UMA Mission Statement

 

"The mission of the United Martial Arts Federation (UMA) is to promote the growth and development of martial arts globally by fostering communication, exchanging ideas, and encouraging open-style tournament participation. By bringing together athletes from diverse martial arts styles and cultures, we aim to bridge gaps between systems and build a sense of unity within the martial arts community. Our tournaments are more than competitions—they’re opportunities for character development, teaching participants to push beyond their perceived limits and set high standards in all areas of life. UMA believes the practice and competition of martial arts cultivates lifelong benefits, empowering individuals to excel academically, professionally, and as positive influences within their communities. Regardless of style, our mission is to improve lives through the transformative power of martial arts."

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Future Plans

"Looking ahead, the United Martial Arts Federation (UMA) is committed to expanding opportunities and creating new, dynamic ways for martial artists to compete and connect. We are excited to introduce new divisions—Power, Shuriken Throwing, and Self-Defense—that will allow a broader range of participants to showcase their unique skills and find events that resonate with their strengths. These additions will help martial arts continue to grow in popularity, drawing in new competitors and fans alike.

In our ongoing dedication to supporting martial artists beyond the mat, UMA is also launching a scholarship and college grant program to recognize and reward students excelling in their academic pursuits. Additionally, UMA members will have access to discounts on our grant-writing services, designed to help martial arts businesses with everything from increasing inventory to expanding operations. Through these initiatives, we aim to empower martial artists to achieve their personal, professional, and athletic goals, creating a supportive community that champions both dreams and discipline."

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Olympic Debut for Martial Arts

Point fighting made its first appearance at the Junior Olympic Games in Buenos Aires in 2018. The sport was scheduled to return at the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, featuring two exciting events: Kumite and Kata. While the Covid-19 pandemic prevented the games from proceeding as planned, this inclusion in the Olympics promised to bring increased popularity and awareness to martial arts through global television and social media coverage. High-profile competition draws a new wave of competitors inspired by Olympic recognition, which in turn boosts enrollment in martial arts schools and raises the level of competition.

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The UMA is committed to helping aspiring Olympians reach their dreams. To support this goal, we plan to sponsor training camps, organize seminars, and develop specialized training DVDs, allowing our black belt tournament winners to share their unique training methods. These resources will offer valuable insights for competitors, helping future Olympians refine their skills and get closer to achieving Olympic success.

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The UMA cares about all of its competitors

We have become so consumed with the victory that we have forgotten to help those to accept and recover from defeat. The UMA will give participation medals to all participants 12 and under. We must first learn how to build our children up with confidence and security. Then teach them how to endure and bounce back from defeat. Teaching them that the true meaning of victory is knowing that you have trained and tried your best. By achieving this as a standard in your training and competitive drive there is truly no defeat because we all know how hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. (see Free Events page)

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Disabled & Neurodivergent Competitors

The United Martial Arts Federation (UMAF) has embraced inclusivity by opening its competitions to participants across the spectrum of abilities, including athletes with physical disabilities and those who are neurodivergent. This commitment broadens access to martial arts for individuals with varied needs and strengths, underscoring that the core values of martial arts—discipline, respect, and resilience—apply universally. Through adaptations in training methods, rules, and support systems, UMAF creates a competitive environment that celebrates each athlete’s unique abilities, ensuring everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.

By welcoming neurodivergent participants, UMAF supports individuals with conditions such as autism, ADHD, and other cognitive variations, allowing them to experience the empowerment and community of martial arts. The federation's programs emphasize sensory awareness, individualized coaching, and adaptive competition structures to meet the diverse needs of all participants. This initiative not only helps athletes showcase their skills but also highlights the role of martial arts in building confidence, focus, and social connections, benefiting participants in all areas of life.

UMAF’s inclusive practices set a standard for sports organizations worldwide, showing that martial arts can be a powerful tool for personal growth, accessible to all, regardless of physical or cognitive differences. By fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding, UMAF demonstrates that true martial arts embody the spirit of unity and resilience, making the sport richer and more meaningful for everyone.

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Breast Cancer Awareness
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer and funding research for diagnosis and treatment. To support this vital cause, UMA will collect donations at all our events throughout the month of October and will also contribute directly. Our goal is to educate the community on the importance of early screening and to promote awareness about breast cancer.

Supporting Teens in Crisis
The UMA recognizes the unique challenges facing today’s youth, including social, economic, and emotional stresses that can be overwhelming. Issues such as teen pregnancy, substance abuse, and mental health crises are on the rise, often leading some young people to seek unhealthy outlets. At our tournaments, we will distribute brochures and booklets to help identify the signs of these challenges and direct youth toward appropriate support services. We want every young person to know: you are not alone.

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Hall of Fame
The UMA Hall of Fame honors exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to the martial arts community, regardless of their affiliation with UMA. This prestigious recognition celebrates those who excel in training, teaching, and competition. (Coming in 2025)

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