IMA PEAK INDUSTRY BODY

The International Martial Arts Alliance has long been accepted as an industry peak body for martial art instructors and school owners and it continiues to grow and serve the industry. Let's just look at the term 'Peak Body' because it should not be used lightly to gain false crediblity.

The term ‘Peak Body' is often used but not easily defined. That's because peak body means different things to different groups and people. Often, this term elevates an organisation to an industry representative. However, it may not be realistic to assume only one peak body per industry. For example, you may have heard the terms CPA, ICAA or NIA . Perhaps your accountant uses one of these? Well, all these associations are peak industry bodies.

Usually, a peak body is made up of smaller groups with allied interests. That's because a single large body can offer a strong voice. Also, education and sharing information is more effective. So, is it correct to suggest one individual could represent a large and diverse industry?

A number of associations such as AKKA ( Australia Kyokushin Karate Association) or the AJJA (Australian Ju Jitsu Association) can also be called peak bodies. These groups represent thousands of martial artists within their membership and deserve to be acknowledged as industry leaders. However, each specialises in a particular system. Specifically, one is a Kyokushin Karate peak body and the other a Ju Jitsu peak body .

The Australian Industry Commission defines a peak body as:
‘A representative organisation that provides information dissemination services, membership support, coordination, advocacy and representation, and research and policy development services for its members and other interested parties.'

The International Martial Arts Alliance agrees and believe the following should be standard member benefits:

• Industry needs are served through active consultation;
• Extensive services and products are accessible to industry;
• Contribute to education and provide support and direction;
• Provide a strong and united voice for the industry on state and national levels;
• Generate and maintain a position of trust, confidence and respect in the industry;
• Facilitate the availability of nationally recognised training;
• Lobby and work with local and national levels of government;
• Liaise with interests within the corporate sector;
• Work to promote/expand and project the industry's profile;
• Become a reference point through industry expertise and knowledge;
• Represent a substantial portion of the industry (large membership base);
• May be a private company, government dept or a non profit association;
• Governance should be transparent, with regular open industry-wide meetings.

The IMA (International Martial Arts Alliance) enjoys all these features. It has been a voice for industry since 1993, helping martial art school owners from all styles. Got to Benefits of IMA

We acknowledge other associations and seek to work collaboratively with all peak bodies towards a better industry. Please support our work and help to strengthen the entire martial arts community.

If you're interested in peak bodies, refer to Dr Rose Melville's 2000-02 Peak Body study for the University of Wollongong and Australian Research Council.

Have a glance at what we do for the industry and judge for yourself:
Benefits of Membership
Frequently Asked Questions
What they say about us
History of the International Martial Arts Alliance