The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) Youth Development Commission has officially launched its landmark PlayMMA pilot programme in South Africa.
Formulated and spearheaded by PlayMMA founder and IMMAF Youth Development Commission member Chantelle Calvert, under the oversight of IMMAF Director of Development Dr. Andrew Moshanov, the historic event took place on 10 August 2026, marking a major milestone in global youth combat sports.
The PlayMMA framework is a specialised, age-appropriate developmental syllabus tailored for young participants aged 5 to 9 years. Centred on foundational physical literacy, motor-skill integration, and non-contact movement patterns, the curriculum ensures children progress through structured learning modules before entering any competitive environment. Athletes earn the opportunity to participate in controlled “fighting area” exhibitions only after completing full IMMAF-accredited modules and meeting rigorous technical criteria. All cage activities are strictly overseen by qualified, specialised youth referees trained to enforce age-appropriate safety standards.
“The primary objective of the PlayMMA initiative is to build physical literacy, character, and confidence first,” said Chantelle Calvert, founder of PlayMMA. “We are replacing minified adult combat with a safe, highly regulated educational pathway. The outcome in South Africa proves that young athletes can develop technical martial arts proficiency while experiencing immense enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship in a completely secure environment.”
The PlayMMA model incorporates strict safeguarding policies, including the “Protector Oath” for coaches, zero-pressure environments, and standardised physical literacy benchmarks. Following the success of the South African pilot, the IMMAF Youth Development Commission will analyse event data and feedback to refine the framework for global rollout across member federations.
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