An open clinic in São Paulo, beginner bouts without recorded results in Greece and event-specific licences for athletes from unaffiliated clubs in Poland give substance to muaythai’s international calendar from 27 September to 7 October. The programme published by the International Federation of Muaythai Associations -IFMA- brings together activities in five countries across Europe, Asia and South America. Alongside national tournaments and the start of the league season in Slovakia, it includes an international martial arts gathering in Kyrgyzstan and Brazil’s participation in a sports exhibition where visitors can try different disciplines. The local event announcements show how each organisation combines competition with other opportunities to participate.
In Brazil, the Brazilian Traditional Muaythai Confederation -CBMTT- is marking its 20th anniversary with a presence at COB Expo, held from 30 September to 4 October at the Pro Magno Centro de Eventos. Its programme includes an open clinic and exhibition bouts in a ring added for this edition. The exhibition will bring together 48 sports confederations and feature 26 sports activity areas. According to the Brazilian Olympic Committee -COB-, the event welcomed 90,000 visitors in 2025, including 20,000 children. That audience gives participating organisations an opportunity to introduce their sports beyond the club environment. Sebastian Pereira, COB’s executive manager for Education and Development, explained that the exhibition aims to “bring sport closer to people and, above all, to younger generations”.
A cup for different levels
The Panhellenic Cup, scheduled for 3–4 October at the Olympic facilities in Paiania, offers two routes to participation. Competitive cup bouts will have recorded results, with athletes earning points towards national team selection for upcoming international events. Alongside them, introductory bouts in the Novice category will take place without recorded results. The programme includes age categories ranging from five-year-olds to athletes over 40, as well as Wai Kru–Mai Muay events featuring the sport’s traditional and technical forms. The Panhellenic Muaythai Federation has also invited the federation of Cyprus and its clubs, broadening an event that caters both to athletes seeking experience and those hoping to represent their country.
The competition comes ahead of the IFMA Youth World Championships, which Greece will host from 6–16 November under the Olympia 2026 banner. Although the cup contributes to selection for international events, its announcement does not establish automatic qualification for those championships. The November organisers plan to bring accommodation, meals, meetings and competition together at Aldemar Olympian Village in Skafidia, with bouts taking place at the Ilis Congress Center. The aim is to reduce daily travel between hotels and venues and make it easier for delegations to spend time together. The programme will also include cultural and educational activities and an athletes’ conference.
Licences that broaden access
In Nowa Sól, the Polish Open Cup for U18 and senior athletes uses its licensing arrangements to enable participation by clubs outside the federation. Athletes from affiliated clubs must hold an annual licence, while those from unaffiliated clubs can compete with a licence valid specifically for the tournament. Both options cost 50 Polish złoty, in addition to the entry fee. The competition also welcomes international athletes representing IFMA member clubs. Max Boxing Klub is organising the event with the backing of the Polish Muaythai Federation -PZMT-, with common medical documentation and insurance requirements for participants.
The Polish schedule separates registration and checks from competition. On 1 October, athletes will complete registration, weigh-ins and medical checks, followed by a coaches’ meeting; bouts will begin the following day at the MOSiR municipal sports hall. The remaining knockout bouts and finals will take place on 3 October, with selected title bouts featured in an evening gala. The organisers will provide protective equipment for the bouts, while athletes must bring the personal items specified in the regulations.
Supporting clubs through the season
Slovakia’s amateur league began its 2026–2027 season on 27 September in Nové Mesto nad Váhom, in cooperation with Cerberos Gym. Registration required details of each athlete’s experience in muaythai, boxing, kickboxing and other contact sports. The new campaign follows a season comprising six rounds and a final. That continuity is accompanied by financial support: the Slovak Muaythai Association -SMTA- announced a reimbursement fund equivalent to 15% of its 2026 budget, to be distributed among clubs with active athletes under 23. The federation’s circular links the allocation to updated athlete records, although it does not confirm that payments have already been made.
In Bishkek, IFMA’s calendar lists the 10th International Martial Arts Games from 30 September to 7 October, with the Gazprom sports complex as the announced venue. The event is held under the International Martial Arts Games Committee -IMGC- and brings together organisations representing several disciplines. Announcements from other bodies confirm kung-fu competitions and a full-contact ju-jutsu World Championship held as part of the Games. This gathering places muaythai within a wider martial arts programme, with individual schedules and participation requirements for each competition.
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