In his youth, Lewandowski trained in kung fu, boxing and kickboxing, which laid the foundation for his deep understanding of martial arts. His transition from competitor and promoter to federation president was driven by a desire to implement good governance and establish a solid foundation for amateur MMA’s long-term growth in Poland.
Since taking the helm of MMA Polska, Lewandowski has overseen transformative growth within the federation and amateur MMA nationwide. He established the country’s largest and most professionally organised amateur MMA tournaments, providing critical platforms for athlete exposure and development. Under his leadership, Poland formed a professional national MMA team supported by secured funding, allowing fighters to compete successfully on international stages. Additionally, Lewandowski has cultivated a strong, unified team dedicated to advancing amateur MMA with a clear vision and commitment to excellence.
A cornerstone of Lewandowski’s presidency is the comprehensive support system developed for young athletes. Beyond organising high-standard and safe competitions, MMA Polska provides extensive educational resources covering physical conditioning, mental resilience, nutrition, anti-doping awareness and career planning. Psychological support is also readily accessible, underscoring a holistic approach to athlete wellbeing. By collaborating with leading sports media outlets, the federation amplifies young fighters’ success stories, raising their profiles nationally and inspiring the next generation of talent.
Lewandowski’s leadership approach is characterised by strategic collaboration and constant engagement with the federation’s various stakeholders. His daily routine involves coordinating with board members, sponsors, public institutions and partners to implement decisions and explore new opportunities. Continuous evaluation of initiatives ensures resources are optimally allocated and potential risks are carefully weighed against expected benefits. This hands-on management style fosters a responsive and dynamic organisational environment that supports MMA Polska’s ongoing growth and professionalisation.
Outside of his role as federation president, Lewandowski’s sporting interests extend to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, basketball and kitesurfing. These diverse pursuits reflect his broad passion for athleticism and competition, underscoring a lifelong commitment to sport both on and off the MMA stage.
Thanks to Martin Lewandowski’s leadership, amateur MMA in Poland has experienced significant growth, with enhanced structures and expanded opportunities for athletes. His dedication to developing strong foundations, supporting talent and engaging the community continues to elevate the sport’s profile and ensure its long-term success nationally and internationally.
