Who We Are
The International Alliance for Applied Combatives (IAAC) is an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit professional alliance based in Vienna, Austria.
We bring together organisations, instructors, practitioners and researchers working in applied self-defence, Krav Maga, Kalah, combatives, violence prevention and related educational and scientific fields.
Our purpose is to connect practical experience, responsible teaching and scientific knowledge through international cooperation and shared professional standards.
Our Mission
We support the development of competent instructors, safe training environments and transparent quality standards. Our work encompasses education, professional exchange, research and the development of assessment and accreditation frameworks.
We recognise the diversity of self-protection systems and teaching methods. Rather than imposing a single technical system, IAAC seeks common minimum standards for competence, ethics, safety and accountability.
Our Principles
Standards
Clear criteria for education, assessment, safety and professional conduct.
Competence
Demonstrated knowledge, practical ability and teaching capability, supported by continuing professional development.
Accountability
Transparent responsibilities, fair procedures and a commitment to ethical conduct and participant welfare.
Autonomy
Respect for the legal, organisational and technical independence of member organisations within the shared IAAC framework.
Founding Organisations
IAAC was established on the initiative of the Austrian Federation of Krav Maga (AFKM), Austria, together with IMPACTO – Associação de Combativos e Defesa Pessoal, Portugal.
Both founding organisations retain their independent legal, organisational and economic identities.
Connecting Practice and Research
IAAC promotes cooperation between practitioners, sports scientists, educators, universities and other relevant institutions.
We encourage critical evaluation of training methods, transparent discussion of evidence and the responsible integration of research into practice. Practical experience and scientific findings should inform one another, with the limitations of each clearly recognised.
Governance and Professional Responsibility
IAAC’s statutes define its governing bodies and provide for specialist and advisory structures supporting technical standards, accreditation, research and international cooperation.
Membership does not automatically confer instructor status, accreditation, certification or authority to represent IAAC. Each requires the applicable criteria to be met and the relevant authorisation to be granted.
Integrity, participant safety and safeguarding are central to our work.
Contact
For organisational enquiries and international cooperation:
