IAAC welcomes applications from organisations and individuals who share its commitment to competence, responsible education, ethical conduct and international cooperation.
Membership connects participants across applied self-defence, combatives, violence prevention, professional education and research, while respecting their distinct identities and areas of expertise.
Membership Categories
National Member Organisations
Organisations seeking to contribute to IAAC’s objectives at a national level. Admission in this category does not automatically confer appointment as a National Chapter or exclusive authority to represent IAAC within a country.
International Member Organisations
Organisations operating internationally whose activities and professional principles align with the purposes of the alliance.
Clubs, Schools & Training Centres
Associations, schools and educational providers interested in professional exchange, instructor development and participation in IAAC activities.
Individual Members & Professionals
Instructors, practitioners, researchers, educators and other individuals whose expertise or professional interests relate to IAAC’s purposes.
Supporting Members
Individuals and organisations wishing to support the alliance’s educational, scientific and community-oriented objectives.
Founding membership is reserved for the organisations named in the statutes. Honorary membership is a separate category governed by the applicable IAAC provisions.
Participation & Opportunities
Depending on membership category and the conditions of each programme, members may participate in educational activities, professional exchanges, events and collaborative projects.
Membership provides opportunities to contribute expertise, exchange knowledge and support the development of responsible professional practice. It does not guarantee appointment to a position or acceptance into a particular programme.
Membership & Professional Recognition
Membership, accreditation, certification and representation are separate matters.
Becoming a member does not automatically confer an instructor qualification, examiner status, licence, accreditation, grading or authority to represent IAAC.
The use of IAAC’s name, logo and professional designations is subject to the relevant permissions and regulations. Members must describe their status accurately.
Rights & Responsibilities
Members are expected to uphold IAAC’s statutes, applicable regulations and decisions of its competent bodies; respect ethical and safety standards; and pay the contributions applicable to their category.
Under the statutes, voting rights in the General Assembly belong to founding members, National Member Organisations and International Member Organisations. Other membership categories do not carry voting rights unless expressly provided for in the statutes.
The statutes and applicable membership regulations govern the rights and obligations of each category.
How to Apply
1. Introduce Yourself or Your Organisation
Send your name or organisation’s name, country, contact details, relevant activities and reasons for wishing to join.
2. Provide Relevant Information
Depending on the proposed membership category, IAAC may request organisational documents, qualifications, professional experience or information about educational activities and safety practices.
Please do not send sensitive personal documents with an initial enquiry. Any necessary documentation can be requested through an appropriate process.
3. Application Review
The Executive Board decides on admission in accordance with the statutes. Additional information or clarification may be requested during the review.
An application does not establish membership or authorise the use of IAAC membership designations.
4. Confirmation & Applicable Fees
Successful applicants receive confirmation of their membership category, applicable contributions and the conditions attached to their status.
Relevant fees will be communicated before an applicant is asked to commit to payment.
Membership Enquiries
To discuss the appropriate membership category or begin an application, contact:
